The Headwaters of the Paraguay 135 



running northward between the Gy-Parana and the Ju- 

 ruena; he could only guess where it debouched, believing 

 it to be into the Madeira, although it was possible that 

 it entered the Gy-Parana or Tapajos. The region 

 through which it flows was unknown, no civilized man 

 having ever penetrated it; and as all conjecture as to 

 what the river was, as to its length, and as to its place 

 of entering into some highway river, was mere guess- 

 work, he had entered it on his sketch maps as the Rio 

 da Diivida, the River of Doubt. Among the officers of 

 the Brazilian Army and the scientific civilians who have 

 accompanied him there have been not only expert cartog- 

 raphers, photographers, and telegraphists, but astrono- 

 mers, geologists, botanists, and zoologists. Their reports, 

 published in excellent shape by the Brazilian Govern- 

 ment, make an invaluable series of volumes, reflecting 

 the highest credit on the explorers, and on the govern- 

 ment itself. Colonel Rondon's own accounts of his ex- 

 plorations, of the Indian tribes he has visited, and of the 

 beautiful and wonderful things he has seen, possess a 

 peculiar interest. 



