Chapter II. 



of ;i numerous car;ivan of poiteis were required to eo\er this 

 ground. 



The construction of this railway was a truly great work, 

 owini^- t() the serious obstacles which liad to be overcome. It 

 stands as a witness to splendid perseverance and resolution in 

 an incessant struggle for si.x; years against the gravest difficulties. 

 Vast tracts of tlie countrv are absolutely lacking in water or 

 I'esources, and, in fact, practically a desert. A great part of the 

 way passes over mountains wliere the line rises to a height 

 of 7,700 feet, descends to G,000, and mounts again to 8, ."500, 

 only to drop down to 3,700 on the shore of the lake. 



KlSUjrU MARKET. 



No help was iorthcoming iiom the natives, mere naked 

 savages, devoid of industry or skill, incapable of work in any 

 shape whatsoever. It was necessary to transport an armv of 



38 



