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the plains through which the Parana flows are rich 
Prairies, with timber along tlıe streams. Here and there 
Over the prairies, are low round hills covered with trees, 
looking like islands in the great sca of grass. 
7. "Toward the sources of the river, the woodlands 
increase, and there is only here and there a little, bright 
Prairie smiling among their darker green. "This is the 
Gran Chaco, or great hunting ground of the Indians; 
and they can be seen on their fleet horses, galloping 
Over the prairies, gathering themselves together on the 
banks of the river, ready for the chase. 
8. The ground here is so very level that there is 
Scarcely a division between the tributaries of one great 
Stream and those of another. In time of high water, it 
is possible to go by boat, across overflowed lands, from 
One to another. "Thus, one may enter the La Plata, 
Pass up the Parana and other tributaries northward, 
and cross over to the Madeira, the great tributary of 
Che Amazon from the south. Near the mouth of the 
Madeira, a large tributary from the north enters the 
Amazon. By means of this, one can reach the Orinoco, 
and so descend to the occan, crossing, by means of rivers, 
More than half the length of South America from south 
to north. 
9. Some day we may see these streams bordered with 
Cities, and covered with swift steamers bearing away 
the cotton, the coffee, and the sugar, which will then be 
STowing where now are only forests and wild prairies. 
You know that it is not a great while since the cotton 
Plantations and grain farms along the Mississippi were 
Wild forests and prairies, with the Indians for tu. valy 
inhabitants. 
GEOG, READ. & PRIM