85 



CHAPTER III. 



Hei^hs^ Shrubs, and Trees* 



WHENEVER mineralogists undertake to cha- 

 racterize the external appearance of a mineral conn- 

 try, they describe it as particularly recognizable by 

 the weakness of its vegetation and the faded colour 

 of the plants, occasioned by the mineral vapours. 

 This observation is in general too bold, and fre- 

 quently contrary to experience. M. Macquer* ob- 

 serves very properly, that there are some countries 

 which are rich in mines, whose vegetation is not 

 injured thereby. This is precisely the situation of 

 Chili, a country, as we have seen, rich in mineral 

 productions of every kind, and enjoying at the same 

 time- a vigorous and profuse vegetation. The plains, 

 the valiies, and the mountains are covered with 

 beautiful trees, many of which scarcely ever lose 

 their verdure, and each season produces vegetables 

 suited to the climate in the greatest perfection. 

 Feuille has given an account of those plants only 

 w^hich grow upon the sea shore, or in marshy places 

 in its vicinity. The interior part of the country has 

 never been explored by an able botanist, and 1 am 

 convinced that a great number of unknown plants 

 mio'lit be discovered there. 



o 



* Dictionary of Chvinistry ; article Mines. 



