NOTICES OF CHILE. 



157 



Several of the fruits which grow here are much esteemed. 

 The Lucdma is considered a great delicacy both at Valparaiso 

 and Santiago ; scarcely a vessel leaves this port without bearing 

 presents of this fruit to both of those cities. The next best in 

 the opinion of Chilians, is the Cherimoya. It does not attain 

 the same perfection as in Lima ; in fact its flavor is entirely 

 different. The oranges are not so good as those of Valparaiso. 

 Lemons and citrons flourish. The apples are tasteless. The 

 gardens are filled with a variety of flowers, which are nursed 

 and cherished by the ladies. Bulbs enjoy a large share of at- 

 tention ; among them is the beautiful Ananuca, which is indige- 

 nous. 



On the northern side of the town is a high hill, and upon it 

 is erected a large wooden cross. From this spot one may en- 

 joy a fine view of the city and its vicinity. La Serena stands 

 a little off from the beach, and about nine miles from the port, 

 surrounded by hills that separate it from an extensive plain, 

 through which Coquimbo river wanders, giving fertility where- 

 ever it approaches. This vega extends to the very base of the 

 Andes, and is roamed over by numerous herds of grazing cat- 

 tle. The town is dotted with green gardens, and surrounded 

 by cultivated chacras (small farms,) and white dwellings, peep- 

 ing from amidst green foliage. Three whole years have rolled 

 away without a fertilizing shower. The province is parched, 

 and on every hand the rich landholder and poor muleteer meet 

 you with a tale of distress. The produce of the earth is with- 

 held, and the pastures are burned. The flocks and herds are 

 perishing every where throughout the province, and their own- 

 ers are forced to see them die without being able to prevent 

 their fate. The miner in vain brings to the surface the rich 

 ores from the bowels of the earth. There is no water to assist 

 him in the extraction of the metal ; and where there is, the 

 fuel necessary to melt it into bars, is scarce ; it is with difficul- 

 ty that mules can be procured to transport the fruit of his toil 

 from the mines to the coast. Unless the skies relent in show- 

 ers. La Sfirena, and its gardens, and its chacras, must soon be 

 •blighted, and bare as the surrounding mountains ! 



La Serena is always hushed ; the most death-like stillness 



