VALLEY OF QUILLOTA. 



163 



in the dark, we arrived at ten o'clock at the 

 village of Ocao, very much to the astonishment 

 of the civil hostess, who got out of bed and very 

 goodnaturedly made us some supper. 



Sunday y 2&th, Started again at daylight; 

 wishing, if possible, to get into Valparaiso 

 before night. After travelling some distance 

 through the beautiful valley, we ascended a very 

 steep cuesta, from the top of which was a most 

 lovely view. On the left lay the beautiful and 

 fertile valley of Quillota, bound in the distance 

 by undulating hills, covered with rich verdure, 

 with many spots laid out in fine plantations. On 

 our right we looked down upon the plain of Santa 

 Rosa, laying at our feet like a map, with the rapid 

 river winding its serpentine course till it was lost 

 sight of, by turning round the mountains in the 

 distance, over which was again seen the mighty 

 snow-capped Cordillera. We descended into the 

 valley of Quillota, and passed through the town 

 just as the inhabitants were coming out of 

 church. The ladies' taste for black, (church dress 



M 2 



