^57 



is IK) way inferior to that of Placentia or Holland, Its inhabitants^ 

 who are mostly the descendants of the ancient Promaucians, are 

 courageous, robust, and warlike. The capital Talca, or St. Au- 

 gustin was built in the year 1742. It is situated among hills on the 

 river Rioclaro, in latitude 34, 47. aîul 304. %5. of longitude. Its po- 

 pulation is very considerable, owing, not only to the rich mines of 

 gold that are found in its mountains, but to the plentifulness of pro- 

 visions which are cheaper than in any other part of Chili. This 

 latter circumstance has induced several noble families from St. 

 Jago and Conception^ whose finances had become diminished) to re- 

 tire thither ; an emigration which has been denominated in deri- 

 sion the bankrupt colony. It contains a parish with convents of 

 monks of the Franciscan, Dominican, Augustin and Mercedarii 

 orders, and a college that belonged to the Jesuits. In this province 

 are also the towns of Curico, Cauquenes, St. Saverio di Bella-Isla^ 

 St. Antonio della Florida, Lora, and three or four other Indian vil- 

 lages. Curico, or St. Joseph of Bueno Vista, was built in the year 

 1742, and is situated in a pleasant plain at the foot of a beautiful 

 hill, in 34. 14. degrees of latitude, and 305 degrees of longitude. It 

 contains a parish church, a convent of Mercedarii and another of 

 strict Franciscans which is very large. Cauquenes, was built the 

 same year, and lies in 35. 40. degrees of latitude, and in 304. 30. of lon- 

 gitude, between the two small rivers Tutuben and Cauquenes. Be^ 

 sides the parish church, it has a convent of Franciscans. St. Save- 

 rio di Bella Isla and St. Antonio della Florida, were founded ia 

 the year 1755 ; the first is in 35. 4. degrees of latitude and 304. 59. 

 of longitude, and the second in 35. 20. of latitude, and 304. 41. of 

 longitude. Laro, situate near the disemboguement of the river 

 Mataquito, is a numerous settlement of Promaucian Indians, and 

 is governed by a Cacique or Ulmen. 



4 



10th. ITx\TA. 



THE province of Itata lies upon the sea coast, between ¿^íaule 

 and Puchacay, and is bounded on the east by Chilian. From east 

 to west it is twenty leagues in length, and from north to south eleven j 

 and is intersected by the river Itata, from whence it derives its 

 name. The best wine of any in Chili is obtained from this pro- 

 vince, which from its being produced from lands belonging to the in- 

 habitants of Conception, has received the name of Conception 

 wine. Much gold is also found in the mountains, and in the sands 

 of the rivers. Its capital, Jesus of CoulemtJ, is situated near the 



Vol. I. M m 



