7 



most pleasing as well as the most terrifying features. 

 That portion of the Cordilleras which is situated be- 

 tween the 24th and 33d degrees of latitude, is 

 wholly desert ; but the remainder, as far as the 45th 

 degree, is inhabited by some colonies of Chilians, 

 who are called Chiquillanes, Pehuenches, Puelches, 

 and Huilliches, but are more generally known by 

 the name of Patagonians. 



Sect. IV. Political Divisions, — The political 

 divisions of Chili consist of the part occupied by 

 the Spaniards, and that which is inhabited by the 

 Indians. The Spanish part is situated between the 

 524th and 37th degrees of south latitude, and is 

 divided into thirteen provinces, to wit : Copiapo, 

 Coquimbo, Quillota, Aconcagua, Melipilla, and St. 

 Jago, (which contains the capital city of the country 

 of the same name) Rancagua, Calchagua, Maule, 

 Ytata Chilian, Pu chacay and Huilquilemu.* The 



tains are found under the equator, since the Andes increase in 

 height in proportion as they recede from it." The Cordillera is 

 lower at Copiapo, notwithstanding it is nearer the tropic, than 'm 

 the other parts of Chili. 



* I have thought proper in this place to give a short account of 

 the situation and extent of all these provinces, with their capitals, 

 ports and principal rivers, I should also have given a statement 

 of their population, but was not able to obtain an estimate which 

 satisfied me. 



Copiapo — extending from the Andes to the sea, Is 100 leagues in 

 length, and 70 in breadth. Its capital — Copiapo, situate in 26 deg, 

 50 min. south latitude. Ports — Copiapo and Guaseo. Rivers — the 

 Salado, Copiapo, Totoral, Quebrada, Guaseo and Chollay. 



Coquimbo — extending from the Andes to the sea ; in length 45 

 leagues ; in breadth 70. Its capital — Coquimbo, in 29 deg. 54 



