268

Valparaiso

1834 July 22d

Medusa is united just above mouth of another organ: This organ (D) lies in the very centre of superior part of body: (the mouth open into the narrow slit or cavity).— it consists of an elongated oval sack filled with semi opake matter, which seems divided into irregular sphæres; in the interstical spaces I saw a slow circulation: the mouth of sack is something like vermiform processes not well defined.— the specimen being kept some time I saw several small bodies shaped thus [sketch], proceed from the mouth into the open cavity.— I presume this sack to be the Ovarium.— The angular edge are composed of numerous fine fibres.— I  found other specimens which I believe to be the same species: essentially differing in structure: vessel (oq) is here coiled up (F), & lies within the cavity so as to be touched with needle & is then irritable: the sack is only partially filled with granular matter: Near Beneath its mouth (& within cavity) there is (when contracted) a heart shaped organ: this is highly irritable, coloured most faint red.— when expanded forms an Elephant-like long proboscis, open at extremity but very broard at base.— capable of much motion.— no apparent connection with sack: on the opposite to where (F) joins there is small sphærical organ, with small projecting point (or mouth? & central vessel?) Is this the mouth of sack? — Specimen about half size of last; same form.— Other (injured) specimen nearly same structure as this latter.— Caught on surface of sea.—

 

[268v]

a) I could see no trace of communication with external surface from top of sack.— I have not attempted to keep any specimens.

269

Valparaiso

1834 July 25.

July 25. Fish bought in market

1008 Above blackish grey, indistinct bands of do on sides; beneath white.— are found 3 or 4 times as large.

1009 A uniform pale greenish tinge, most thickly mottled with "greenish black".

1010 Uniform pale flesh color (especially beneath), mottled with "deep reddish B" & transverse dorsal bands of do: Branchial covering yellowish.— inferior edge of Pectoral pink.—

1011 Above leaden colour, beneath paler; grow considerably larger.

1012 do do .— fins dark.

1013 do, slightly irridescent, do.— grow to 2 or 3 times this size.

1014 Under surface, sides, Branchial covering, part of fins "tile & Carmine R", dorsal scales pale yellowish dirty brown.—

1015 Uniform tinge pale dirty yellow with numerous angular spots of black.— Above clouded with pale brown.— Ventral & tips of pectoral & anal "reddish orange".— Common size.

1016 Sides "Cochineal red mixed with grey", an indescribable tint, belly strongly tinged with yellow, fins pale "blackish green", posterior half of body with numerous small scarlet dots.—

1017 Beneath brilliant white; head & back clouded with "purplish & Carmine R", longitudinal & transverse irregular bands of do.—

1018 Whole body silvery, back & fins with few clouds of leaden color. grows to 3 & 4 feet long.—

1019 Crust [mac] Crust. Macrouri: sold in market; whole body & legs with "Arteri & Hyacinth R"; intermediate spaces paler; yellow & pale blue dots.—

270

Valparaiso

1834 July

Planaria. PL.14, F.2 is central vessel (A) 2301 (not spirits) Quite white, excepting the central vessel which is flesh coloured. Body very flat & thin, length when crawling 3 inches, breadth .2: Body seems composed of pulpy matter enveloped in transparent soft envelope; on the margins there are small black dots, placed at pretty regular intervals; they are not particularly numerous at anterior extremity. (Both extremities finely pointed). Through the whole length of 2/3ds of body, from the anterior extremity, there is a straight, gradually thickening, central vessel, this is coloured pinkish, from it (in some specimens) on each side, regular numerous vessels branch out & these being sub-divided at their extremities blend with the pulpy mass. For the remainder of the body, this vessel is divided into two; it here immediately encloses an oblong space (in which some organ may be seen), after this they run parallel to each other, again enclose a similar space, & then run parallel (or rather approaching each other) & gradually become finer: these two vess till they reach to the very posterior extremity of the body.— These two vessels invariably throw off branches smaller than the previous ones, but of the same construction.— All the above facts are best seen when looking at the dorsal surface; on the under surface & corresponding to the two oblong spaces & therefore in the 1/3 posterior part of body, there are two small transverse mouths or slits.— When the animal, being partly contracted, was only 1 & 3/4 inch long, these apertures were .2 apart.— By dissection, I found the anterior

271

Valparaiso

1834 July

Planaria enclosed space contained a closely contracted cup shaped organ, edges very sinuous: another animal having however been killed by spirits, the organ was as represented at (B), the lower end forming apparently a mouth with sinuous margin; as lying in the animal this mouth pointed towards the posterior extremity.— Can it not be protruded through external orifice? In the other space I could not trace any organ.— The animal always crawls on one surface that with the two orifices, & always with in one direction with respect to the extremities. Both these facts hold good even with small pieces of the living animal.— cut extremities in a few minutes become rounded.— Live under stones upon the hills, & amongst the pasture.— they have burrows, like sinuous chambers beneath the stones, like earth worms but not so regular, because parts of the body lies in places coiled up in a knot.—

Bufo 1023 Pale dirty yellow. Back blackish brown, over eye as far as behind front legs jet black band.

1024 "Yellowish & Broccoli B" with darker brown marks; broard medial dorsal band of pale "Gallstone Y". Lumbar glands "Saffron Y" with jet black marks.

1025 dirty "Wax Y" clouded above with "blackish grey": when taken or handled utters a gentle plaintive repeated note like some bird — Are found beneath stones.

[271v]

N.B. Colour evidently altered in spirits in [illeg]

(a) Reexamined Specimens: Black points with strong power are not quite circular; they are within external transparent envelope & where best seen seem seated on extremities of the lateral ramifications of central vessel. they abound chiefly in anterior part & in groups of 2s & 3s, which shows some probable connection with above ramifications.— on very anterior extremity together.— The term central vessel does not imply that I have any proof it is a vessel with darker contained pulpy matter, only its appearance is such.— Ramifications proceed externally whole length of vessel (but not between the double parts.—) oblong spaces & double part (D).— When crawling, anterior oblong space much elongated is .2 long. The general structure of these spaces, apertures & vessels universal.— Specimen being in salt water, a white globular organ was protruded by anterior orifice, being touched retracted: was easily dissected out, consists of a white, most delicate bell shaped bag, the mouth of which when protruded points towards tail of animal: its length .15: breadth of broarder part .05: the upper end is attached to very point of bifurcation of vessels. Even when body was dead & motionless, this organ remained highly irritable: & assumed a thousand shapes, the mouth dilating & rapidly contracting: when within body, lies in oblong space, must act as sucker or mouth: (globular when quite contracted & harder).— I could find no organ in posterior oblong space, only the little transverse slit: These animals are certainly often found in pairs.—

272

Valparaiso

1834 July

Vaginulus 1027 (a) Vide Back of Page Colored above "Umber B. & oil green" finely punctured, many of the punctures black.— beneath pale, foot yellowish.— When closely contracted, breadth .7, length 1.3.— when crawling 2.1 & .6 broard broad: foot .2 broard broad.— tail posterior end of tail mantle abruptly rounded, mantle slightly narrowing towards the head where it is truncate: Mantle depressed, edges slightly recurved, forming a transverse section of this shape [sketch].— Antennæ lead-colored, superior ones where extended more than .2 long, inferior ¼ of this.— Found under stones, in habits & form closely is allied to the M. Video species, differs as far as my memory goes, entirely in its color.— in its less regular & depressed form; i n the anterior extremity not being so broad & being truncate, & in being proportionally narrower.—

Vaginulus no 1096 & 1160 Under piece of rotten timber in dark forest in Chiloe (SE extremity), December:— Whole mantle, upper & under surface, mouth, inferior & superior antennæ "Ink black". Mantle Foot dull "Saffron yellow". Mantle with angular edge; not very convex; nearly of same breadth during throughout its whole length, but slightly tapering to each extremity.— anterior end truncate; posterior bluntly rounded. depressed. Surface most finely punctured.— Dimensions when contracted, 1:.7 long; .9 broar d; when fully crawling, 3.6in long; .55 broard broad: superior antennæ .25 long.— foot .25 wide.— Same slow habits & torpid state as rest of genus.— I have no doubt a distinct species.—

The specimens (1160) certainly I believe are the same: on road to Castro from S. Carlos saw two specimens exactly similarly colored &c &c as this one: They were crawling about late in the evening.—

[272v]

(a) 1180 Febry 1835 Specimen (1180) very nearly agrees with this, taken in the forest of Valdivia.— Colour "Oil green & Wood Brown", black minute punctures, chiefly at extremities, dimensions rather greater.— colored do beneath.— Antennæ almost black, rather long, shape simply convex [sketch], tail not particularly abruptly rounded.— ? Same species? Locality & climate very different.—

1184 Specimens (1184) were also caught in forest under log of wood. color above uniform dark brownish black, beneath & foot do, but rather paler.— body narrow, mantle can hardly be said to be truncate anteriorly: in centre of back a ridge, sharply convex: antennæ very closely approximate.— These specimens appear to be grown, length where crawling 1.2:— I do not at all know how far all these are varieties or distinct species:— (1096) seems very invariably characterized.—

273

Valparaiso

1834 August

Asterias 1031 Arms 44 in number, diameter from tip to tip 7 & 1/2 inches: arm one inch (the arms may be considered to be united at their bases): upper surface "chocolate R" thickly covered with globular, slightly tuberculated, pale-flesh-colored stony projections: these towards the arms are grouped together & form 3 lines on each arm; on the sides of arms are longer, more pointed, smooth, white spines, these are continued, on the under surface, towards the centre of body, & thus show the junction of the arms.— Under surface white; papillæ excessively numerous round mouth; adheres to tidal rocks, in stomach great quantities of small Balanidæ.—

Actinia 1035 Whole body (tentacula & mouth rather paler) most intense, brilliant, beautiful "China blue", when contracted, rounded globular.— Is remarkable from outer surface being densely coated with little short, soft crests; these crests are either slightly convoluted or simple, they are placed so closely together that the real skin, colored coppery purple, can only with difficulty be seen by forcing pulling the little projection apart.— at first sight the outer surface appears smooth, from the closeness with which these lie to each other; a narrow line bordering the tentacula is greenish blue.—

Sertularia 1034 Thickly coating the tidal rocks, body of polypus singularly elongated, as much protrudes beyond orifice of cell as is contained within it, cylindrical, suddenly tapering at base, tentacula about 20, round large mouth: the central living axis sends off little branch to Polypus, structure like Clytia the base of cell apparently intercepts the communication.

274

Valparaiso

1834 August & Sept. Ornithology Egg (B) (2427) like that of M. Video? Partridge (2159) in its general habits & appearance resembles strongly (its manner of running openly & not easily readily squatting) the partridge of the Plata: but I am sure it is different from the much shriller & different note it makes when rising.— Flesh white.— Tolerably numerous: not so easily caught as the Plata one.

Woodpecker (2161) is the "Pitui" of Molina4; I think the name must come from the curious noise, which somewhat resembles this word.— frequent the hills with bushes & low trees.

Lanius (2169:70) called in La Plata "Callandra". here, as Molina says, "Thenca" very numerous. habits have formerly been described.— it only sings in the Spring (hence my surprise at R. Negro at the different note so as to think it different bird), beauty of song very much exaggerated by Molina.— I (good authority) am assured the nest is simply circular, but large & built externally of bits of prickly Mimosa.— Therefore Molina is wrong about its nest.

Caprimulgus (2171) utters at night a simple gentle plaintive cry: which is regarded with much superstitious dread by the natives.— frequents the hills.—

(a) Myothera (2172) called by inhabitants "Turco", not uncommon, lives sheltered amongst the numerous thickets, may occasionally be seen hopping with its long legs & erect tail very quickly from bush to bush, as if ashamed of itself, & aware how very ridiculous figure it presents.— can hardly be made to fly.— its noises are as strange as its appearance.— is said to build its nest in a long hole in the ground. Gizzard very muscular, containing pebbles, beetles & vegetable fibres.—

[274v]

(a) When I first saw this bird, from length & strength of legs, membranaceous covering to nostrils, muscular gizzard, I thought it had some connection with the family of Gallinaceous birds.—

(B) Mr Dring having specimens from each place, I carefully compared them. The color of both is palish "Chocolate", mixed with little deep reddish brown : the La Plata one is a shade paler.— is smaller & more pointed at both extremities.— there is a close general resemblance.—

Dimensions La Plata Valparaiso Diff

Longer axis 1.815 of inch 2.070 .255

short do 1.300 1.495 .195

0.515 0.515 .060

275

Valparaiso

1834 Aug. & Sept.

Ornithology Myothera (2173:74) called by the inhabitants "Tapacolo" or "cover your posteriors" well deserves its name, as it generally carrys its long short tail more than erect, that is inclined towards its head.— it is very common, especially in the dry hills, over which bushes are scattered & where scarcely any other bird is present, hence this bird is very conspicuous in the ornithology of Chili. In habits of hopping, concealment, unwillingness to fly, nidification, resembles the "Turco", its appearance is not however quite so ridiculous, & the bird shows itself rather more: is very shy, will remain motionless in a bush & with much address will try to crawl, after some time, away on the side opposite to you.— It is very active, generally making a noise & these noises are very various & strangely odd, some like cooing of doves, others like bubbling of water, & many defy similes.— The country people say it changes its note 5 times in the year, so that I suppose they vary them according to the season.— Frequents the thickest hedges & thickets.— It is very odd that Molina takes no notice of this genus.—

Emberiza (2175) with serrated bill (2175.2176) called "Rara" from its scarceness.— which however does not appear to be the case.— it is a quiet solitary bird: is very injurious to buds of trees.— iris of eye bright scarlet. "Phytotoma vera" of Molina.

(c) Blue sparrow (2177) called "Diuca", also of Molina.— habits have been described at Chiloe as very like (a) the Sparrow: builds in trees: very abundant.—

[275v]

(a) Molina supposes it to be the bird mentioned by Capt. Cook at New Zealand. if so its Geographical distribution will be curious as not having crossed the Pampas.—

(b) This hopping genus is admirably well adapted for the nature of the country, dotted over with low thick bushes.—

(c) Specimen (2320) will show nest & eggs taken first week in November: in a frequented path: male bird utters two or three notes like a Song: Molina talks as if it could sing prettily.—

276

Valparaiso

1834 Aug. Sept.

Ornithology (b) Large Humming Bird (2179:80) (P. 60) This bird was here in middle of August, when it is stated it had just arrived, certainly afterwards in Sept. it became much more abundant. Its appearance is very singular when on the wing: its flight, like the rest of tribe from flower to flower is like lightning, but when hovering by a flower, the motion of its wings is slow, (not vibratory as the smaller sort) but each stroke very powerful, something like a butterfly; I never saw a bird where the force of its wings appeared so powerful in proportion to its weight.— The flight & hovering noiseless.— When by a flower, the body is nearly vertical, & the bird constantly expands & shuts like a fan its tail.— note very shrill.— It flies from flower to flower, yet in its stomach were abundant remains of insects.— This Trochilus seems to take the place of the small one of (2134) (a) Chiloe: this latter was most abundant in August, from which time they have gradually disappeared, so that now (October 12th) one only was seen during the whole day; on the other hand the larger sort is as much increased in numbers.— I suppose the smaller one goes Southward to avoid the heat of summer.— I do not believe it builds in Chili.

Woodpecker (2185) is called "Carpintero" & by Molina.

Icterus (2186) is the "Thili or Chili" of Molina. builds amongst reeds in marshy ground.— Common.

(c) 1469 Long-tailed tit (2193) not uncommon. cry shrill & loud.— builds (is said) its nest in prickly trees, is composed externally of prickly bits of stick, is very large & long (2 feet), with the opening

[276v]

X (a) This is stated to be a regular occurrence.

(b) Specimen (2319) will show the nest.

XX (a) Specimen (2425) Nest & egg of small Trochilus from the island of S. Pedro, Southern extreme of Chiloe; hence they migrate South to breed.— Eggs with partly formed young. Decemb: 8th — Even in the middle of summer Chonos Archipel}

they haunt the interior forests, where there are no flowers & where minute diptera must be the attraction.—

(c) In habits resembles our Tom Tits.—

XXX (a) This species was plentiful at Valparaiso April 20th.— Saw the first on the 14th.— Perhaps they might have arrived a little earlier.— Humming Birds migrate to United States & Canada to avoid heats of Summer of the South.— Humboldt Vol: V, P 1, P 352. Beechey says that humming birds remain in N California all winter.— The two facts together make a case in the Northern hemisphere exactly parallel to that observed here.—

277

Valparaiso

1834 Aug. Sept.─

Ornithology at the top, conducting into the vertical passage.— I recollect having seen such a nest at the R. Negro.— I believe Molina has described this nest as belonging to the Thenca.—

Wren (2194) builds in holes in walls.— in month of October

Fringilla (2195) Siu of Molina. often kept in cages

V. further Cordillera Muscicapa (2197) in small flocks amongst the hills & not near the coast

(a) Muscicapa (2208) This bird which we have seen in all parts generally near coast, I have noticed inland but near the stony bed of rivers.—

1784 I have seen the following birds. the black Icterus of T. del F. is abundant in flocks: called by Molina "Cureu" — builds in bushes: can be taught to talk. frequents moist pasture.—

Sturnus ruber abundant. called "Loyca" by Molina. builds on the ground.

(2125) The Thrush of T. del F. abundant: can be taught to talk: nest lined with smooth mud (I suppose like English thrush).

1602 Copy The Pterec-Pterec of La Plata, called here by Molina "Theghel". it is quite false that the bird is silent by day.—

The Furnarius of La Plata (2297) is common

(d) 1823 The black Furnarius Is common in T. del Fuego on coast, is here found inland, generally near beds of rivers. I saw a nest built of coarse grass on a ledge in a hole in a deep cavern, but generally in holes in banks.

(c) The long-billed Furnarius of R. Negro 1467. rare.

(b) The Scolopax-Perdrix of Patagonia, not common.

The little Certhia of T. del Fuego (2084)

(a) Certhia of Chiloe (2129)

[277v]

(a) All my information about the nests was obtained from a Gausso who had long paid attention to the subject.—

It appears to me surprising how many of the birds of T. del Fuego & Patagonia are common to Chili.—

(b) Renous noticed to me that a pair of these birds might almost always be found in the same spot.—

(c) Is said to build in low bushes.

(d) Chonos Archipelago, (45° 18′), Midship bay; coarse nest in hole under tree (but not excavated like the Furnarius of La Plata) egg (2426): Nearly a degree South of Valparaiso, this bird had young ones Septemb 20th.— here it had eggs Decemb 15th.— What difference in climate! These Furnarii appear to me more to correspond in habits or place in nature to the water-Wagtails than any other bird.—

NB There is at Valparaiso, Copiapo & Patagonia a brown Lanius like the Thenca, but with larger beak, which in habits appears a true Lanius, for it is said to kill young birds.—

278

Valparaiso

1834 Aug. Sept.

Ornithology (a) The Vultur Aura, the Carrancha & Chimango (they have different names here) are tolerably common but infinitely less so than in La Plata.— The Carrancha, when uttering its harsh cry, throws its (b) head far backward, like the Caracara of the Falklands.— I see several of the pale varieties such as shot at S. Cruz.—

(2299) Also (see 1615) the common Sparrow of La Plata abundant

Lanius of T. del Fuego & Chiloe (2124) common: builds coarse nest in bushes. egg (2375)

Kingfisher of T. del Fuego. (2122)

Fringilla of S. Cruz (2015) rare

Fringilla (blue & orange) of T. del F. & S. Cruz (2017). Not uncommon.

2298 Tufted Tit found in Patagonia & T. del Fuego is here tolerably common: found small soft simple nest at latter end of August.—

2198 Muscicapa, called Silgaro

In my passage of the Andes, I noticed at heights which could not be less than 8000 ft; the following birds — the common Sparrow: Fringilla (2015): The black Furnarius of T. del Fuego shores: Muscicapa (2197) common in all parts even in the utterly dry sterile Cordilleras of Copiapò: I also saw at an elevation of 10,000 ft a Humming Bird, am not sure of species.—

The ornithology of the valleys on the Eastern slopes differs to a certain extent from the Pacific sides; the resemblance is very strong in aspect & in zoology with the plains of Patagonia.— Of Birds we have the Furnarius (2025): Certhia (2020) — white tailed Callandra & Thenca.— Black & white Muscicapa of the Pampas & Gallinazo; it is singular this latter bird not being found in Chili. Diuca (2172)6, although so very common all over Chili, does not appear to have crossed the Andes.—(e)

[278v]

(a) The Gallinozo does not seem to come so far South: it must be owing to dryness of country. We have seen them to the South of the Plata.—

(b) This fact is stated by Molina.—

(e) Also the large tufted Partridge of the R. Negro.— The Ostrich is found on plain of Uspullata 6-7000 ft: it is odd it has not crossed to the other side.—

At Copiapò — Lat 27°20'

Common Sparrow: Diuca, 21776: common Thenca 21697: & white tail do of Patagonia:— Long tail-tit 2193: Wren 2194: Muscicapa 2197, expands tail like a fan:— Muscicapa 2208: Sternus ruber: Dove 2163: Lanius 2124: Icterus 2186 with little yellow patch on shoulder: Scolopax Perdrix: Fringilla 2017: Myotherus 2825: Turdus 2125: Furnarius 2297: & black one of T. del Fuego: Swallow 22008: Hawk 2014: The Caracara of Patagonia, 2029: which I have seen no where else is found in country between Coquimbo & Copiapò.— Partridges although so abundant S. of Guasco are not found here:— Myothera 2172:

Lima Lat 12°

Sternus ruber: Furnarius (2297): common Sparrow: Thenca 2169: Carrancha or Caracara Braziliensis: Gallinazo & Vulture Aura (great limits Falkland Ids & Lima) & Hawk 2014:—

At Concepcion we see commencement of dry country: we have the

Furnarius (2297), Thenca: Sternus Ruber & Scolopax Perdrix: But we also have the Barking bird & Cheucau of the damp forests of the South.—

279

Valparaiso

1834 Aug. Sept.

Mus (2202) Excessively numerous in all parts of the country; frequent by hundreds the hedges, are very injurious to the young corn.— feed during the whole day — are very tame — when they run, they turn up extremity of tail, which gives them a very different appearance from true rats.— seem very subject to be pie-bald & Albinoes.— It is stated they are found on the Volcanic island of Juan Fernandez. if this is true, it is curious.— Called by Molina "Degu".

Corallina 2151 (a) Examined carefully extremities of branches, they were covered by delicate membrane, beneath which is a cellular substance, irregularly hexagonal. each cell had a diameter from 1/3000 to 1/4000th of an inch. These cells appear gradually to become inspissated with calcareous matter till the above structure is no longer visible. Is plentiful on tidal rocks.—

Hot Baths of Cauquenes Water & Gaz The hot baths of Cauquenes have long been celebrated. They are visited by numerous people affected with all sorts of complaints, but chiefly those of the muscles & skin. The patient is placed for several minutes in one of the baths, & then buried beneath blankets so as to induce a violent perspiration. The water is likewise taken internally.— These springs are situated at the foot of the Cordilleras in the valley or ravine of Cauquenes, about 22 leagues to the South of St Jago.— The surrounding district is composed of Porphyries, Breccias & greenstone, all of which have clearly undergone the action of violent heat, but have not flowed in a stream. The Strata are inclined aligned at about a varying angle from the Cordilleras: they are

[279v]

(a) Encrusting Corallinas are present here.

Corallina 3503 Feby — 1836. Hobart town, Van Diemen's land. On lifting up a fragment of Sandstone, which had lately fallen into a tidal pool, I found some fragment branches of this species of Corallina attached to its lower edge.— These branches had been broken off by some violence from their present tuft; & the terminal joints being pressed against the stone had adhæred & expanded.— This foliaceous expansion had precisely the structure of the first growth of what I call "Corallinas inarticulata" [sketch], but from it there were springing fresh buds.— Hence this joint would become the root or point of adhesion to a new tuft: Thinking this manner of propagation was solely the effect of violence, I examined some flourishing tufts; but I there also found a few of the lateral stems, with their heads drooping & so attached to the stone.— Hence we have this novel method of extending the limits of any tuft in the family of Corallinas.

It calls to mind the propagation of trees by laying; & can hardly be supposed to take place in a true Corall, where each cell is inhabited by its Polypus.— The fact is of interest in showing the close identity in nature of the Corallina articulata & inarticulata: & is itself in as much as the observation is made in that part of the family, Where true propagation by ovules has not been observed. Is it possible that the terminal buds are periodically shedded?

280

Valparaiso

1834 Sept.

Hot Baths of Cauquenes traversed by dykes of greenstone. This however is the usual character of the geology of the low hills which immediately flank the Western slope (b) of the Cordilleras.— The springs however burst through a mass of boulders & pebbles, cemented together by a crystallized calcareous base, which skirts each side of the ravine. There are several springs, but only a few yards apart. their temperature differs, this appears to be owing to a greater or less admixture of cold water: the water of the coolest springs has scarcely any taste: in all the springs there is an escape of gas, which escapes bubbles up by intervals. After the great earthquake of 1822 the Springs ceased & the water did not return for nearly a year. It is stated that it never has regained its former (a) volume or temperature.

The man who lives at the baths also assures me that in summer the water is hotter & more plentiful: the former I should expect by the partial drying up of the cold spring.— But the latter statement seems very strange, as I suppose the increased quantity must be owing to the melting of the snow in the higher mountains & these are distant at least 4 or 5 leagues.— The temperature of the hottest bath is such as to allow some people very slowly to immerse their bodies for a few seconds.— M. Gay states that the water contains Mur. of Lime & Carb. of Magnesia!.— I hear of a Hot Spring higher up the valley simply acid.— Is the gaz, which escapes, Carbonic acid from the Mur. acting on the Carb. of Lime, which forms matrix of Conglomerate.—

[280v]

(a) All assertions about temperature are to be taken with great caution: the proof they give is the comparative length of time which it requires to loosen by immersion the feathers of a fowl, in winter & summer & before 1822. (putting the fowl into boiling water is the universal method in S. America of removing the feathers, as we do the bristles of a pig)

(b) There are no active Volcanoes in this part of the Cordilleras, but there is a group of peaks which perhaps forms part of extinct one.— A line however of singularly uneven irregularity in force, line of upheaval crosses the very springs.—

I understand the Earthquake of Concepcion of 1835 stopped the water.