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25 until their capacity knew no bounds. It was amusing to ask the carriers - as they came through the camp - how much they would transport our luggage. They seemed not to know the value of money - would as quietly ask an hundred dollars - for carrying a trunk as five. None of our party understood Spanish - so that even obliged to make contracts by means of figures and gestures. Nor was it safe to trust luggage to every carrier. Some even unable to fulfill what they promised - others would get possession and it would remain at Gorgona - for days after their owners had started - and some had lost their trunks and finds by villians coming out from Panama and claiming them as the carriers arrived. There was a deplorable state of affairs - on the Isthmus. Many Americans - detained there and out of money through their vias and excesses - were ready to resort to any means to replenish their purses. Our greatest fears upon the road was from these self made desperadoes. It was our good fortune to fall in with Penerian - well prepared for the business of transportation. He came to our tent - viewed our baggage - named his price - $270.00 - writings were drawn up - and signed in the presence of the Alcalde. The next morning was fixed upon for our departure. Before leaving the Chagres - I will state a few more facts concerning it. Like many streams - mountain streams - in the torrid zone it is subject to great rise of water. From 25 to 30 ft is the average of its highest rise - during the dry season its depth constantly grows less. We passed up it during the dry season - consequently the water was at its lowest full. There are many places rapids as they are called when the depth did not exceed there ful= In one place - we had all to leave the bringie - in order to get her past. The natives jumped into the water - and by strict of pulling and poling found their boat along. The current which is at every place - rapids - is particularly so - in these shallow places. It requires tact also - to pole a bringie along - as I found out by trail while as Gorgona - and agility. Dr Newcomb and myself - even a long time - trying one day to force a ripid - which we at last gave up in despair - and saw to our surprise - the feat performed by a single man - more accustomed to such business.