Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.1): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

272 DISTRICTS AXD POPULATION. 1829. almost entirely cultivated. The other islands are small, and very close to each other ; but separated by navigable channels, which offer many dangers to the frail vessels in which the islanders move about. The province is divided into ten districts, or Partidos, as follows : 1. San Carlos, containing the northern coast of the island, as far as Chacao. 2. Chacao. The N.E. part of the island. S. Carelmapu and Maullin. 4. Calbuco. 5. Dalcahue, extending from Chacao to Tenoun. 6. Quenac. 7. Quinchao. 8. Castro. 9. Lemuy. 10. Chonchi, which extends from Castro to the south ex- tremity of the island. By the census of 1828, the population of the large island, and those in its neighbourhood would appear to be, com- paratively, very considerable ; the number of souls being 43,131 :* particularly as the greater portion of the interior, and much of the sea-coast, are quite uninhabited. The population of the district of San Carlos is confined principally to the town ; for between it and Chacao, there are very few inhabitants. At Chacao there are only about two hundred houses, and Dalcahue is but thinly occupied: but Castro, Quinchao, and Lemuy, are very populous. These three districts are the most fertile and productive part of the island, particularly for seven or eight miles round Castro. The peninsula opposite to that town, which is entirely cleared, would abundantly repay its cultivators, were industry more common among them. Childe is governed by an ' Yntendente,' or civil governor, who exacts obedience to the constitutional laws, as well as to the orders of the executive powers, and the resolutions of the provincial assembly, which is composed of members, elected • In the year 1783 there were 23,447 (AgUeros) : and in 1832, 43,830.