The population of Chile is not large when its possibilities are considered. It is very unevenly distributed. The number of persons to the square mile is less than one-half the proportion in the United States. The pure white population are undoubtedly in the minority. The following table shows the names of provinces, with their area and population according to government census of 1907:

The following table shows the population according to the several censuses taken:—

II
MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES

The Coast, or Maritime range of mountains in Chile does not present, like the Andean range, a continuous chain, but is broken by valleys and small plains, as well as by rivers in their course to the ocean. The slopes of this range are generally formed by a succession of hills, frequently covered with vegetation, but which rarely exceed six thousand feet in height. In places cross ridges connect this range with its loftier neighbouring range, where the two systems seem to merge into one. The three highest peaks in the Maritime range are Cerro de Limon Verde (11,380 ft.), Cerro de Agua Amarga (10,550 ft.) and Cerro de la Campana de Quillota (9,325 ft.)

The Andean range of mountains is a succession of high mountains with lofty peaks covered with the everlasting snows. At intervals passes are formed in this cordillera, which permit access from one side to the other. The lowest of these is that of Perez Rosales (3,230 ft.) in Southern Chile, and the highest is Agua Negra (15,715 ft.). The highest point of the Andes is Mount Aconcagua, and from there to the south the altitude gradually decreases until it reaches sea level at the Straits of Magellan.

The following table gives the names and height of the principal peaks of this range of lofty mountains according to the best estimates.

III
SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAVELLERS

The completion of the Panama Canal, which is promised by 1914, will make the access to the west coast of South America much more convenient. Without doubt there will be established at that time a direct line of steamers from New York to Valparaiso, which will touch at a number of intermediate ports between Panama and that city. At the present time it is necessary to take a steamer from New York, or New Orleans, to Colon, a journey of six or seven days, cross the isthmus by train, and then embark on another steamer from Panama to Valparaiso. Two lines of steamers, the Pacific Steam Navigation Company (recently absorbed by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company) and the CompaÑia Sud Americana de Vapores, render this service, but sometimes it is necessary to transship at Callao, Peru. There is also a Peruvian line of fast steamers to Callao. The quickest service between Panama and Valparaiso is twelve days, and, if one takes the slower coast steamers, the time is longer by several days. The trip is, however, a very interesting one and full of scenic beauty, as well as novelty. It gives the traveller an opportunity to get a glimpse of Jamaica, and to see the great work of Uncle Sam on the isthmus, which is undoubtedly the most stupendous undertaking ever attempted by man. Furthermore, it would be difficult to find smoother seas over which to sail.

From Guayaquil, Ecuador, the traveller is enabled to visit Quito, the capital of this equatorial republic, which is situated at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, and almost on the equatorial line. One can visit Lima, capital of Peru, and one of the most interesting cities in South America, and can also visit La Paz, capital of Bolivia, and the highest capital in the world. By taking the transcontinental line across South America to Buenos Aires, and returning to New York by the east coast route, one is enabled to visit the leading republics of South America, and thus gain an adequate idea of the entire continent. There is a very good line of steamers from Buenos Aires to New York, stopping at Montevideo, Uruguay, Santos, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, Brazil, and Barbados Island; or, if time is not urgent, the traveller can return via Europe at only a slightly increased cost. The cost of such a trip from New York back to New York, including all necessary expenses at sea, except gratuities, is about five hundred dollars. This does not cover any of the expenses on land. The trip around the southern end of the continent through the Straits of Magellan is most interesting, and the scenery is magnificent. The cost, however, is more, and the time involved is ten days greater.

The language of Chile is Spanish, but, in the cities and towns, there is very little difficulty for one not familiar with that language to get along without much embarrassment. Comfortable hotels will be found in Valparaiso, Santiago and many other cities. The prices are rather higher than for similar accommodations in the United States. The rates are generally inclusive, and provide coffee and rolls in the morning, which are generally served in the bedroom, and two substantial meals which are very similar in their menu. The railroad equipment of the Chilean railroads is generally quite good, and one will find the only real Pullman cars in South America. Chair cars will be found on some of the State Railway trains, and sleepers also in the long journeys. The railroad fare is exceedingly cheap, and one wonders how the service can be provided at such a low cost.

The money of Chile is arranged on the same system as our own, the standard being the peso, which is divided into one hundred centavos and has a value of about twenty-one cents, but the rate of exchange varies somewhat from day to day. Exchange is always based on the value of the English sovereign. The money is nearly all paper and very little gold will be found in circulation. The price of most articles of wear is rather high, because of the import duties. One will notice in travelling on the English steamers that the barber carries a very large stock of goods, and at each of the ports many people call on him and purchase various articles, because his prices are so much lower than those on shore. English book stores will be found in the cities, where books and magazines can be purchased. The tariff for cab charges in all the cities is very low and the equipment poor, but the traveller should be sure to inform himself of the legitimate charges, or he will pay for his experience. The cab driver of Chile is very much like his counterpart the world over. Street car fares are very cheap also.

The traveller must always remember that the seasons south of the equator are reversed, and that summer time in that part of the world is the winter season in the northern climates. As one goes south the temperature becomes cooler, being just the reverse of conditions in northern latitudes. The temperature also changes with the altitude, and this fact must be borne in mind when arrangements are being made for the clothing to be taken on the trip. Each thousand feet of elevation makes a very perceptible change in the temperature.

IV
BIBLIOGRAPHY