cning progressively, and forming various vallies, 

 whose inflections are correspondent to the undula- 

 tion of the waves. On examining the vallies, their 

 organization is readily perceived to be the same with 

 that of the stratified mountains : similar materials, 

 and a like disposition of them, are found every 

 where, though, in general, more pulverized or re>- 

 duced to earth. 



The variety of fossils with which the earth abounds, 

 must necessarily add to the value of this delightful t 

 country; and although at present the precious me- 

 tals appear to attract the sole attention and regard of 

 the inhabitants, there will doubtless be a time when, 

 stimulated by science, they will apply themselves to 

 the discovery of various minerals not less worthy of 

 attention. 



Sect. VI. Earths. — If Nature has been prodi- 

 gal of the precious metals to Chili, she has not been 

 sparing in the variety of its earths. Under different 

 modifications, I have discovered both the argilla- 

 ceous, the calcareous, the sandy, and the mineral. 

 It contains all the kinds of clay described by Lin- 

 naeus and Wallerius, excepting the flesh-coloured 

 clay, or terra lemma; but, in place of this, I have met 

 with five other kinds that appear to me to be entirely 

 distinct from those of Linnaeus. 



The first of these is the clay of Buccari (argilla 

 Buccarina). It is a species of bolar earth found in 

 the province of St, Jago. It is very fine and light, 

 of an agreeable smell, and of a brown colour spotted 

 with yellow, dissolves readily in the mouth, and like 



