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Tiean passages communicating with the volcanoes of 

 the Andes, which are so many vent holes for the in- 

 flamed substances, and serve to counteract their 

 effects. Were it not for the number of these vol- 

 canoes. Chili would, in all probability, be rendered 

 uninhabitable. 



Some pretend that they can foretell an earthquake 

 from certain changes in the atmosphere. Although 

 this does not appear to me impossible, I must ac- 

 knowledge that my own experience has furnished 

 me with nothing to induce me to credit it. I was 

 born and educated in Chili, and while in that coun- 

 try paid great attention to the state of the air during 

 earthquakes: I have known them occur both in 

 the rainy and dry seasons, during a storm as well as 

 a calm. 



Sect. X. Salubrity of Climate, — The inhabi- 

 tants of Chili, notwithstanding the frequent occur- 

 rence of earthquakes, are very well satisfied with 

 their country, and I am convinced would not rea- 

 dily be induced to quit it for any other exempt from 

 this calamity. 



This preference is not founded solely upon that 

 natural attachment to country, which is common 

 to all men, but is derived from some advantages 

 peculiar to Chili; a soil naturally fertile, and well 

 adapted to every useful and valuable produc- 

 tion, a mild and almost equable temperature of 

 climate, and a remarkable salubrity, are the bles- 

 VoL. I. F 



