CONCEPTION. 



349 



this, which was the dearest, appeared to be much 

 the best. 



The district of Conception, as far as natural 

 advantages go, is much richer than any other part 

 of Chili ; it possesses also a hardy and intelligent 

 population, a delightful climate, and a soil of the 

 most fertile kind, capable of producing the finest 

 wheat, vines, olives, and the richest pasture : it is 

 covered with extensive forests of valuable timber, 

 contains coal in abundance, as well as freestone 

 and limestone, close to the shore ; and besides be- 

 ing furnished with excellent ports, and number- 

 less small streams, is intersected by a large river, 

 navigable for upwards of a hundred miles. Not- 

 withstanding all these advantages, it is almost en- 

 tirely depopulated, and the whole country allow- 

 ed to run to waste. It is to be hoped, however, 

 that the spirit which animates the regenerated 

 country will soon lead to some new system of po- 

 litical measures, either for the defence of this 

 magnificent district against the inroads of the In- 

 dians ; or, what would be infinitely better, for 

 making peace with them> on terms which would 



