280 



The internal commerce of Chili has been hitherto 

 of very little importance, notwithstanding the ad- 

 vantages that the country offers for its encourage- 

 ment. Its principal source, industry, or more pro- 

 perly speaking, necessity, is wanting. An exten- 

 sive commerce is correlative with a great population, 

 and in proportion as the latter increases the former 

 will also be augmented.* A communication by 



* Kitlierto it may be said, that of the two branches that in gene- 

 ral give birth to commerce, agriculture and industry, the first is 

 that alone which animates the internal commerce of Chili, and 

 even that part of the external which is carried on with Peru. The 

 Working of mines also occupies the attention of many in the provin- 

 ces of Copiapo, Coquimbo and Quillota. But the industry is so 

 trifiing that it does not deserve the name. Notwithstanding the 

 abundance of its fruits and materials of the first class, as fiax, wool, 

 hemp, skins and metals, which might produce a flourishing com- 

 merce, it is conducted but languidly. The inhabitants employ 

 themselves only in making ponchos, stockings, socks, carpets, 

 blankets, skin coats, riding saddles, hats and other small articles, 

 chiefly made use of by the conimon or poorer class of people, 

 since those of the middle rank employ European manufactures. 

 These, but more particularly the sale of hides and tanned leather, 

 which they have in great plenty, with that of grain and wine form 

 the v/hole of the internal commerce of the kingdom. 



The external which is carried on with all the ports of Peru, 

 particularly Callao, arises from the exportation of fruits ; this 

 amounts to seven hundred thousand dollars, serving not only tó 

 counterbalance the importations from that country, but leaving a 

 balance in favour of Chill of two hundred thousand dollars annu- 

 ally, according to the statements given in the periodical publica- 

 tions of Lima. 



The commerce between Chili and Buenos-Ayres is quite other- 

 wise, since for tlie herb of Paraguay (tobacco) alone it is obliged 

 to advance three hundred dollars annually, in cash. The other 

 articles received from thence are probably paid for by those sent 



thither, 



