Chiloé

Chiloé, the insular province of Chili, consists of the island of that name on the west coast, which is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait on the N., and by a gulf 30 miles wide on the E., and has a length of 115 miles, and an extreme breadth of 43 miles, and of a number of neighbouring islets, mostly uninhabited; total area, 3980 sq. m.; pop. about 83,000, almost all Indians living on the principal island. Chiloé proper is hilly in the interior, and everywhere covered, except immediately along the shores, with nearly impassable forest. The climate is mild and not unhealthy, although inordinately wet. The Indians belong to a subdivision of the Araucanian family; they are a gentle and honest race, mostly engaged in fishing and in lumbering, timber being at present the chief export from the island, although immense deposits of coal have been reported. The capital, Ancud, on the north coast, has a good harbour, but is meanly built; it is the seat of a bishop, and has a population of 6000.