256 



leagues. It is watered by the rivers Codegua, Chocalan, arid 

 several others that are of less importance ; it contains also the 

 lakes Aculeu and Bucalenju. The first, which is near the centre 

 of the province, is about six miles in circumference, and the other, 

 in the neighbourhood of the sea, is from six to seven miles in 

 length. From another lake, not far from the latter, large quantities 

 of salt are obtained. The lands of Rancagua are very fertile and 

 produce much grain. Santa Croce di Trianna, or Rancagua, the 

 capital, is in 34. deg. of latitude, and 305. 32. longitude. It has a 

 parish church, a convent of Franciscans, and another of Mercedarii; 

 Algue, a town recently founded, at eight leagues from the capital 

 towards the sea coast, has a very rich mine of gold. 



8th. CALCHAGUA. 



THIS province is situated between the rivers Cachapcal and 

 Teno, and between the Andes and the sea. Its breadth from ncrth 

 to south near the Andes is twenty-five leagues, and near the sea 

 about fourteen. Itá rivers are the Ric-clariilo, Tinguiririca, and 

 Chimbarongo. In it are also the great lakes Taguatagua, and 

 Cagüil, the first of which is full of beautiful islands, and the other 

 abounds with large clam}>S5 that are highly esteemed. This pro- 

 vince is very fertile in grain, wine and fruits, and produce.s much 

 gold. It forms apart of the oistrict occupied by the Promaycians, 

 a name, signifying people of delight, derived from the beauty 

 of the country which they inhabit. The capital is St. Fcrdinando, 

 which was built in the year 1742, not far from tlie pleasant river 

 Tinguiririca in 34. 18. deg. cf latitude, and 305. 30. of longitude 

 Besides the parish church, it has a convent of Franciscans, and a 

 ^college with a handsome church, v/hich belonged to the Jesuits. 

 The towns of Rio-clarillo, Malloa and Roma, are also situated in 

 the same province. 



9th. MAULE. 



MAULE is bounded on the north by Caichagua, on the east by 

 the Andes, on the south east by Chilian, the south west by Itata, 

 and on the west by the sea. This province is forty-four leagues 

 long, and forty broad, and is watered by the rivers Lantue, Rio- 

 claro, Pangue, Lircai, HuenchuUami, Maule from which it de- 

 rives its name, Putagan, Achiguemu, Longavi, Loncomilla, Pura- 

 pel and others of inferior consideration. This province, as well as 

 the preceding, abounds in grain, wine, fruits, gold, salt, cattle, and 

 sea and river fish. The cheese made here is the best in Chili, and 



