Spanish America - free ebook by Richard Henry Bonnycastle

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Spanish America

Richard Henry Bonnycastle

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63 chapters

SPANISH AMERICA; OR A DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL, AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THE DOMINIONS OF SPAIN IN THE Western Hemisphere, CONTINENTAL AND INSULAR;

SPANISH AMERICA; OR A DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL, AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THE DOMINIONS OF SPAIN IN THE Western Hemisphere, CONTINENTAL AND INSULAR;

ILLUSTRATED BY A MAP OF SPANISH NORTH AMERICA, AND THE WEST-INDIA ISLANDS; A MAP OF SPANISH SOUTH AMERICA, AND AN ENGRAVING, REPRESENTING THE COMPARATIVE ALTITUDES OF THE MOUNTAINS IN THOSE REGIONS. By R. H. BONNYCASTLE , CAPTAIN IN THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW . 1818. Printed by A. Strahan, New-Street-Square, London....

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SPANISH AMERICA;

SPANISH AMERICA;

OR A DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL, AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THE DOMINIONS OF SPAIN IN THE Western Hemisphere , CONTINENTAL AND INSULAR ; ILLUSTRATED BY A MAP OF SPANISH NORTH AMERICA, AND THE WEST-INDIA ISLANDS; A MAP OF SPANISH SOUTH AMERICA, AND AN ENGRAVING, REPRESENTING THE COMPARATIVE ALTITUDES OF THE MOUNTAINS IN THOSE REGIONS. By R. H. BONNYCASTLE, CAPTAIN IN THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS. “Such of late Columbus found the American, so girt With feathered cincture, naked else and wild Among t

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DISCOVERY AND HISTORY.

DISCOVERY AND HISTORY.

The coast of this country was originally discovered by Columbus in 1498, during his third expedition. Several adventurers succeeding in exploratory voyages on this part of the continent, the Spanish government came to the determination of endeavouring to place colonies on its soil. These being chiefly ill conducted, and managed by priests unacquainted with the manners and customs of the natives, did not succeed, and it was found necessary to endeavour to subdue the inhabitants by force. When thi

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

A variety of estimable works have appeared on the subject of America, which have certainly, in a great degree, extended the geographical knowledge of the New World. Many of them, however, were written long ago; the political face of the country has changed; the journals of recent travellers have opened new sources of knowledge; and we find, among other things, that North America, which was supposed to contain mountains only of inferior altitude, has now been discovered to possess summits of supe

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CAPITAL.

CAPITAL.

The city of Caraccas , or as it is written by the Spaniards, Caracas , is the metropolis of this vast region, and has given its name, within a late period, to the whole government. It is situated in 10° 30' 15" north-latitude, and 67° 4' 45" west longitude, the highest square being elevated 2903 feet above the level of the sea, at the commencement of a fine plain or valley, which extends nine miles to the eastward, and has nearly the same breadth, through which runs the river Guayra; the site of

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INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION.

In this enlightened age, Geography has assumed a form so new and interesting, that it has become the study, as well as, the amusement of all ranks of society; the philosopher peruses with admiring attention, the details of the localities of distant climes; and the mere reader instructs as well as amuses himself in turning over the pages of a geographical performance. This science, which till very lately, bore so low a rank in the scale of intellectual attainment, has arisen by the exertions of m

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ERA OF DISCOVERY AND COLONIZATION.

ERA OF DISCOVERY AND COLONIZATION.

The discovery of the New World, has caused more discussion, arising from interest, curiosity and scientific motives, during a period of nearly three centuries, than any anterior extension of geographical knowledge, in the annals of mankind. Numberless have been the disputes concerning the probable duration, formation and population of that vast continent; as well as on the identity of the individual, who fortuitously opened that immeasurable region and wonderful country to the admiring eyes of h

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DESCRIPTION OF THE FEATURES, &C. OF THE COUNTRY.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FEATURES, &C. OF THE COUNTRY.

The coast of Caraccas which extends for an immense length, is exceedingly rocky and mountainous, affording views of some of the most tremendous precipices in the world, that near the capital, called the Precipice of the Silla , being of the height of 8000 feet above the sea, which washes its base. The chain of the Andes, traversing the whole territory in the direction of its shores, elevates itself the most in the western parts; and is lost in the sea opposite to the great island of Trinidad, wh

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FLORIDA.

FLORIDA.

Florida is bounded on the north by the United States, an ideal line, commencing at the centre of the estuary of St. Maryʼs River, in the Atlantic Ocean, extending thence along the coast of that river, and across the Ekanfanega Swamp up to the junction of the Flint and Apalachicola rivers; thence up the eastern bank of the Apalachicola, until it meets the 31° of north latitude, when it crosses the river, and follows the parallel of 31° to the river Perdido, which separates the Floridas from the U

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PROVINCE OF NEW ANDALUSIA.

PROVINCE OF NEW ANDALUSIA.

This province, which is also known by the names of Cumana and Paria, is bounded on the north by the Caribbean sea; on the east by the Atlantic ocean; west by Barcelona, and south by Spanish Guiana, or the river Orinoco. The government of Cumana usually includes the adjacent province of New Barcelona. We shall therefore describe these two under the same head, mentioning however the distinct boundaries of—...

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NEW BARCELONA,

NEW BARCELONA,

Which is limited on the north by the Caribbean sea; east by Cumana; west by Venezuela, or Caraccas Proper, and south by Guiana and the Orinoco. The great extent of the territory of Cumana and Barcelona, its being washed on two of its sides by the ocean, and by the broad expanse of the Orinoco on the third, render it one of the most important governments of the captain-generalship. History, &amp;c. —The eastern part of New Andalusia is famous as having been the scene of the first continental

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NEW SPAIN.

NEW SPAIN.

The most important of all the kingdoms of Spanish America, is New Spain; therefore, before commencing with a detailed description of its boundaries and situation, we shall give a concise view of those circumstances which are of most importance, with respect to its history, colonization, &amp;c. Under the title of Viceroy of New Spain, a Spanish officer of the highest rank governs a territory, which, in Europe, would be designated as an empire; for it comprehends a surface extending from the

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GUATIMALA.

GUATIMALA.

Guatimala is a general name for a portion of the territory on the narrow part of the continent, which reaches from Oaxaca and Vera Cruz, southward to Veragua, on the isthmus of Darien. This tract of land is subject to the government of a captain-general, and is called the Capitania General of Guatimala, or as it is sometimes written, Gualtimala. The officer who exercises this command is independent of the viceregal court of Mexico, and is appointed by the king of Spain, consulting the viceroy on

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FEATURES, CLIMATE, &C.

FEATURES, CLIMATE, &C.

The provinces of Barcelona and Cumana are extremely mountainous; the first branch from the main chain of the Andes running through these districts, and terminating in the ocean at the gulf of Paria. This ridge gives birth to the rivers which flow into the Orinoco on the south, and into the Caribbean sea on the north, and contains some highly picturesque and singular scenery; the most noted parts of which will be hereafter described. The climate of this government varies according to the situatio

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WEST INDIA ISLANDS

WEST INDIA ISLANDS

BELONGING TO THE CROWN OF SPAIN. The West India Islands, colonized by Spain, are not numerous. Puerto Rico and Cuba, in the northern group, Margarita and some others on the coast of Caraccas, unimportant in their nature, being mostly mere rocks, compose the whole of the islands in the West Indian seas which are possessed by Spain; of these Puerto Rico and Cuba are the most important; Cuba being the largest as well as one of the most fertile islands belonging to any European power in the American

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PROVINCES OF VENEZUELA AND CORO.

PROVINCES OF VENEZUELA AND CORO.

The government of Venezuela comprehends Venezuela, or Caraccas Proper and Coro. It is bounded on the north by the Caribbean sea; east by Barcelona; west by Maracaybo and Varinas; and south by the great plains of Varinas, and the Orinoco. This extensive government was named Venezuela from the towns inhabited by Indians which were seen by the Spaniards on the lake Maracaybo, having a resemblance to Venice. In 1801 the population of Venezuela, including Varinas, amounted to 500,000 persons. The soi

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THE PROVINCE OF MARACAYBO.

THE PROVINCE OF MARACAYBO.

Maracaybo, or Maracaibo , surrounds the lake of the same name. It is bounded on the west by Santa Marta, in New Granada; on the east by Coro and Venezuela; on the north by Santa Marta, and the gulf of Maracaybo; and on the south by Merida and Santa Marta. Owing to the great extent of the lake, this province extends but a short distance inland to the east and west, its length being about 100 leagues. The soil of Maracaybo is unfruitful on the banks of the lake. The east shore is dry and unhealthy

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ISLANDS NEAR THE COASTS

ISLANDS NEAR THE COASTS

OF NEW SPAIN AND GUATIMALA . The islands belonging to Spanish North America near its coasts, are numerous, both in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but most of them are either uninhabited or unimportant from their being small. Commencing on the north-east shores of the Intendancy of San Luis Potosi, and proceeding along its maritime borders southward, we meet with very numerous long strips of insulated land, the very names of most of which are unknown; but from their situation, they must be very

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SOUTH AMERICAN DOMINIONS.

SOUTH AMERICAN DOMINIONS.

The dominions of Spain in North America having been described as fully as the nature of the work permitted, our attention is now to be turned to the acquisitions of that power in the southern division of the American continent. The territories acquired by Spanish enterprise in South America are more extensive than those which have just been treated of; they reach from the Canataguan chain of mountains, between the provinces of Veragua and Panama, in the isthmus of Darien, to the gulf of Chonos;

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PROVINCE OF VARINAS.

PROVINCE OF VARINAS.

Varinas, the next province of Caraccas, divides the territories of this government from those of the kingdom of New Granada. It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Maracaybo and Venezuela, east by the plains of Caraccas and the Orinoco, west by Merida and New Granada, and south by Juan de los Llanos, or Casanare. This province was formed in the year 1787, by separating the southern districts of Venezuela and Maracaybo, when it was also constituted a distinct government. The chief has the

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VICEROYALTY OF NEW GRANADA.

VICEROYALTY OF NEW GRANADA.

New Granada is bounded on the north by the Caribbean Sea, and the province of Costa Rica in the kingdom of Guatimala; on the east by the government of Caraccas, Spanish Guiana, and Portuguese Guiana; on the west by the Pacific Ocean; and on the south by the river Maranon, and the viceroyalty of Peru: its extent from 3° 30ʹ south latitude to 12° north latitude, is about 930 geographical miles, its mean breadth being 240. This extensive viceroyalty is divided into numerous provinces, governed by i

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PROVINCE OF GUIANA; OR, SPANISH GUIANA.

PROVINCE OF GUIANA; OR, SPANISH GUIANA.

This immense province extends from the frontiers of Juan de los Llanos and Quixos, in New Granada to the frontiers of British, French and Portuguese Guiana. It is bounded on the north by the Orinoco and the plains of Cumana, Barcelona, and Caraccas; on the east by unknown lands between the settlements of the English and French; west by the Orinoco and the provinces of New Granada; and south by the Portuguese possessions. It has been computed to be 1000 leagues in circumference; but this vast ext

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ISLAND OF MARGARITA.

ISLAND OF MARGARITA.

This island, which is about thirty leagues in circumference, forms a government separate from that of Cumana, on whose shores it lies, and dependant on the captain-general of Caraccas. It lies in north latitude 10° 56', and in 64 and 65 degrees west longitude. It was first discovered by Columbus in 1498. The pearls found on the coasts of this and the neighbouring isle of Cubagua, soon rendered it famous, and the fishery was carried on at the expence of vast numbers of Indians who lost their live

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POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND GOVERNMENT.

POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND GOVERNMENT.

In Peru the revenue is derived from the duties on imports, exports, gold, silver, tobacco, liquors, the capitation tax on the Indians, taxes on the clergy, &amp;c. It is said to amount to 1,083,000 l. annually, and it remits, in prosperous times, to Spain for the royal coffers, 216,600 l. , to Panama, 70,000 l. , to Valdivia in Chili, 3750 l. , and to the island of Chiloe a similar sum to defray the expences of their several administrations. The net revenue of the colony, after defraying the

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HISTORY, DISCOVERY, &C.

HISTORY, DISCOVERY, &C.

The history of Peru in the remote ages is not so clearly ascertained as that of Mexico; traditions were not handed down to posterity as in that country by symbolical paintings, but were remembered only by means of the quippus, a knotted string of different colours, or by the priests who were brought up from their youth in temples, where the history of the nation was one of the objects of the care of their elders in their instruction. Although it is doubtful which nation had advanced to the great

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INTENDANCY OF TRUXILLO.

INTENDANCY OF TRUXILLO.

This province is the most northerly of those in Peru, it is bounded by the river Tumbez and Guayaquil, on the north-west; Jaen de Bracamoros on the north-east; the Lauricocha or Tunguragua on the north; the Rio Guallaga and Pampas del Sacramento on the east; the Pacific on the west; and the province of Tarma on the south; containing within its limits seven jurisdictions; viz. Sana, Piura, Truxillo, Caxamarca, Chachapoyas, Llulia, and Chiloas and Pataz. The province of Truxillo along the coast, h

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THE INTENDANCY OF TARMA

THE INTENDANCY OF TARMA

Comprehends several minor districts, of which Caxatambo, Huamalies, Conchucos, and Huailas, are the principal. It is bounded by Truxillo on the north, the Pacific on the east, the Apurimac on the west, and Lima and Guanca-Velica on the south. On the sea-coast its climate is hot, but in the interior it varies, according to the height of the land. We shall not follow the minute divisions of this province, as we have done those of Truxillo, on account of its being the boundary between New Granada a

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INTENDANCY OF LIMA.

INTENDANCY OF LIMA.

This province contains several districts; it is bounded on the north by Truxillo, east by Tarma and Guancavelica, west by the Pacific, and south by Arequipa. Its principal districts are Chancay, Huarachiri, Lima, Canta, Canete, Ica, Pisco and Nasca. Lima is the seat of the royal audience, which was established in 1542, and contains one archbishopric and four bishoprics in its jurisdiction, viz. those of Truxillo, Guamanga, Cuzco, and Arequipa. The revenue of the archbishop of Lima is 30,000 doll

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INTENDANCY OF GUANCAVELICA.

INTENDANCY OF GUANCAVELICA.

This province lies almost entirely in the mountains, and is bounded on the north by Tarma, east by Lima, west by Cuzco, and south by Guamanga. The climate of this country is in general cold, owing to the high situation of the land which is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Andes; its districts are chiefly those of Xauxa and Angaraes , the latter of which is about seventy-two miles in length from east to west, and twelve in width, of a very irregular figure, being bounded by the Cordillera on

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THE INTENDANCY OF GUAMANGA.

THE INTENDANCY OF GUAMANGA.

Is bounded on the north by Guancavelica and the uncultivated countries on the banks of the Apurimac, east by the same and Cuzco, west by Lima, and south by Arequipa. It contains several fine districts, of which Guanta, Vilcas-Guaman, Andagualas, Parina Cocha and Lucanas are the chief, with that of Guamanga itself. The capital is Guamanga , situated in 12° 50' south latitude, and 77° 56' west longitude, in a wide and beautiful plain, watered by a fine river, and having a healthful climate. The bu

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INTENDANCY OF CUZCO.

INTENDANCY OF CUZCO.

Cuzco contains a number of partidos or districts lying on the west of the great Apurimac, and on the eastern Cordillera of the Andes; it is bounded on the north by the Apurimac and the Andes of Cuzco, on the west by unconquered countries, east by Tarma, Guancavelica, and Guamanga, and south by Arequipa and the viceroyalty of La Plata, the boundary line of which runs between the lake Chucuito or Titicaca and along the chain of Vilcanota, and bounds the district of Paucartambo on the south. The ca

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THE INTENDANCY OF AREQUIPA,

THE INTENDANCY OF AREQUIPA,

Which is bounded on the north by those of Lima, Guamanga, and Cuzco; on the east, by Cuzco and the viceroyalty of La Plata; on the west by the South Sea or Great Pacific Ocean; and on the South by the desert of Atacama in the viceroyalty of La Plata. It contains several districts, of which Arequipa, Camana, Condesuyos, Cailloma, Moquehua, and Arica, are the most important. The district of Arequipa Proper , contains the capital of the intendancy, also called Arequipa , which is situated 217 leagu

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POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS, &c.

POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS, &c.

HISTORY, DISCOVERY, &amp;c. The Spaniards claim the honour of first discovering this country. Juan Dias de Salis, having sailed from Spain with two ships, in 1515, to explore Brazil, arrived at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, and took formal possession of the land: but, deluded by the friendly appearance of the Indians, and being off his guard, he was slain, with the few attendants who had landed with him. In 1526, Sebastian Cabot, then in the Spanish service, also endeavouring to make the

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FEATURES, CLIMATE, &c.

FEATURES, CLIMATE, &c.

Buenos Ayres presents on its eastern territories a tract of land so nearly level that many of its principal rivers, unable to roll themselves forward with sufficient impetus, form large shallow lakes, and it has been calculated that the great Paraguay in its course southward does not fall above one foot in height between the 18th and 22d degrees of south latitude. These immense levels are covered with a strong and luxuriant herbage, which pastures innumerable herds of half-wild horses and cattle

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COMMERCE AND RESOURCES.

COMMERCE AND RESOURCES.

Since the attachment of several of the Peruvian provinces to this government, the commerce and resources of the country are greatly enlarged and altered. From being merely an agricultural state, it has now become possessed of some of the richest mines in America. The districts which supply the most considerable quantities of the precious metal are Potosi, Changata, Porco, Oruro, Chucuito, La Paz and Carangas, and the mountains of Anauca, near Carabaya, and Asangara, north-east of lake Titicaca,

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GOVERNMENT OF LOS CHARCAS, OR POTOSI.

GOVERNMENT OF LOS CHARCAS, OR POTOSI.

This government is one of the recent acquisitions of Buenos Ayres, and in point of mineral produce is the most valuable of its territories. It is bounded on the north by the chain or Cordillera of Vilcanota, which separates it from the Peruvian provinces, and by countries inhabited by wandering tribes; on the east it has the mountains of Arequipa, the Pacific ocean and the Chilian Andes; on the west the governments of Paraguay and Buenos Ayres; and on the south that of Buenos Ayres. Its most not

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THE GOVERNMENT OF PARAGUAY.

THE GOVERNMENT OF PARAGUAY.

Paraguay is a very extensive government of Buenos Ayres, which is bounded by Chiquitos, Chacos, and Tucuman on the north-west and west; on the north it extends to Lake Xarayes; north-east and east it bounds the Portuguese territories; and south-east and south it is limited by the Parana, which separates it from the missions of Guayra in Buenos Ayres, its jurisdiction ending in the south of the city of Asuncion, in 26° 48' south latitude, and it is divided from Tucuman, or the Llanos de Manso, by

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HISTORY, DISCOVERY, &c.

HISTORY, DISCOVERY, &c.

The history of this province commences with its discovery by Sebastian Cabot, in 1526, who sailed up the Parana. This navigator was the son of a Venetian pilot, who was much employed in England, and by some accounts is said to have been born at Bristol, in 1477, and having been brought up to the same profession, went with his father, John Cabot, to the discovery of Newfoundland, and from thence to Florida. They had the honour of being the first navigators who saw the continent of America, Columb

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GOVERNMENT OF TUCUMAN.

GOVERNMENT OF TUCUMAN.

The third government of Buenos Ayres is that of Tucuman, which is bounded on the north-east by Chichas and Lipes in Charcas, north-west and west by Atacama, west and south-west by Cuyo, or Cujo, south-east by the Pampas or territories inhabited by the Aucaes, Huarcas, or Pampas, Pihuenches, Puelches, Uncos and other unconquered tribes which wander over the plains and mountains adjacent to Chili. On the south-east, it has the jurisdiction of Santa Fé in Buenos Ayres, and on the east it has the un

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THE GOVERNMENT OF CUYO OR CUJO.

THE GOVERNMENT OF CUYO OR CUJO.

Cuyo was formerly a Chilian province; it is bounded on the north by Tucuman, on the east by the Pampas or deserts of Buenos Ayres, on the south by Patagonia or Terra Magellanica, and on the west by the Andes, which separate it from Chili; it is comprehended between the twenty-ninth and thirty-fifth degrees of south latitude, and extends about 111 leagues from north to south, its breadth being nearly 110. Climate, Features, &amp;c. —In this extensive tract, the climate is variable, during the

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THE GOVERNMENT OF BUENOS AYRES,

THE GOVERNMENT OF BUENOS AYRES,

Which is bounded on the north by the government of St. Paul, in Brazil; on the north-west by the river Parana, which divides it from Paraguay; on the west by the plains of Tucuman; on the east by the Portuguese frontier, which passes south through lake Mini; on the south-west, by the Atlantic Ocean, and the line of demarcation between it and the independent tribes; on the south-east by Cuyo, and on the south, by an imaginary line, passing through the Pampas or Patagonia. History, &amp;c. —Th

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POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND GOVERNMENT.

POLITICAL AND TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND GOVERNMENT.

The continental part, or Chili Proper, is divided into thirteen partidos, which extend from the twenty-fourth degree to the thirty-seventh degree of south latitude, and are named Copiapo, Coquimbo, Quillota, Aconcagua, Melipilla, Santiago, Rancagua, Colchagua, Maule, Itata, Chillan, Puchucay, and Huilquilemu; from the thirty-seventh degree to the islands of Chiloe, the country is chiefly under the power of three native tribes, the Araucanians, the Cunches, and the Huilliches. Insular Chili, comp

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DISCOVERY AND HISTORY.

DISCOVERY AND HISTORY.

The origin of the native inhabitants of Chili is involved in impenetrable obscurity. They had traditions respecting their ancestors, which were so vague and uncertain as not to merit notice; so that nothing can be advanced concerning the history of Chili, prior to about the middle of the fifteenth century. In the year 1450, the country was occupied by fifteen independent tribes, governed by caciques or ulmens; they were named Copiapins, Coquimbans, Quillotans, Mapochians, Promaucians, Cures, Cau

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CLIMATE, FEATURES, &c.

CLIMATE, FEATURES, &c.

The climate of Chili is probably superior to that of any other country in Spanish America, as the air is remarkably salubrious, the inhabitants being troubled with few contagious diseases, and the extremes of heat and cold are not felt in continental Chili. The spring commences in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. From September till March, south-east or south winds prevail, during which time the sky is clear and serene, but the north and north-west winds regula

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CONTINENTAL PROVINCES OF CHILI.

CONTINENTAL PROVINCES OF CHILI.

Spanish Chili, or that part of the country which is colonized by Europeans, lies between the 24° and 36° 10' south latitude, and is divided into thirteen, or according to some accounts into fifteen partidos, or departments. These having been already named, we shall give a slight sketch of each, with its capital and chief towns. The first in proceeding from the north, southwards, is the partido, or—...

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PROVINCE OF COPIAPO,

PROVINCE OF COPIAPO,

Which is bounded on the north by the deserts of Atacama, on the east by the Andes, on the west by the Pacific, and on the south by Coquimbo; its extent being about 100 leagues from north to south. This province is celebrated for its mines of gold and copper; it also furnishes fossil salt, sulphur and lapis lazuli. The great Volcano del Copiapo is on its south-east boundary, and it contains the rivers Salado , Copiapo , Castagno , Totoral , Quebradaponda , Guasco and Chollai . Copiapo is seldom s

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PROVINCE OF QUILLOTA.

PROVINCE OF QUILLOTA.

The climate is mild, and the inhabitants cultivate grain of all kinds, vines and fruits, and feed immense herds of cattle. Gold and copper-mines are extremely numerous, and the natives manufacture rope, cords and thread; and these with soap and copper, constitute their principal articles for trade; the number of inhabitants is said to be about 14,000. The rivers of Quillota are the Limache , the Aconcagua , the Longotoma , the Chuapa , and the Ligua . Its harbours are El Papudo, Quintero, La Her

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THE PROVINCE OF ACONCAGUA

THE PROVINCE OF ACONCAGUA

Is bounded on the north by Quillota, east by the Andes, west by Quillota, and south by Santiago. It is about the same extent as Quillota, and is a level and well watered district, producing a great quantity of grain and fruits. In the mountains which bound, and may be said to belong to it, are the famous silver mines of Uspallata , with several of copper. Its chief rivers are the Longotoma , the Ligua , the Chilé , and the Aconcagua ; the latter of which is a very fine stream which waters, in it

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THE PROVINCE OF MELIPILLA

THE PROVINCE OF MELIPILLA

Is bounded on the north by Quillota, east by Santiago, south by the river Maypo, which divides it from Rancagua, and on the west by the Pacific. Its sea coast is of little extent, and its breadth, from east to west, is about twenty-five leagues; its principal produce being wine and grain. The chief rivers are the Maypo , the Maypocha , and the Poanque . The chief town is Melipilla , or St. Josef de Logrono , in 33° 28' south latitude, and 70° 7' west longitude, not far from the Rio Maypo, in a b

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THE PROVINCE OF SANTIAGO

THE PROVINCE OF SANTIAGO

Is bounded by Aconcagua on the north, the Andes on the east, Melipilla on the west, and the Rio Maypo on the south. It is twenty-one leagues long and twenty-six wide. The gold mines of this district are chiefly in the mountains, and can be only worked during the summer; but they are said to amount to 234, besides five lavaderos, or washing places, in the mountain of Guindo, and some other veins near Tiltil. Santiago also possesses many silver, several copper and tin, and one lead mine. The most

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THE PROVINCE OF RANCAGUA

THE PROVINCE OF RANCAGUA

Is bounded on the north by the Maypo, which separates it from Santiago and Melipilla; east by the Andes; west by the Pacific, and south by the Cachapoal, which river divides it from Colchagua. Its length, from east to west is about forty leagues, and its breadth, from north to south, thirteen. The country is fertile and is inhabited by about 12,000 persons of all the different castes, who live in a very dispersed manner in small farms and settlements, and are not numerous. It has several gold mi

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THE PROVINCE OF COLCHAGUA

THE PROVINCE OF COLCHAGUA

Is situated between the Cachapoal on the north, the Andes on the east, the Pacific on the west, and the Teno river on the south. Near the Andes its breadth is twenty-five leagues, but on the coast it does not exceed fourteen, while its length, from east to west, is forty-three. Its climate is temperate, the soil fertile, and, being well watered by numerous rivers, produces grain, wine and fruits. Here are several gold mines, and it is not wanting in other metallic substances. This province was f

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PROVINCE OF MAULE.

PROVINCE OF MAULE.

This partido is bounded on the north by Colchagua, on the east by the Andes, on the south-east by Chillan, south-west by Itata, and on the west by the Pacific. It is forty-four leagues in length, and forty in breadth, and, like the preceding, having formed part of Promaucia, is a delightful country, abounding in grain, fruits, cattle, sea and river fish, salt and gold; and the cheese made in Maule is esteemed the best in Chili. It is watered by many rivers, of which the Lantue , Rioclara , Panqu

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THE PROVINCE OF ITATA.

THE PROVINCE OF ITATA.

Is bounded by Maule on the north, Chillan on the east, the Pacific on the west, and Puchacay on the south. From east to west its length is twenty leagues, and its breadth from north to south eleven. The river Itata intersecting this department, it had its name from it, and the only other stream of note is the Lonquen. The fertility of Itata is such that it produces the best wine in Chili; which wine is called Concepcion, from its being made on the estates of persons belonging to that city. The s

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THE PROVINCE OF CHILLAN

THE PROVINCE OF CHILLAN

Is bounded on the north by Maule, east by the Andes, west by Itata, and south by Huilquilemu. Its length is twelve leagues, and breadth twenty-five, and the whole district till it reaches the Andes is a plain, in which immense flocks of sheep are fed, that are highly esteemed on account of their fine wool. The soil being very fertile produces corn and fruits in abundance. Its chief rivers are the Cato , Nuble , and Chillan , and on its eastern border is the great volcano, which bears the name of

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THE PROVINCE OF PUCHACAY

THE PROVINCE OF PUCHACAY

Is bounded on the north by Itata, on the east by Huilquilemu, on the west by the ocean, and on the south by the river Biobio, being twelve leagues in extent from north to south, and twenty-three from east to west. Puchacay is noted for the abundance of gold found in it, and for the fertility of its soil; its large wild and garden strawberries are much sought after for making preserves. The Lirquen the Andalien , and the Biobio are its finest rivers. The capital is Gualqui , founded in 1754, upon

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PROVINCE OF HUILQUILEMU.

PROVINCE OF HUILQUILEMU.

Huilquilemu is the thirteenth and last department of Continental Chili, and is bounded by Chillan on the north; by the Cordillera of the Andes on the west, Puchacay on the east, and the Biobio on the south. The rivers Biobio , Puchacay , Itata , Claro , Laxo , and Duqueco are its chief streams, and the first named may be said to be the boundary between the Spanish possessions and the country of the Araucanian confederacy. It rises in the Andes near the volcano of Tucapel, and runs into the Pacif

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ARCHIPELAGO OF CHILOE,

ARCHIPELAGO OF CHILOE,

Of this group thirty-two have been colonized by the Spaniards or Indians, and the rest are untenanted. The largest of those which are inhabited is Chiloe, or Isla Grande, which in former times was called Ancud, but has since given its present name to the whole group. Chiloe is situated at the entrance of the gulf of Chiloe, or Ancud, having its western shore opposed to the continent, and forming a channel, which is about three miles broad at the north entrance, and twelve leagues at the south. I

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ARAUCANIA, or INDIAN CHILI,

ARAUCANIA, or INDIAN CHILI,

Extends from the river Biobio in 36° to the south of Chiloe, in the 45° of south latitude, exceeding 420 miles in breadth, and also occupying from the 33° to the 45° south latitude, both the central and eastern ridges of the Andes. The nations who inhabit this extensive tract are the Araucanians , possessing the country between the Biobio and the Valdivia rivers, the Pacific and the Andes; the Puelches , who inhabit the western flanks of the Cordillera and its central valleys; and still farther

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ISLANDS ON THE COASTS OF SPANISH SOUTH AMERICA.

ISLANDS ON THE COASTS OF SPANISH SOUTH AMERICA.

Commencing the description of the Spanish South American islands from the coasts of Chili, our attention is first led to the islands of Juan Fernandez , three in number; the largest, which alone properly bears that appellation, is in 33° 40' south latitude, and 80° 30' west longitude, distant from Chili 110 leagues, and was discovered by a Spaniard, who gave it his name, in 1563. This island was so much spoken of by navigators in early times that it was supposed to be a terrestrial paradise. It

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE OF COMPARATIVE ALTITUDES OF THE MOUNTAINS IN SPANISH NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE OF COMPARATIVE ALTITUDES OF THE MOUNTAINS IN SPANISH NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA.

The accompanying plate represents the elevations which some of the most noted summits attain in Mexico or New Spain , contrasted with the altitudes of the higher peaks of the Southern Andes in Quito , Merida , Santa Marta and Caraccas ; by which it will be readily seen, that the northern range of the Cordillera of the Andes , is not very inferior in height to that part of the chain which has been considered, till very lately, to reach an elevation unequalled by any other mountains in the world.

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LIST OF WORKS ON, OR RELATING TO SPANISH AMERICA, QUOTED IN THIS PUBLICATION, OR WHICH CONTAIN THE MOST VALUABLE INFORMATION CONCERNING THOSE COLONIES.

LIST OF WORKS ON, OR RELATING TO SPANISH AMERICA, QUOTED IN THIS PUBLICATION, OR WHICH CONTAIN THE MOST VALUABLE INFORMATION CONCERNING THOSE COLONIES.

Acosta , Historia Natural y moral de las Indias, 1591 and 1603. A Journey through Peru, from Buenos Ayres on the great Rio de la Plata, by Potosi, to Lima, 8vo. in German, by Helms , Dresden, 1798. Alcedo's Dictionary (Geographical and Historical) of America and the West Indies, edited by Thompson , 5 vols. 4to. 1810. London. Alzate, Don J. A. Descripcion de las Antiguedadas de Xochicalco. Mexico. 1791. Anquetil , Precis de l'Histoire Universelle, 12 vols, Paris, 1801. Anson's Voyage round the w

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TABLE OF THE LATITUDES AND LONGITUDES OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL PLACES IN SPANISH AMERICA, CORRECTED FROM THE LATEST INFORMATION, WITH THE NUMBER OF INHABITANTS IN THE CHIEF TOWNS.

TABLE OF THE LATITUDES AND LONGITUDES OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL PLACES IN SPANISH AMERICA, CORRECTED FROM THE LATEST INFORMATION, WITH THE NUMBER OF INHABITANTS IN THE CHIEF TOWNS.

To this table it will not be uninteresting to add a summary of the population, &amp;c., of the governments of Spanish America. To which may be added 50,000 more for Cuba, as according to the latest enquiries that island possesses a population of 600,000 souls; thus there will be a total known population of 14,336,000, and allowing for the inhabitants of the Floridas, and the unnumbered Indians of the kingdom of La Plata, the actual number of persons existing under the government of Spain in

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