BRIDGE OF HIDE ROPES. 



137 



We crossed the river Maypo by a bridge made 

 of hide ropes, near the scene of the battle fought 

 by San Martin on the 5th of April 1818, already 

 alluded to in the account of the revolutions in 

 Chili. 



This bridge is curious from its simplicity, and 

 from the close resemblance it bears to the iron 

 bridges of suspension recently introduced into 

 England, to which, in principle, it is precisely si- 

 milar. It consists of a narrow road-way of planks 

 laid crosswise, with their ends resting on straight 

 ropes, suspended by means of short lines, to a set 

 of thicker ropes drawn across the stream from 

 bank to bank. These strong sustaining ropes are 

 six in number, three at each side of the bridge, and 

 hang in flat curves, one above another, the short 

 vertical cords supporting the road-way being so 

 disposed as to distribute the weight equally. The 

 main or suspending ropes are firmly secured to the 

 angles of the rock on one side at the height of thir- 

 ty feet from the stream ; but the opposite bank be- 

 ing low, it has been found necessary to correct the 

 consequent inclination in some degree, by carry- 

 ing the ropes over a high wooden frame work, and 



