Chilean trade has reached very respectable figures in recent years. The total exports for the year 1910 amounted to $115,792,811, of which $98,234,035 were mineral exports. Of this nitrate comprised the greatest item. Great Britain took nearly one-half the exports; the United States purchased $24,680,278, slightly more than Germany, which was a decided increase over the preceding year. The imports amounted to $108,627,188. Great Britain sent almost one-third of this, Germany was second with less than one-fourth, and the United States was third with goods valued at $13,369,774, or about one-eighth of the whole. Next in order came France, Argentina, Peru and India. Spain, the mother country, furnished less than one per cent. of the whole. This shows a large per capita importation, amounting to more than $30.00, which is exceeded only by Argentina and Uruguay, and shows a trade well worth looking after. Of the goods imported textiles were one-fourth of the whole. Mineral products, including coal, oil products, etc., are a third, and machinery constituted about eleven per cent. of the whole. Machinery and petroleum products are the principal importations from the United States. The American firm of W. R. Grace & Co. occupy a prominent position in the commercial world along the west coast of South America, where it is the largest firm engaged in business. Its founder, Wm. R. Grace, was born in Ireland, but came to Peru in his youth. After making a success in business there he went to New York and established the head offices of his company. He became a citizen of the United States, and assisted the government on several occasions. Mr. Grace became very prominent in that metropolis. He was twice elected mayor, and gave a very creditable administration. Mr. Grace died in 1904. W. R. Grace & Co. took over the Oroya Railroad in Peru and completed it. They recently constructed the Chilean end of the Transandine Railway, and have been engaged in many other important public works in Chile, Peru and Bolivia. The foundation of the fortune of Grace & Co. was guano and nitrate, and a line of boats are run between the west coast and New York, although flying the English flag. Branch houses are established in the principal cities of Chile, and an immense business is done in importation and exportation. The principal offices are still maintained in New York, although one of the members of the firm lives in London. Chile’s dependence upon the sea renders foreign trade an essential element in her prosperity. She has a hardy seafaring population, and thousands are employed in that occupation. She is probably destined to have a much larger part in the coast carrying trade in the future. Next to the national steamers, the British have the biggest share in the carrying trade of Chile. [Illustration: A TYPICAL COAST SCENE.]