ESTABLISHMENT OF STATION 



27 



the equally large Essequibo, while the mouth of the Cuyuni 

 River was the same distance above. All three rivers were 

 visible, together with nine islands. To the East lay the rub- 

 ber plantation of Mr. Withers, and across the river the tiny 

 group of compact, attractive buildings of the Government 

 Rest House and the Penal Settlement. Beyond these and 

 toward all other points of the compass solid jungle covered 

 the rolling hills. 



Xo more central spot could be found, nor one more 

 delicately balanced between the absolute primitive wilder- 

 ness and those comforts of civilization which mean continual 

 health and the ability to use body and brain to the utmost. 

 Three times a week a little steamer brought ice, fresh vege- 

 tables and mail. Georgetown could be reached in five min- 

 utes by telegraph and New York half an hour later by 





Photo by W. B. 



FIG. 4. KALACOON HOUSE 



