it. This game has its established laws, which the judges oblige them very strictly to observe; notwithstanding which, many disputes occur. The successful players acquire great reputation, and are invited to all the principal parties that are made in the country. When two provinces challenge each other, as frequently happens, this amusement becomes a public spectacle. An immense crowd of people collect, and bet very largely. The peasants of the Spanish provinces have introduced among this game, and their families, in reference to it, are divided into two parties called plazas and lampas. It has become one of their most favourite amusements, notwithstanding the proclamations issued from time to time by the government against all those who encourage or promote it. What we have said of the Araucanians does not altogether apply to the Puelches, or inhabitants of the fourth Uthalmapu, situated in the Andes. These, although they conform to the general customs of the nation, always discover a greater degree of rudeness and savageness of manners. Their name signifies eastern-men. They are of lofty stature, and are fond of hunting, which induces them frequently to change their habitations, and extend their settlements not only to the eastern skirts of the Andes, but even to the borders of the lake Naguelguapi, and to the extensive plains of Patagonia on the shores of the North Sea. The Araucanians hold these mountaineers in high estimation for the important services which they occasionally render them, and for the fidelity which they have ever observed in their alliance with them. THE CIVIL HISTORY OF CHILI. BOOK III. CHAPTER I. The Araucanians attack the Spaniards under the conduct of Aillavalu, and afterwards that of Lincoyan; Valdivia makes incursions into their territory, and founds therein the cities of Imperial, Villarica, Valdivia, and Angol, with several other places. THE Araucanians having resolved, as was h V new enemies, who had advanced to meet him to the shores of the Andalien. After the first discharge of musketry, which the Araucanians sustained without being terrified or disconcerted, thus early manifesting how little they would regard it when rendered familiar by habit, Aillavalu, with a rapid movement, fell at once upon the front and flanks of the Spanish army. They on their part forming themselves into a square, supported by their cavalry, received the furious attacks of the enemy with their accustomed valour, killing a great number of them, but losing at the same time many of their own men. The battle remained undecided for several hours. The Spaniards were thrown into some disorder, and their general was exposed to imminent danger, having had his horse killed under him, when Aillavalu, hurried forwards by a rash courage, received a mortal wound. The Araucanians, having lost their general, with many of their most valiant officers, then retired, but in good order, leaving the field to the Spaniards, who had no disposition to pursue them. Valdivia, who had been in many battles in Europe as well as America, declared that he ad never been exposed to such imminent hazard of his life, as in this engagement; and, much a IStonished at the valour and military skill of the se people, he immediately set about constructing a strong fortification near the city, expecting shortly to be attacked again. In fact, no sooner were the Araucanians informed of the death of their general, than they sent against him another army still more numerous, under the com-. mand of Lincoyan. This officer, from his gigantic stature, and a certain show of courage, had acquired high reputation among his companions in arms, but he was naturally timid and irresolute, and was much better suited for a subaltern station than for that of commander in chief. The new Toqui, in the year 1551, formed his troops into three divisions, and marched to attack the Spaniards. Such was the terror inspired by the approach of the Araucanians, that the Spaniards, after confessing themselves, and partaking of the sacrament, took shelter under the cannon of their fortifications. But Lincoyan finding the first attack unsuccessful, apprehensive of losing the army committed to his charge, ordered a precipitate retreat, to the great surprise of Valdivia, who, apprehensive of some stratagem, forbad his soldiers to pursue the fugitives. When it was discovered that the enemy had retreated in good earnest, they began to consider their flight as a special mark of the favour of heaven, and, in the fervour of their enthusiasm, there were not wanting some who declared that they had seen the Apostle St. James upon a white |