CHILI AND VALPARAISO. 47 



CHAPTER III. 



CHILI AND VALPARAISO. 



Chili is washed on the west by the Pacific Ocean ; on the 

 east bounded by the Cordilleras ; on the south by Patagonia ; 

 and on the north by Bolivia. Like all other parts of South 

 America, it is subject to earthquakes ; deep ravines may be 

 seen intersecting the surface in all directions. The appear- 

 ance of the coast is far from being inviting, especially in the 

 vicinity of Valparaiso ; but there are in the interior many 

 extensive and fertile valleys. The southern part is admirably 

 adapted to the growth of wheat, of which large quantities are 

 now raised. Chili is also rich in mineral productions ; copper 

 ore is found in the mountains in the greatest abundance. 



The climate is variable — the southern part being, on account 

 of its higher southern latitude, considerably colder. At Val- 

 paraiso the mean temperature at midday is 65°, in the even- 

 ing and morning 60°. During the winter, which commences 

 the first of May and ends in September, the rains sometimes 

 last for two or three days, and during their continuance the 

 rivers swell to three or four times their usual size. 



Earthquakes are sometimes very violent: — that of 1835 

 nearly destroyed the towns of Talcahuana, Aranco, Talca, 

 and Conception. At Valparaiso the sea receded two feet, 

 and the ground was much rent. In order to lessen the 

 destruction of human life, the houses are usually built low and 

 of light material. 



