The Elbert County tribune., 1912-03-01

less savages who inhabit the forests and ilanos
watered by the Orfnoco and its affuents. 30
great, however his desire to visit this little
known part cf the world that he determined. In
spite Of the difficulties and dangers predicted, to
make at least the attempt to accomplish his long
cherished purpose.
He has always been glad that he paid heed
to the horrible forebodings that were volunteered
by welmeaning but ill-advised people Had he
done SC, he would have deprived himself OF one OF
the most delightful experiences OF his lfe For.
outside OF certain discomforts inseparably con-
nected with roughng 1t in the wild. the entire trip
OF agreeable surprises and unailoyed
pleasure. And In lieu OF boodthirsty savages
seeking to transix him with poisoned arrows. ne
found the Indians all along his route to be not
only harmless. but hospitabie and obliging In
deed some Of the most pleasant recollections he
has OF his wanderings In the wflds OF Venezuela
and Colombia Is the kindly treatment he invaria-
bly, received at the hands OF the children OF the
forest
These observations, says writer in the Pan
American Bulletin, have been suggested by
work which has recently been published in Ber-
lin on the Indians inhabiting the region between
the Rio Negro and the Yapura II is by Dr. Theo-
dor Koch-Grunberg. distinguished German trav-
eer and ethnologist, and Is entitled "Zwei Jahre
unter den Indianern' 1.-TWO Years Among the In
dfans) It has appealed to US in a special man
ner, not only account Of the mine OF tnforma-
ton It contains regarding the manners and GUS
toms of the various tribes OF Indians which the
author visited during his two years peregrtnations
in this comparatively unknown part OF the world;
not only account OF its numerous and valuable
illustrations reproduced from photographs which
constitutes valuable an aid to the right under
standing of the narrative but also and chiefly. be
cause the DOCTORS experiences among the red meu
OF the regions visited were almost Identical with
our own in other parts OF the continent
1t WAS In August, 1903. that DR.. koch-Grunberg
reached the little town Of Sac Felipe on the Up
per Rio Negro Using this place as base. he
a-, ~ r-aotar
nuents the lcana, the Uapes the Curicuriary, and
their chief tributaries and to study the manners
customs and languages OF the divers Indian tribes
that live near their banks. After spending
nearly two years among these people. some OF
whom never saw white man before he returned
to Manaos. near the mouth OF the Rio Negro. by
way of the Yapura and the Amazon.
He was well equipped for his work, which for
him was ever labor of love He had previously
accompanied DR.. Hermann Meyer during his ex-
ploration Of the Xingu In southern Brazil and had
then learned to admire the many notable quail
ties OF the unspoiled denizens OF the Jungle
Outside OF a young Brazilian OF German descent,
his sole companions during his long wanderings
among many tribes-some OF whom he had been
warned. were antropofagos tcannibals)--were In.
dians whom he employed as porters and boatmen
And these In most instances what are known
as indios braves twiid Indians) who had little or
no contact with civilization. But SO completely
did he from the first win the confidence and af-
lection OF these simple kindly people. that they
at once treated him OF their own and made
him feel at home wherever he went
And SO considerate and Just was he in all his
dealings with them that his reputation preceded
him from tribe to tribe. Everywhere he was
known and welcomed "the friend Of the In.
dians" and any service they could perform for
him was freely given. He lived In their malokas
communal homes), shared in their repasts and
festivities. took part in their dances and their
hunting expeditions. witness Of their strange
marriage and burial ceremonies, and romped with
their children. helped to entertain friends and
guests He had every opportunity Of familiarizins
himself with the peculiar manners customs. radi.
tons and superstitions OF his hosts. Tor they
ever willing to impart to him all the Information
in their power and assist him in his ethnographic
researches in every way possible.
Besides treating them with justice and kind
ness. he made It rule never to accept any serv-
ice. however slight without making some com
pensation for 1t. The remuneration offered might
be trihing, but the effect magical. They were
ail-men, women and chiidren-at his beck and
call every hour Of the day night
OF the Indians OF Cururii (cuara) the author
declares that they did everything to make his So
1ourn among them comfortable and pleasant. For
a few glass beads and fshhooks they kept us lib
orally supplied with meat and drink. Fowl Of