UP THE RIVER OF TAPIRS 153 



standing, no less than with justice and firmness; and until 

 they become citizens, absorbed into the general body poli- 

 tic, they must be the wards of the nation, and not of any 

 private association, lay or clerical, no matter how well- 

 meaning. 



The Sepotuba River was scientifically explored and 

 mapped for the first time by Colonel Rondon in 1908, as 

 head of the Brazilian Telegraphic Commission. This was 

 during the second year of his exploration and opening of 

 the unknown northwestern wilderness of Matto Grosso. 

 Most of this wilderness had never previously been trodden 

 by the foot of a civilized man. Not only were careful 

 maps made and much other scientific work accomplished, 

 but posts were established and telegraph-lines constructed. 

 When Colonel Rondon began the work he was a major. 

 He was given two promotions, to lieutenant-colonel and 

 colonel, while absent in the wilderness. His longest and 

 most important exploring trip, and the one fraught with 

 most danger and hardship, was begun by him in 1909, on 

 May 3d, the anniversary of the discovery of Brazil. He 

 left Tapirapoan on that day, and he reached the Madeira 

 River on Christmas, December 25, of the same year, hav- 

 ing descended the Gy-Parana. The mouth of this river 

 had long been known, but its upper course for half its 

 length was absolutely unknown when Rondon descended it. 

 Among those who took part under him in this piece of 

 exploration were the present Captain Amilcar and Lieu- 

 tenant Lyra; and two better or more efiicient men for 

 such wilderness work it would be impossible to find. They 

 acted as his two chief assistants on our trip. In 1909 the 

 party exhausted all their food, including even the salt, by 



