July 18S9. 



PINTO DIRECTOR. 



209 



a fine day, when the range of mountains is uncovered, the view 

 is grand ; but not so imposing as when their lower portions are 

 concealed, and their summits partially exposed. This part of 

 the Andes rises about 11,000 feet above the plain, and is covered 

 half way down the sides with snow, the lower edge of which is 

 regularly defined, and presents a change of colour so abrupt 

 and horizontal as to appear unnatural, and therefore diminish 

 the grandeur of the scene very much. But under whatever 

 circumstances this view is seen from the Cuesta de Prado, it is 

 magnificent, and produces an effect beyond description. The 

 road descends down the eastern side of this Cuesta, to a plain 

 about 1,100 feet below the summit. So much rain had fallen 

 during the two preceding days, and last night, that our driver 

 expressed some doubt whether we should be able to cross the 

 Podaguel, a river which is frequently impassable from the 

 strength of its current. The idea of spending a night at the 

 miserable hovel we were leaving was enough to induce us to 

 run a considerable risk, and we set off to make the attempt. 

 The water was very deep, and the current sufficiently strong 

 to render it a performance of some danger ; but, this difficulty 

 being passed, we soon reached the city of Santiago, and in the 

 house of Mr. Caldcleugh, enjoyed the hospitality and society 

 of a warm-hearted friend. 



I waited on the Director (Pinto), who received me with the 

 greatest politeness. He entered into the particulars of our past 

 voyage with much interest, assuring me that every facility should 

 be afforded, and every assistance rendered, whenever it might 

 be required ; and in this assurance we never found ourselves 

 deceived, for on all occasions the conduct of the executive 

 authorities towards us was marked in attention, and even kind- 

 ness. I make this observation with the more pleasure, as it 

 was very unusual in our communications with the authorities 

 of those governments we had previously visited, to find the 

 objects of our voyage considered in the least interesting. 



Although the weather, during our visit to Santiago, was not 

 there considered fine, we left the city and its neighbourhood 

 with a strong impression of the salubrity of the climate, and the 



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