Through the Brazilian Wilderness · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide clarifications on pronunciation, corrections to the narrative of the river descent, and a detailed rebuttal of the claims of explorer Savage Landor, citing Colonel Rondon's official report and letters to expose Landor's
What happens
The endnotes provide clarifications on pronunciation, corrections to the narrative of the river descent, and a detailed rebuttal of the claims of explorer Savage Landor, citing Colonel Rondon's official report and letters to expose Landor's failure to perform genuine exploration. The notes also highlight the reliable work of other explorers such as Fiala, Miss Snethlage, and Herr Karl von den Steinen.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Pseudo-Exploration
The endnotes directly attack the fraudulent claims of Savage Landor, contrasting them with genuine scientific exploration.
Scientific Inquiry
The notes emphasize the importance of accurate geographic, biologic, and ethnographic knowledge, and praise explorers who work in the scientific spirit.
Characters to notice
- Colonel Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon
Cited for his official report and letter exposing the fraudulent claims of Mr. Savage Landor.
- Anthony Fiala
Mentioned for his significant descent of the Papagaio, Juruena, and Tapajos rivers.
- Lieutenant Pyrineus
Reported that he accompanied Landor on his overland trip and that Landor simply followed the highroad or telegraph-line.
- Lieutenant Joaquin de Mello Filho
Corroborated Pyrineus's account of Landor's lack of genuine exploration.
Key passages
“I hope that this year the Ananás, or Pineapple, will also be put on the map. One of Colonel Rondon’s subordinates is to attempt the descent of the river.”
Roosevelt expresses hope that the Pineapple River will be mapped, noting that one of Rondon's men will attempt to descend it.
Shows ongoing exploration efforts after the expedition.
“It would be well if a geographical society of standing would investigate the formal and official charges made by Colonel Rondon, an officer and gentleman of the highest repute, against Mr. Savage Landor.”
Roosevelt suggests that a reputable geographical society should examine Colonel Rondon's serious accusations against Savage Landor.
Highlights the call for accountability in exploration claims.
“Colonel Rondon states that—excepting on one occasion, when Mr. Landor, wandering off a beaten trail, immediately got lost and shortly returned to his starting-point without making any discoveries—he kept to old, well-travelled routes.”
According to Rondon, Landor never left established paths except once, when he quickly got lost and returned without finding anything new.
Directly refutes Landor's claims of exploration.