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BARREL POSTOFFICE on Postoffice Bay, Floreana 

 Island, stands as a memorial to the many tragedies 

 of the place. At one time it was only a weathered 

 keg, but visiting mariners have rebuilt and painted 

 it so that it bears something of the dignity to which 

 its history entitles it. Visiting ships leave or pick up 

 mail at irregular intervals ranging from a week to a 

 year. Since the island gained so much notoriety 

 after the short-lived reign of the Baroness, ships stop 

 more often if for no other reason than to satisfy the 

 curiosity of travelers. Due to the island's inglorious 

 history, perhaps, the Ecuadorian Government for a 

 time established a seat of authority at Black Beach 

 Anchorage and appointed Sehor Ezequiel Zavala as 

 the Governor's representative to watch over settlers 

 there. Senor Zavala and his wife are shown below 

 with their faithful burro, Fifirichi. 



