i2 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



the Yahgana of the Cape Horn region and the more southern parts of 

 the archipelago, and the Alaculofs of the western channels, who like 

 the Yahgans, are canoe Indians. All are disappearing in the face of 

 the long, irregular warfare maintained between themselves and the white 

 race. In half a century they have diminished from perhaps forty or 

 fifty thousand to certainly less than one thousand. It is to be regretted 

 that the canoe Indians have not been the subject of more study by 

 ethnologists, as they probably are the least known of wild tribes, and 

 the lowest in the scale of intelligence and development. 



In the vicinity of Punta Arenas, which marks about the first third 

 of the westward journey through the straits, the general aspect of the 

 country undergoes a change. Hills and patches of forest appear. 

 The climate also changes appreciably, the western part of the region 

 being much more stormy and rainy. From this neighborhood may be 

 seen to the southward on clear days the white summit of Mt. Sar- 

 miento, nearly one hundred miles away. It is 7,000 feet in elevation 

 — the highest peak in Tierra del Fuego — and its summit is as yet un- 

 trodden by man. Sir Martin Conway succeeded in reaching a height 

 of only 4,000 feet when his party was driven back by appalling storms 

 of sleet. 



The resemblances to northern species which were noticeable among 

 many of the birds, were traceable among the wild flowers. There were 

 dandelions, buttercups, ground orchids, anemones, yellow violets, 

 geraniums, gentians, yellow star-grass, primroses and marigolds, and 

 probably hosts of others not observed because not in bloom. Many of 

 those met with are unfortunately not namable except in botanical 

 terms. Growing close to the ground and very striking was a large 

 pink flower 8 of great beauty common along the western shores. There 

 were ferns of many kinds. A barberry shrub 9 was found everywhere, 

 and a fine currant bush 10 was often seen. Our greatest surprise was at 

 the size and beauty of the Fuchsia, which forms thickets ten or 

 twelve feet high and bears a wonderful abundance of flowers much 

 frequented by humming birds. 



The contradictions presented by nature were remarkable: with 

 cold rain storms blowing over the mountains and beating fiercely down 

 into the channels, chilly mists and lowering skies perhaps most of the 

 time, we must yet believe it summer where, at the same time, hum- 

 ming birds, parrots and flamingoes, beautiful flowers and ripe berries 

 are to be found. The line of perpetual snow is only 2,000 or 3,000 

 feet above tide water, while the mean summer temperature is about 

 50 degrees. 



However mild and bright occasional days might be, the forests 

 were always damp to the point of saturation. The excessive moisture 



8 Philesia buxifoUa. 



Empetrum. 



"' Rites magellanicum. 



