The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-11-27

The supply of fish Is practically mex
haYstible and must at some future time
become a source OF profit 10 some enter
rrising concern that will procure the nee
essarv outfits for catching them in large
numbers and shipping theIl TO Nalpa-
raise. The lobster Goldfish, cells or the
conger type, turbot, founders, paddock
sea mullet, sardines, rock cod and many
other varieties of fish are all caught in
shallow waters.
OYSTERS. too. with white shells, are
found in abundance clinsing to the rocky
shores. and are Of delicious flavor. The
Holsters are of the largest size known to
exist in the Pacific Ocean. their flesh ten
der and juicy and there is no doubt If
brought in a fresh state 10 Valparaiso
they would meet with a ready sale.
AS the ship approached the island
toward dusk, the dark green vegetation,
tinted here and there with whitish marks,
due TO the decayed and faded grasses.
with the waning sunlight touching por-
tons Of the sombre rocky background and
glinting the slopes OF the ravines, afforded
a picturesque and novel scene. Anchor
ing in Cumberland bay, SeLor Alfredo de
Rodt Ga Swiss by birth, but Gillian cit
izen) came on board. For several years
this man has enjoyed the privilege Of
lessee of the island from the government.
Another visitor was Pedro Arredondo a
Chileno, who prefers the comparatively
solitary life afforded to the more civilized
surroundings Of the mainland Arrendon
do has resided on Masa-a-Tierra since 1868
and has no desire 10 return TO Valparaiso.
The other two male inhabitants Of the
island are a Portuguese deserter from 4
whaling vessel and a Chileno named Vera,
both supporting their families by catching
fish and cultivating the land. In the
proper season these men, heretofore, have
earned considerable mony by killing fur
seals. But as thei redistribution has been
suspended by order Of the government
they will be deprived Of this source Of
revenue.
1t is very rare that vessels call at the
island; ships go past, sailing over the
ocean within the gaze Of all the residents,
but unless il be a government YES sci on
its annual visit from Valparaiso no sound
Of cable rafting through the hawsepipes
greets the ears of the few residents.
Clothing Of all kinds, the simple luxuries
Of life. such as tea. coffee, sugar, salt
beef and tobacco, are eagerly sought for
by these people in exchange for FISH, seal
skins, pieces Of sandal wood and other
products OF the island.
y peculiar species of the palm family,
called i'm Spanish La Chonta, is found on
the two islands. The CHILEAN Govern
ment, fearing its extinction, has pro-
hibited the cutting, but in some cases the
residents dispose OF walking canes made
from the trees. The wood is very hard,
veined with running black streaks inter-
mingled with alternate bands of olive
tints. 1t grows on the tops of the most
inaccessible cliffs and seems to be partial
to the highest peaks. The tree, with its
broad leaves. dark green in hue. dropping
gracefully, is a pretty aspect among the
dense fern growth Of the island
Sandal wood too, i'm former years was
found growing on both Mas-a-Tierra and
s-a-Fuera, but the rapacity OF the
traders caused its extinction. Nowadays
pieces Of the wood are dug up in d semi
fossilized state or petrihed. but still re-
tanning an exquisite fragrance.
In the morning after the Abtao arrived
in Cumberland Bay Captain Beaugen-
cecy gave permission to party to land.
Quite a number OF cadets availed them
selves of the privilege, and, guided by one
Of the residents, proceeded TO climb TO the
pass or depression that lies between the
Anvil Hill and the ridge of the goats"
From the summit OF the pass the most
charming view of the island, both seward
and to the interior. is 10 be obtained.
The summit is called the Portezuelo and
has an elevation Of at least two thousand
feet above sea level. 1t is celebrated as
the point where Selkirk maintained a
lookout. The officers OF the British war
ship Topaze erected an iron tablet here in
1868 with the following inscription:
In Memory of Alexander Selkirk, Mariner.
A Native of Largo, in the County of Fife,
Scotland.
Who Lived on this Island in Complete
Solitude for Four Years and Four
Months