1. Copaipo, is bounded on the north by the great desert of Atacama, on the east by the Andes, on the south by Coquimbo, and on the west by the Pacific.  It is about 300 English miles long by 120 in breath.  It contains the rivers Salado, Juncal, Chineral, Copaipo, Castagno, Totoral, Quebradaponda, Guasco, and Chollai.  This province abounds in gold, lapis lazuli, sulphur, and fossile salt, which last is found in almost all the mountains of the Andes on its eastern frontiers.  Copaipo its capital is in lat. 27 deg. 15’ S. and long. 70 deg. 53’ W. The northern part of this province, beyond the river Juncal is hardly inhabited, except by hunters of the Vicugnas, which they catch by means of large palisaded inclosures.  Besides lead mines to the north of the river Copaipo, there are several silver mines in this province, and some sugar is made in the valley of the Totoral.  This province has five ports, at Juncal, Chineral, Caldera, Copaipo, and Huasca, or Guasco.  The chief town, Copaipo, situated on the river of the same name, contains a parish church, a convent of the order of Mercy, and a college which formerly belonged to the Jesuits.  The town of San Francisco della Salva, stands on the same river about sixty miles farther inland.

2. Coquimbo, which is divided from Copaipo by the river Huasca or Guasco, is the next province towards the south.  It is accordingly bounded on the north by Copaipo, on the east by the Andes, on the south-east by Aconcagua, on the south-west by Quillota, and on the west by the Pacific.  It is about 135 miles from north to south, and 120 from east to west.  Its principal rivers are the Coquimbo, Tongoi, Limari, and Chuapa.  Its capital is called Coquimbo, or La Serena, founded in 1544 by Valdivia at the mouth of the river Coquimbo in lat. 29 deg. 53’ S long. 71 deg. 12’ W. This city is the residence of several ancient and honourable families, and is situated in a delightful country and charming climate; such being the mild temperature of the air, that though rain seldom falls, the surrounding country is continually verdant.  This province is rich in gold, copper, and iron, and its fertile soil produces grapes, olives, and other fruits in great abundance, both those belonging to Europe, and such as are natural to the country.

3. Quillota, is bounded on the north by Coquimbo, on the east by the province of Aconcagua, on the south by Melipilla, and on the west by the sea.  Its chief rivers are the Longotoma, Ligua, Aconcagua, and Limache; and its territory is among the most populous and most abundant in gold of any in Chili.  The capital, called Quillota or San Martin, stands in a pleasant valley, in lat. 32 deg. 42’ S. and long. 71 deg.  W. having three churches dedicated to the saints Dominic, Francis, and Augustine.  The province likewise contains the cities of Plazza, Plazilla, Ingenio, Cassablanca, and Petorca; which last is very populous, owing to the resort of great numbers of