278 THROUGH THE HEART OF PATAGONIA 



still, and the water in consequence calmer. It was during this 

 period of waiting that we arranged the following programme, 

 which I find scribbled upon a page of my diary : 



PICNICS IN PATAGONIA. 



Arranged by the Patagonian Picnicking Company on the most lavish scale. 



On the Free Pampas ! 



Over glorious Lakes ! ! 



Through illimitable Forests ! ! ! ! I 



Ladies and gentlemen desiring to make this unique trip should communicate at once 

 with the Secretary, Herr Bernardo Hahansen. 



Unequalled Scenery ! ! ! Horse Exercise 1 ! ! 



Guanaco Shooting ! ! ! Ostrich Hunting ! ! ! 



A special feature will be made of water-trips in the magnificent steam-yacht, the 

 fastest boat on Lake Argentine, commanded by an officer of immense experience and 

 charming manners, who has instructions to do all that he can for the comfort of the 

 passengers. 



WRITE EARLY. 



Applications are pouring in. Only a limited number of passengers can be accom- 

 modated. Don't be one of the disappointed ! You pay ;f 500. We do the rest !!!!!!! 



N.B. — The cultured conversation of the Chief Engineer free of charge. (Gratuities 

 regarded merely as a graceful compliment.) 



Passengers are expected to insure their lives in favour of the Company for sums of 

 not less than /'looo each with respectable Insurance Companies. 



The engagement of picturesque heathen camp-servants will be made a special study 

 by the Company. 



At length, weary of waiting on the wind's vagaries, we deter- 

 mined to start by night, during the quieter period we usually 

 then enjoyed, and make what progress we could up the intri- 

 cacies of Hellgate. Accordingly, at i o'clock p.m. on May 3, we 

 began our voyage. We passed through Hellgate and left many 

 silent bays behind us as we kept on our course just outside the inky 

 shadow of the cliffs. The water was still working after the blow of 

 the daytime, but on the whole we had favourable weather and the 

 stars shone brightly. With dawn the wind arose and we were 

 forced to put in to an anchorage on the east shore of the Fjord. 



