Chile

Abstract

THIS anonymous volume written in English is doubtless meant to diffuse a knowledge of Chile and particularly of Chilean resources and trade in English-speaking countries, but there is no preface to indicate its aim or the personality of its editor. In about fifty short chapters it contains a comprehensive survey of Chile, its life and conditions, including a good deal of statistical matter, which might, however, in some cases be fuller and more recent. The volume, as a whole, gives a good idea of the amazing strides which Chile has made during the last century. The great drawback, however, to volumes of this nature, especially when they are anonymous, is the lack of critical spirit. In that respect this volume does not escape. The picture is painted in colours that are often too bright, with the result that it leaves one with the impression of a country so bountifully endowed by ature as to be almost without drawbacks. For example, the chapter on climate, without ignoring the heavy rainfall, strong winds, and gloomy weather of the far south, contrives to give them considerably less space than the more beneficent Mediterranean climate further north. Apart from this criticism there are few omissions in the book, but some authentic account of the little-known Chilean possessions of Juan Fernandez and Easter Island might have been added.

Chile.

Pp. 301. (Santiago: The Chilean Government, 1915.)