Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume IV.djvu/435

 CHILI 427 portion is of importance for its valuable mines, while a strip along the S. coast, from Ooncep- cion to the island of Chiloe, contains the prin- cipal mines of bituminous coal worked in South America. The country between the Andes and the coast is particularly interesting to geologists for the evidences it presents of several successive elevations which it has ex- perienced within modern times. Some, of these are historical, as that of 1822, when the coast at Valparaiso, and for many leagues N. and S. of it, was uplifted about 6 ft. The bed of shells and sea pebbles which marked its former beach is now that distance above the reach of the highest tides ; and a succession of similar collections of shells of species be- longing to the coast, accompanying terraces found further inland, and at higher levels, in- dicate as many as five uplifts of this character, but of much greater height, the difference of level between two terraces being found 120 ft. and between the next two 182 ft. Around the bay of Ooquimbo these terraces are most distinctly marked in the hills ; and as they ex- tend back into the country they spread out into plains, upon which the towns are built. Near Valparaiso comminuted sea shells of liv- ing species are found at elevations of over 550 ft. ; and some, it is stated, have been met with even 1,300 ft. above the sea level. Chili abounds in mineral wealth. Among the metals are gold, silver, copper, lead, tin, iron, zinc, nickel, cinnabar, cobalt, antimony, bis- muth, manganese, and arsenic. The copper and silver mines are probably the richest in the world, and gold exists in very considera- ble quantities. The principal mining region is in the north, chiefly in the province of Ata- cama, but rich deposits are continually discov- ered in the different mountain ranges further south. Copper exists along the course of the granitic and metamorphic rocks of the coast range and western spurs of the Andes, from Santiago to the northern extremity of the country, and beyond into Bolivia and Peru. The region about Copiapo has been worked the longest, and many new mines are opened there every year. Eich deposits of silver and copper have lately been discovered in the prov- ince of Coquimbo. Copper is the chief min- eral product, the annual value of the exports being over $12,000,000. The other metals, though abundant, are little sought after. Cin- nabar was once mined to some extent, but its importance is now greatly reduced by the cheaper production of quicksilver in California. Besides the metals, Chili contains other valua- ble minerals. Sulphur, salt, nitre, and alum are plentiful, gypsum and limestone abound, and a fair quality of bituminous coal, of a dull black color, is found near Concepcion and at other points along the coast. These coal beds were known as early as 1825. In 1841 the formation was traced between Talcahuano aAl Valparaiso, and mines were soon after opened at the former locality. The coal has also been found in abundance near the inouth of the Laraquita, and the beds are visible in the cliffs from vessels sailing along the coast. New mines have been opened lately along the gulf of Arauco, and large deposits have been discovered in Cobquecura. The most produc- tive mines are in the districts of Coronel and Lota, the latter 30 m. S. of the Biobio, in the province of Concepcion. The coal beds are contained in strata supposed to be of the ter- tiary formation ; and though the coal of this age is never so good as that of the true coal measures, that of Chili is found to answer for steam and domestic purposes ; it is considered unsuitable for smelting copper ores. By analy- sis specimens of this coal afforded 67'62 per cent, of carbon, showing a decided superiority over the ordinary brown coal of the tertiary. Reports of examinations of other coals of the region represent, however, a percentage of car- bon not exceeding 40, and the presence of much iron pyrites. The most noted mineral springs are those of Apoquindo, Colina, Cauquenes, Panimavila, Mondaca, Cato, Soco, and Dona Ana ; the principal constituents of which are chloride of calcium, chloride of sodium, chlo- ride of magnesium, and sulphates of soda and lime, with occasional traces of iron and alumina. About 75 m. E. S. E. of Chilian hot sulphur springs are found almost up to the line of per- petual snow on the Nevado de Chilian. They are much frequented, and are reputed to pos- sess extraordinary medicinal virtues. A large part of the soil of Chili is unproductive. The extensive portions of its surface covered by lofty and precipitous mountains, too cold for vegetation, or too scantily covered with earth to sustain it ; the deserts of the north, where rain never falls; the large tracts covered by the primitive forest ; and the districts inhab- ited by warlike Indian tribes, must all be de- ducted from that fit for cultivation ; and the remainder forms but a small fraction of the area. Yet the soil, when capable of tillage, is so fertile and yields crops so abundant, that Chili exports very considerable amounts of ce- reals and meats. Of its provinces, Atacama and Coquimbo do not produce a sufficiency of grain or cattle for home consumption ; but the others not only supply themselves and these, but raise a large surplus. The principal grains are wheat, barley, oats, and maize ; rye does well, but is not raised because there is no de- mand for it. Superior hemp is produced in the country north of the Maypu. Beans are a very large and important crop, and peas are exten- sively cultivated. In the southern provinces potatoes of excellent quality are produced. Fruits abound, including apples, pears, peaches, oranges, limes, nectarines, plums, apricots, figs, grapes, and cherries. Melons, squashes, and gourds also grow to perfection. In the south of Chili a profuse vegetation prevails. The sides of the mountains are covered with herba- ceous plants and with flowers of the richest hues, and dense forests abound. This verdure