The people here complained of want of land.

This is partly owing to their own negligence in not clearing the woods, and partly to restrictions by the government, which makes it necessary, before buying ever so small a piece, to pay two shillings to the surveyor for measuring each quadra (150 yards square), together with whatever price he fixes for the value of the land.

After his valuation the land must be put up three times to auction, and if no one bids more, the purchaser can have it at that rate.

All these exactions must be a serious check to clearing the ground, where the inhabitants are so extremely poor.

In most countries, forests are removed without much difficulty by the aid of fire; but in Chiloe, from the damp nature of the climate, and the sort of trees, it is necessary first to cut them down.