70 



A DIARY OF THE 



we mounted^ leaving directions for the disposal 

 of the fagged horse. We then purchased a goose, 

 which we gave in charge to the guide, lighted 

 our pajitas, and took leave. We ascended this 

 steep mountain in a manner more like going up 

 stairs than any thing else I can compare it to, 

 the heavy rains having given it the appearance of 

 steps J the only support to the horses' feet being 

 the roots of trees, which intersected the path, 

 and made a tolerably firm footing : we laid down 

 on our horses' necks to escape being dragged off 

 by the Arcania shrubs, which formed a canopy 

 over our heads. These are chiefly evergreens, 

 some having beautiful flowers. We particularly 

 noticed a large crimson bell-shaped flower, grow- 

 ing as a parasitical shrub, which covered the tops 

 of the tallest trees, and striking the eye of the 

 inexperienced traveller with its incomparable 

 beauty. About eleven we arrived at Arauco, the 

 frontier town of Chili, which is situated twenty 

 leagues south of Concep9ion, on the extremity 

 of an extensive marsh, about six leagues in 

 length, bounded on one side by the Pacific Ocean, 

 and on the other by hills, backed by the Cordil- 

 leras. This town (which formerly was nothing 

 more than an Indian pueblo, till the Chilinos, by 



