The volcano of Aconcagua is particularly magnificent.

This huge and irregularly conical mass has an elevation greater than that of Chimborazo; for, from measurements made by the officers in the "Beagle," its height is no less than 23,000 feet.

The Cordillera, however, viewed from this point, owe the greater part of their beauty to the atmosphere through which they are seen.

When the sun was setting in the Pacific, it was admirable to watch how clearly their rugged outlines could be distinguished, yet how varied and how delicate were the shades of their colour.
I had the good fortune to find living here Mr.Richard Corfield, an old schoolfellow and friend, to whose hospitality and kindness I was greatly indebted, in having afforded me a most pleasant residence during the "Beagle's" stay in Chile.

The immediate neighbourhood of Valparaiso is not very productive to the naturalist.