The lower part of the valley is broad, forming a fine plain like that of Quillota.

The town covers a considerable space of ground, each house possessing a garden: but it is an uncomfortable place, and the dwellings are poorly furnished.

Every one seems bent on the one object of making money, and then migrating as quickly as possible.

All the inhabitants are more or less directly concerned with mines; and mines and ores are the sole subjects of conversation.

Necessaries of all sorts are extremely dear; as the distance from the town to the port is eighteen leagues, and the land carriage very expensive.