The Chilote Indians inhabit the Island of Chiloe, and a portion of the
coast country in the province of Llanquihue, in which territory they
constitute the working population. They are a light copper color, and
differ materially in physical appearance from the Araucanians. They
are short in stature, heavy-set, broad, square shoulders, thick necks,
large heads, hands and feet. They have no chiefs or tribal government,
being peculiarly unrestrained in their personal lives by traditional
laws or government. They are peaceful and industrious. Each person
pursues such occupation as he may find or desire, that will afford a
living, without regard to the wishes or requirements of others. The
chief occupation of this small tribe in recent years is the manufacture
of a rough grade of lumber and timbers from a species of red pine,
called alerce. This wood has a beautiful straight grain, and the boards
are made by riving, instead of sawing. This rough lumber is transported
long distances upon the heads of the Indians, to the coast and interior
towns, where the product is exchanged for articles of food and clothing.
The Chono Indians, inhabiting the archipelagoes of Guitecas and
Chonos, are few in numbers and live in a barbarous state. They live
in caves and small brush huts, and subsist entirely upon fish, which
they procure along the island coast. The Chonos are small in stature,
repulsive in appearance, and in intelligence, and their manner of
living ranks little above animals.