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

424 MAULE— CONSTITUCION. April used. There are objections to it, by no means insuperable, which have alarmed people, and checked the working of those mines. It is said to be very bituminous — that it burns too quickly to ashes to answer well for smith's work, because it does not give heat enough — and that it is liable to spontaneous combustion. The last objection might be removed by keeping the coal under water,* and coking-f- would render it available for the forge. Some geologists say that it is ' mere lignite,' and think very lightly of its quantity or value ; but practical men will doubtless attach some value to what has been proved by experience. On the 17th of April, the Beagle sailed from Concepcion Bay, examined Coliumo, and, coasting along, anchored off the Maule River on the SOth. In a very thick fog, during the night of the 19th, while carrying sail to get an offing, we were within a fathom of being run down by a vessel crossing us on the opposite tack. As both ships were under all sail, and it was dark, our momentary sensations were far from agreeable. To land here was perplexing enough, for a heavy surf broke on the bar of the river, and nearly as much along the shore ; but with some risk and difficulty we effected our purpose in two light whale-boats, which could be hauled up directly they touched the beach. Nearly all the population of a thriving village, called Constitucion, came down to meet us (on the 21st), and assist in hauling our boats up the steep though yielding sand, where, for our comfort, they told us a whole boat's crew had been drowned, not long previously, in attempt- ing to land. From a height overlooking the river, village, and neighbourhood, we enjoyed a veiy pleasing view, so long as we turned away from the bar of the river, and the surf. A rich country and a fine river are pleasing things at all times, but the difficult approach to Constitucion mars half its beauty. Only the smallest craft can cross the bar ; it is dangerous * I do not mean merely wet, but well saturated and covered with water till required for use. t It has been coked, and found to answer well.