Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

1835. EAKTHQUAKE-WAVES— SHOCKS. 407 broke over, dashed along, and whirled about the shipping as if they had been light boats ; overflowed the greater part of the town, and then rushed back with such a torrent that every moveable Avhich the earthquake had not buried under heaps of ruins was carried out to sea. In a few minutes, the vessels were again aground, and a second great wave was seen approaching, with more noise and impetuosity than the first but though this was more powerful, its effects were not so considerable — simply because there was less to destroy. Again the sea fell, dragging away quantities of woodwork and the lighter materials of houses, and leaving the shipping aground. After some minutes of awful suspense, a third enormous swell was seen between Quiriquina and the mainland, apparently larger than either of the two former. Roaring as it dashed against every obstacle with irresistible force, it rushed— destroy- ing and overwhelming — along the shore. Quickly retiring, as if spurned by the foot of the hills, the retreating wave dragged away such quantities of household effects, fences, furniture, and other moveables, that after the tumixltuous rush was over, the sea appeared to be covered with wreck. Earth and water trembled : and exhaustion appeared to follow these mighty efforts. Numbers of the inhabitants then hastened to the ruins, anxious to ascertain the extent of their losses, and to save some money, or a few valuable articles, which, having escaped the sweep of the sea, were exposed to depredators.* During the remainder of the day, and the following night, the earth was not quiet many minutes at a time. Frequent, almost incessant tremors, occasional shocks more or less severe, and distant subterranean noises, kept every one in anx- ious suspense. Some thought the crisis had not arrived, and would not descend from the hills into the ruined town. Those who were searching among the ruins, started at every shock, however slight, and almost doubted that the sea was not actu- * Thieves were numerous in Talcahuano. Directly after the ruin these scoundrels set to work — though crying ' Misericordia,' and with one hand beating their breast — with the other they stole most industriously.