The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1858-06-10

| CHINcHA IsLASDs1The Chincha Islands s;tuated
two miles from the coast of Peru, South America in
,attude "a south, are three in number, known as the
North, Middle, and South Islands. The North Island
mas been most extensively worked, and near two
thirds its guano has been shipped to foreign countries
FROM the Middle Island, about one-half the guano has
oeen taken. The South Island is yet unworked; the
working being prohibited by law.
These islands belong to the Peruvian Government.
rom which 1t derives a heavy revenue, and upon
"hich, In the estimation of many, the existence or
presentation of the government depends.
These islands. with their burden of wealth. have
been the cause of most of the civil connections which
have convulsed Peru for the last fifteen years. But of
THE, more hereafter.
Much speculation has been INDUCED as to the cause
or the deposits Of manure. Some contend il is the
product of a volcanic eruption, $50 frequent in that
country and was Immediately thrown from the bot
tom Of the sea in nearly its present condition. Others
think it has been produced by sea fowls, of which
there are vast quantities on different portions Of the
coast. My opinion is-it has accumulated, many
centuries, and birds have produced a large portion Of
the compound.
But that a portion has been formed from the de-
composition Of sea animals is equally certain, for at
the present time their bodies may be seen on the south
side of the South Island, in different stages of decom-
position; the product varying not in the least from
the surrounding guano. These animals ane princi-
pally sea lions and seal, some of larger growth
three or four hundred pounds weight.
There are many caverns in surrounding uninhab-
tied islands. where these congregate in numbers, and
when Intruded upon, the echo of their roaring is ter
rifying TO any inexperienced visitor.
The Chincha Islands, before the expectation of
guano, were no doubt the resort of many of these ami
mails, where they brought their meals of fish, leaving
the relics to decompose, and add to the pile of ages.
1t is a fact well known, that when these animals
sicken, they invariably come out of water, and strive
to gain the summit of an islam 4. 1t is equally well
known that flesh of all kinds, under certain chemical
changes, produce the best Sal Ammoniac; and we find
this the fertilizing base of guano.
1t is found in n pure state, mixed in the guano-
white salt, known as the Hartshorn; its strength de-
pending on its seclusion from the atmosphere.
From these, and similar facts, it may be considered
certain that this rich deposit has been formed as I de-
scribe.
The depth of the guano on the North Island varies;
its greatest depth is near 50 feet, and it averages
about 40 feet 1t is quite compact, requiring the use
Of the pick to separate it from the mass. 1t is then
easily broken to the required size; much pulverizing
to dusty hneness. In its native state, ii is n dirty
gray color, but when reduced to powder assumes a
reddish cast, similar to brick-bat dust.
So susceptible Of division are its particles, that
much 6es off in the atmosphere, and is swept from
the island by the wind, forming n lengthy cloud,
which scents the air for several miles.
To prepare 6 70 8 tons for shipment, is considered
a davis work for a laborer. The price given TO labor-
ers fer working and delivering the guano at the
g Shoots 40 to so rods distant, is three shillings
per ton
The Government contractor. Don Domingo Elias,
on lower terms; these parties selling contracts and.