March, 1835. effects of EARTHaUAKE. 



373 



themselves to be ruined, and few had the means of providing 

 food for the day. Can a more miserable and fearful scene be 

 imagined ? 



Earthquakes alone are sufficient to destroy the prosperity 

 of any country. If, for instance, beneath England, the now 

 inert subterranean forces should exert those powers which 

 most assuredly in former geological ages they have exerted, 

 how completely would the entire condition of the country be 

 changed ! What would become of the lofty houses, thickly- 

 packed cities, great manufacturies, the beautiful public and 

 private edifices ? If the new period of disturbance were first 

 to commence by some great earthquake in the dead of the 

 night, how terrific would be the carnage ! England would at 

 once be bankrupt ; all papers, records, and accounts would 

 from that moment be lost. Government being unable to 

 collect the taxes, and failing to maintain its authority, the 

 hand of violence and rapine would go uncontrolled In 

 every large town famine would be proclaimed, pestilence and 

 death following in its train. 



Captain FitzRoy has given an account of the great wave, 

 which, travelling from seaward, burst over Talcuhano. In 

 the middle of the bay it was seen as one unbroken swell of 

 the water ; but on each side, meeting with resistance, it 

 curled over, and tore up cottages and trees as it swept on- 

 wards with overwhelming force. At the head of the bay it is 

 easy to imagine the fearful line of white breakers which three 

 times rushed over, and almost obliterated, the ruins of the 

 former town. Pools of salt water yet remained in the 

 streets ; and children, making boats with old tables and 

 chairs, appeared as happy as their parents were miserable. 

 It was, however, exceedingly interesting to observe how 

 active and cheerful all appeared, after their heavy misfortune. 

 It was remarked with much truth, that from the destruction 

 being universal, no one individual was humbled more than 

 another, or could suspect his friends of coldness; and this 

 latter effect is perhaps the most grievous one of the loss of 

 wealth. Mr. Rous, and a large party whom he kindly took 



