24 C. U. C. P. ALUMNI JOURNAL February, 1918 



trying- to sleep amidst this noise and confusion, in the presence of the strong 

 lights and with no protection against mosquitoes and other insects, can readily be 

 imagined. 



In spite of all the inconveniences and physical discomforts, these river 

 journeys are of the most interesting character and full of enjoyment for those 

 who are able to let their novel observations and experiences occupy their thoughts 

 to the exclusion of the unpleasant features. On every steamer will be found men 

 from every section of the country and from various other countries as well. Not 

 only by participating in or listening to conversations in which the most remarka- 

 ble experiences are discussed, but in observing the habits and manners of fellow 

 passengers, extending from the highest officials of the government, and men of 

 great wealth and influence, to pure-blooded Indians, often only half civilized, one 

 is never at a loss for mental occupation. 



The scenery along the river bank is both beautiful and interesting and is of 

 the most varied description. Along the lower part of the stream there are vast 

 prairies covered with high grasses and sedges and interspersed with greater or 

 lesser areas covered with shrubbery and forest growth. Often it will be a forest 

 of magnificent palms, again a jungle of lovely bamboos, or a swamp filled with 

 tall pampas grass. As we ascend the river we enter a region where the heavy 

 forest growth comes directly to the edge of the stream, its margin being draped 

 with magnificent flowering vines. After the first two or three days, the steamer 

 enters the hill region. Previous to this time, the mountain ranges have been 

 almost continuously in view, both upon the right and upon the left. Now they 

 crowd inward upon the valley and the river begins to dodge in and out among 

 their foothills, occasionally sweeping the very base of a high naked cliff. At La 

 Dorado, we disembark and find a train waiting for us upon the high bank of the 

 river. Here our baggage is taken by some porter whom we have engaged for 

 the purpose and is carried up the bank to the railroad station. At these places 

 one must never trust entirely either to the honesty or the ability of his porter. 

 At nearly every river port there are some porters who will steal unguarded lug- 

 gage, especially small objects left in their care. They of course charge the theft 

 upon someone else and there is no telling whether or no they are parties to the 

 transaction. Not infrequently also, it will be found that a part of one's baggage 

 has been taken off by some other passenger at a stopping place during the night. 

 Whenever possible, it is desirable to rise at these night stops and keep an eye 

 upon one's luggage. Even then we are not always safe, for deck passengers may 

 cut open our packages during the night, abstract some valuables and repair the 

 damage so that it is not detected until long afterwards. At length we shall find 

 the train moving out from La Dorado and carrying us upon a journey of some 

 fifty miles to Beltram, the river port just above the falls. On the way we shall 

 make a more or less extended stop at La Honda, perhaps being obliged to 

 go to the hotel there and Avait for the morning train. This ride is a very 



