The inhabitants heard with the greatest envy of the rain at Coquimbo; from the appearance of the sky they had hopes of equally good fortune, which, a fortnight afterwards, were realised.

I was at Copiapo at the time; and there the people, with equal envy, talked of the abundant rain at Guasco.

After two or three very dry years, perhaps with not more than one shower during the whole time, a rainy year generally follows; and this does more harm than even the drought.

The rivers swell, and cover with gravel and sand the narrow strips of ground which alone are fit for cultivation.

The floods also injure the irrigating ditches.