My object in coming here was to see the great beds of shells which stand some yards above the level of the sea, and are burnt for lime.

The proofs of the elevation of this whole line of coast are unequivocal: at the height of a few hundred feet old-looking shells are numerous, and I found some at 1300 feet.

These shells either lie loose on the surface, or are embedded in a reddish-black vegetable mould.

I was much surprised to find under the microscope that this vegetable mould is really marine mud, full of minute particles of organic bodies.
AUGUST 15, 1834.
We returned towards the valley of Quillota.

The country was exceedingly pleasant; just such as poets would call pastoral: green open lawns, separated by small valleys with rivulets, and the cottages, we may suppose of the shepherds, scattered on the hill-sides.