EL CARMEN, OR PATAGONES. RIO NEGRO. 



CHAPTER IV 



Rio Negro — Estancias attacked by the Indians — Salt Lakes — Flamingoes — R. 

 Negro to R. Colorado — Sacred Tree — Patagonian Hare — Indian Families — 

 General Rosas — Proceed to Bahia Blanca — Sand Dunes — Negro Lieutenant — 

 Bahia Blanca — Saline Licrustations — Punta Alta — Zorillo. 



RIO NEGRO TO BAHIA BLANCA 



July 2AftJi, 1833. — The Beagle sailed from Maldonado, and on 

 August the 3rd she arrived off the mouth of the Rio Negro. 

 This is the principal river on the whole line of coast between 

 the Strait of Magellan and the Plata. It enters the sea about 

 three hundred miles south of the estuary of the Plata. About 

 fifty years ago, under the old Spanish government, a small 

 colony was established here ; and it is still the most southern 

 position (lat. 41°) on this eastern coast of America, inhabited by 

 civilised man. 

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