HIDE BRIDGE, SANTIAGO DE CHILE. 
CHAPTER XV 
Valparaiso — Portillo Pass — Sagacity of mules — Mountain-torrents — Mines, how 
discovered—Proofs of the gradual elevation of the Cordillera—Effect of snow 
on rocks—Geological structure of the two main ranges, their distinct origin and 
upheaval—Great subsidence—Red snow—Winds—Pinnacles of snow—Dry and 
clear atmosphere—Electricity-—Pampas—Zoology of the opposite sides of the 
Andes—-Locusts—Great Bugs — Mendoza—Uspallata Pass — Silicified trees 
buried as they grew—Incas Bridge — Badness of the passes exaggerated— 
Cumbre—Casuchas—Valparaiso. 
PASSAGE OF THE CORDILLERA 
March Jth, 1835.—We stayed three days at Concepcion, and 
then sailed for Valparaiso. The wind being northerly, we only 
reached the mouth of the harbour of Concepcion before it was 
dark. Being very near the land, and a fog coming on, the 
anchor was dropped. Presently a large American whaler 
appeared close alongside of us ; and we heard the Yankee 
swearing at his men to keep quiet, whilst he listened for the 
