The Progress of Ethnology: An Account of Recent Archaeological, Philological and Geographical Researches in Various Parts of the Globe, Tending to Elucidate the Physical History of ManBartlett, John Russell
History
The Progress of Ethnology: An Account of Recent Archaeological, Philological and Geographical Researches in Various Parts of the Globe, Tending to Elucidate the Physical History of Man
Bartlett, John Russell
Anthropology -- History; Ethnology -- History
An exploratory journey in the isthmus of Panama has recently been made
by M. Hillert, which has resulted in adding much important information
to our previous knowledge of the country. It is known that there have
been many surveys of the isthmus, with the view of opening a water
communication between the oceans on either side. Such was the primary
object of Mr. Hillert, who, it appears has also made enquiries as to the
practicability of making a rail road across it. His observations on the
junction of the two oceans by means of a canal have appeared in the
bulletin of the Geographical Society of Paris for 1846, (pp. 306 and
389), together with various letters from him on other subjects which
attracted his attention.
Among other things Mr. Hillert has made known a most valuable
anti-venomous plant, the guaco, a creeping plant, which abounds in the
forest of the Isthmus, the virtues of which were made known to him by
the Indians. After rubbing the hands with the leaves of this plant, a
person may handle scorpions and venomous insects with impunity, and
mosquitoes after sucking the blood of those who had taken it inwardly
died instantly. The geology and botany of the country received
particular attention. M. Hillert proposes to introduce several of the
most useful plants and vegetables into the French dominions in Senegal
or Algeria, among them the plant from which the Panama hats are made. So
valuable are the labors of this gentleman considered, that the French
commission has awarded him the Orleans prize, for having introduced into
France the most useful improvement in agriculture. Some ancient
monumental edifices were discovered in the Isthmus, not far from the
river Atrato, and others near the mines of Cano; besides these an
ancient canal cut through the solid rock in the interval which separates
the rivers Atrato and Darien.
NOTE.--The following list embraces all the books relating to
Oregon, California, and Mexico, printed during the last two
years.
Narrative of the exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains,
in the year 1842, and to Oregon and North California, in the
years 1843-4, by Capt. J.C. Fremont of the Topographical
Engineers, under the orders of Col. J.J. Abert, 8vo.
Washington, 1846.
Exploration du Territoire de l'Oregon, des Californies, et de la
Mer Vermeille, executée pendant les années 1840, 41 et 42, par
M. Duflot de Mofras, Attaché à la Légation de France à Mexico. 2
vols. 8vo. and folio atlas of maps and plates. Paris, 1845.
The Oregon Territory, claims thereto, of England and America
considered, its condition and prospects. By Alexander Simpson,
Esq. 8vo. London, 1846.
The Oregon Territory, a geographical and physical account of
that country and its inhabitants. By Rev. C.G. Nicholay. 18mo.
London, 1846.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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