CENTRAL CHILE.—The third region of Chile, that part of the Great Valley with a Mediterranean type of climate, is the most important from an agricultural point of view. On the coastal range and on the slopes of the Andes, there is much good grazing ground, while the chief products of the valley itself are vines and wheat, which are generally grown under irrigation, the water being supplied by streams from the mountains. It is only in the extreme south of this part of the country that irrigation is unnecessary, and there the vine ceases to grow. The existence of the large mining population in Northern Chile creates a con siderable demand for agricultural produce, and the amount of wheat exported abroad is less than formerly. The manufacture of wine is also an important national industry, and Chilean wines are much in demand both at home and in the neighbouring States. Among other products of this region are all varieties of warm temperate and sub-tropical fruits.
Industrial development, apart from mining, has been slow in Chile, and manufacturing pursuits are not engaged in to any great extent. The population of the country is small, and mainly
occupied in mining and agriculture ; and there is a want both of the capital and labour necessary for manufactures. In and around Valparaiso and Santiago, there are numerous establishments engaged in weaving, tanning, brewing, sugar refining, etc. Water power is abundant, and coal is obtained from the province of Concepcion—chiefly from the district around Coronel. As much of this coal is lignitic and not suited for all purposes, while British and Australian coal is imported very cheaply by nitrate ships, less than 1,000,000 tons per year is produced.
This part of Chile is the most highly developed and the most densely populated. Along the valley lie a series of towns, of which Santiago is the most important ; while along the coast, opposite gaps in the coastal range, are such ports as Valparaiso, Constitucion, Talcahuano, and Coronel.