Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1934-12-02

the Falls of the Iguazu present an in.
spring sight. Measuring nearly 10, O0C
feet across, and with a drop of 21a
feet, they compare with Americas
Niagara, which is less than 5000
wide. with drop of 1863 feet. Sur.
rounded on all sides by dense tropical
foliage, the drop of the water over
the precipice may be heard for many
miles. Approaching the scenic value
of the falls and the desirability OF
conserving the beauties of the region
for future generations, the govern
ment OF Argentine recently created the
Iguazu National Park, under the SUI
perv1sion of the national government
About 125 miles further upstream
from where it is joined by the Iguazu,
and at the head of navigation of the
Parana River, are the Falls of Guaira,
lying between Paraguay and Brazil.
The river above the falls is 80 feet
higher than the lower stream. but
instead of one mighty leap as at
Iguazu, the waters of the Parana make
the descent over a series of ID cas-
cades, the water rushing with a ire
mendouS roar through narrow canyons
and steep cliffs.
Ruins of Missions.
In proceeding along the Upper Pa
rama River between Paraguay and Ar
gentina toward Iguazu, the visitor
passes through territory rich in his
torlc lore, the scene of the great mis-
sions or reductions" where the
Jesuits undertook to civilize the alb
original population during the 18th
and 18th centuries. Here, in villages
laid out by the missionaries, the ma
tlves were gathered together and
taught the principles of Christianity
and the arts of civilization. Probably
no greater contribution was made to
Spanish colonial expansion and the
consolidation of Spanish power and
influence than through these centers,
which were established in vario1s
parts Of the New World.
OF these reductions" the best
known and most successful were those
among the Guaranis of Paraguay. 1t
has been estimated that at one time
more than 10000 Indians were gath
cred in 30 or more Of these settle
ments, scattered along the Upper
Parana. With the expulsion of the
JesuitS in 1857, much of this work
was undone, but remains of the settle
ments, vineclad and largely reclaimed
by the forest, may still be seen along
both banks of the river
One of the arts taught the natives
in the missions was that of lace max
ing, and Paraguay today is famous
for producing a lace. spidery-fne in
texture, called nanduti, and typically
Paraguayan. Lace making is an in
dustry for the women of Paraguay,
and the bulk of it is made in a little
village near the capital CITY, Asuncion
Here may be seen women Of all ages
engaged in making lace.
Patient SalespeopIe.
One Of the interesting experiences
awaiting the visitor to Asuncion is
that of meeting lace vendors. Here,
no high pressure methods of sales
manship have yet been introduced.
The women will stand for hours out
side the hotel entrance. awaiting the
plcdSule VI lI4e prospective customer,
and displaying that patience which is
so necessary in their art.
In Paraguay, also the visitor will
encounter in its native habitat. a
drink which is now attracting con-
siderable attention in the United
States as a possible beverage to be
served troops in the Army. This is the
famous yerba mate, or Paraguay tea.
made from the leaves of a tree found
in Paraguay, Southern Brazil and
Northern Argentina.
The stimulating and nutritious
qualities of yerba mate have been
recognized for many years, and the
drink has acquired wide popularity in
South America, not only in Paraguay,
but also in the neighboring republics
of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
It has also been introduced into the
United States in various forms. prin-
cipally in soft" drinks. The real
yerba mate drinker, however, would