The word "Valparaiso" (vl´ på-ri´ s) means "valley of paradise." The Spaniards, who discovered it, had been cruising for weeks along the barren coast of western South America. Suddenly they came to this sheltered bay with its background of tree-covered hills, beyond which lies the rich valley of Chile. The name they gave it on the spot is as fitting today as it was then. Valparaiso is still the paradise of sailors on the western coast of South America. This entire coast has only four or five harbors worthy of the name. This is because the Andes Mountains lie so close to the ocean the shores are not indented by bays or the mouths of great rivers. The shipping of Valparaiso is by far the most important of any harbor on this west coast. Its commerce amounts yearly to $65,000,000. As you see in the view the city is built about the bay in the shape of a half moon. It extends from the water's edge to the heights overlooking the bay. The streets are steep and winding, but well made. The business part of the city is on the level stretch along the shore. The stores, shops, banks, and machine shops look like those of the cities you know. There are electric lights, and you go up the steep streets on cable cars. Or you take an elevator. Valparaiso is about the size of Columbus, Ohio. It is the outlet for the products of the rich Chilean valley that lies back of it-grains, wines, leather, wool, and saltpeter. Measure the length and width of Chile on your map. What other cities are on the west coast of South America? How does the longitude of Valparaiso compare with that of Boston? Of Washington, D. C.? How far is it from Valparaiso to Panama? To San Francisco? Keystone ID: 21865 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.