It is difficult even to conjecture whether this coincidence was accidental, or shows some subterranean connection.

If Vesuvius, Etna, and Hecla in Iceland (all three relatively nearer each other than the corresponding points in South America), suddenly burst forth in eruption on the same night, the coincidence would be thought remarkable; but it is far more remarkable in this case, where the three vents fall on the same great mountain-chain, and where the vast plains along the entire eastern coast, and the upraised recent shells along more than 2000 miles on the western coast, show in how equable and connected a manner the elevatory forces have acted.
Captain Fitz Roy being anxious that some bearings should be taken on the outer coast of Chiloe, it was planned that Mr.King and myself should ride to Castro, and thence across the island to the Capella de Cucao, situated on the west coast.

Having hired horses and a guide, we set out on the morning of the 22nd.

We had not proceeded far, before we were joined by a woman and two boys, who were bent on the same journey.

Every one on this road acts on a "hail-fellow-well-met" fashion; and one may here enjoy the privilege, so rare in South America, of travelling without firearms.