Geology.—The predominant rocks of C. are crystalline and metamorphic. They form the range of the Andes, except in those districts in which active volcanoes exist, where they are covered with recent volcanic rocks. They occupy also the whole of the level ground between. the mountain-range and the shores of the Pacific, with the excep tion of a narrow stretch of palcezoic fossiliferous strata which run along the coast s. from Santiago for a distance of 300 miles. The coast-line of C. is being continually altered from the elevation of the whole country to an extent of at least 1200 m. along the Pacific shores, produced by volcanic agency. In 1822, the coast was raised 4 ft. at Quintero, and 3 ft. at Valparaiso. Oysters and other mollusks were left dry, and per ished, becoming offensive as they decomposed. The change of level was permanent, over an area of 100,000 sq.m., nearly as large as the whole extent of Great Britain and Ireland. A similar extensive elevation was noticed in 1835 by Capt. Fitzroy.
Physically, the continental portion of the republic—for its insular section will, in this respect, be noticed under the head of Cunt:Ir.—presents many singularities. Of all the maritime regions on the globe, it is perhaps the most isolated. On every side but the sea—and that sea very remote from the main thoroughfares of commerce—it is beset by difficulties of communication. With the lonely wilderness of Patagonia to the s., and the dreary desert of Atacama on the n., it is bounded on the e. by a mountain chain which, altogether impracticable in winter, can be crossed, even in summer, only by a few passes ranging between 12,450 ft. and 14,370 in elevation. Moreover, this strip between the Andes and the Pacific is broken into plateaus in the interior, and valleys on the coast, by two longitudinal ranges, with numerous lateral spurs; while, throughout the length and breadth, the general level gradually descends, as well to the s. as to the west. In point of mere temperature, so rugged a surface—covering fully 15° of lat., and attaining an altitude of more than 4 m. within about 2° of long.—
tnust present nearly every possible variety. Through the reciprocal action of time Andes (q.v.) and the prevailing winds, the rain-fall graduates itself, with something of mathe matical regularity, from the parching skies of the n. to the drenching clouds of the s.— a graduation which, disturbed merely by the melting of the mountain-snows, is, in a great measure, necessarily reflected in the condition and magnitude of time countless water-courses. Hence time rivers to the n. of the Maypo, which enters the Pacific near lat. 34°, are but inconsiderable streams; while, further to the s., the 3laule, the I3iobio, and the Calacalla are all to some extent navigable.
From the cause last mentioned, different districts. vary remarkably in their produc tions. To the n. of the Coquimbo, about lat. 30°, is chiefly an arid waste, redeemed, however, from being valueless by its mines; and to the s. of the Biobio, about lat. 37°, timber and pasturage divide the soil between them. The intermediate center alone is fitted for agriculture, yielding, besides maize and hemp, European rrrains and fruits in abundance: Notwithstanding all the varieties and vicissitudes of climate, the country may claim to be, on the whole, extremely healthy. The manufactures are earthen wares, copper-wares, linens, cordage, soap, leather, and brandy; and, in addition to the wheat and metals already specified, the exports, especially to the south, embrace tallow, hides, jerked beef, and live-stock. C. had, in 1878, 1050 m. of railways. Santiago is connected with Buenos Ayres by a line going over a pass of the Andes 6,000 ft high. There are also common roads; but they are neither numerous nor good. In fact, the want of highways and bridges is a serious obstacle to the progress of trade and cultiva tion. In the basin of the lower Biobio, coal is plentiful.