CHAPTER XII

ALONG COAST TO MAGELLAN STRAITS

Arica, the Emerald Gem of the West Coast--Memorable Earthquake History--A Future Emporium of Commerce for the Canal--Iquique the Nitrate Port--Value of the Trade--Antofagasta’s Copper Exports--Caldera and the Trans-Andine Railway to Argentina--Valparaiso’s Preëminence among Pacific Ports--Extensive Shipping and Execrable Harbor--Plans for Improvement--No Fear of Loss from the Interoceanic Waterway--Coal and Copper at Lota--Concepcion and Other Towns--Rough Passage into the Straits--Cape Pillar--Punta Arenas, the Southernmost Town of the World--Trade and Future 180