Rigidly measured, there would be a larger superficies enclosed within the outlines, than is shown in the pre ceding table, but as a habitable section of the earth, the table yields a more conclusive result than would an ag gregate including extensive tracts upon which a dense population could not subsist. In its actual state, if we suppose the inhabitants to have augmented to a million, there are only 82 on 100 square miles. In fact, the great error committed by the Spaniards in colonizing America, was that of spreading their physical force over too wide a surface; therefore, the actual settlements, after a lapse of three centuries, are detached from each other, and individually weak, if we except Mexico and a part of Co lombia and of Peru.
On one million of square miles of the Republic of Rio de la Plata, 200 persons to the square mile could be amply supported, or that country might sustain a population of two hundred millions, which would be nearly equal to that of Europe at the present time.
To the south from the basin of the Rio de la Plata, again spreads a vast region in the temperate latitudes, which in the course of events must receive a civilized population from the contiguous provinces; it is therefore no risk to say that there is a continuous surface of one million and a half of square miles on which the popula tion of the republic of the Plate may expand, and it is as safe to say, that the population of these regions will dou ble in each 30 years.
In treating of the three great divisions of Colombia, Brazil, and the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, though the data was far from being in either case ample or perfect, yet the elements for the residue of South America, are still more deficient ; but we hope to make the view correct, as far as our means will admit.
In regard to geographical connexion, the republic of Chili, or more correctly Chile, follows that of the Rio de la Plata, having the great system of the Andes inter vening.