# IV: The Headwaters of the Paraguay explained — Through the Brazilian Wilderness > Chapter companion for Through the Brazilian Wilderness by Theodore Roosevelt. ## What happens The chapter describes the journey up the Paraguay River on the steamer Nyoac, with Christmas Day celebrations and observations of the landscape, wildlife, and local settlements. It introduces Colonel Rondon's extensive explorations in the Matto Grosso, his mapping of unknown rivers like the Juruena and Gy-Paraná, and the discovery of the River of Doubt. The narrative also highlights the scientific work of Cherrie and Miller, including their collection of mammals and birds, and the camaraderie among the expedition members. ## Themes in this chapter ### Exploration and Adventure The chapter details the expedition's journey up the Paraguay River and introduces Colonel Rondon's pioneering explorations of the unknown Matto Grosso wilderness. ### Scientific Inquiry Cherrie and Miller's collection and study of mammals and birds, including opossums and the water-opossum, exemplifies the expedition's scientific focus. ### Nature and Wildlife Vivid descriptions of marsh-deer, screamers, jaguar skins, and the pet owl highlight the rich biodiversity encountered along the Paraguay River. ### Human Endurance and Resilience Rondon's accounts of suffering starvation, disease, and hardship during his explorations underscore the theme of human endurance. ## Character check-ins ### Colonel Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon Reading Thomas à Kempis on the Nyoac; his past explorations and mapping of the Juruena and Gy-Paraná rivers are detailed, including the discovery of the River of Doubt. ### Kermit Roosevelt Working on jaguar skins on the deck of the Nyoac. ### George K. Cherrie Processing jaguar skins and tending to a pet owl; trapping mammals including a tayra weasel and opossums. ### Leo E. Miller Processing jaguar skins and caring for a pet owl; trapping mammals and discussing the water-opossum. ### Anthony Fiala Ensuring boxes and bags were properly stowed on the Nyoac. ### Lieutenant João Lyra Mentioned as an old companion of Colonel Rondon's explorations who was to accompany the expedition from Cáceres. ## Key lines > Christmas Day saw us making our way steadily upstream against the strong current, and between the green and beautiful banks of the upper Paraguay. On Christmas Day, the expedition traveled upstream on the Paraguay River, navigating the strong current between lush, scenic banks. _Describes the setting of the chapter's opening scene._ > Colonel Rondon read Thomas à Kempis. Kermit, Cherrie, and Miller squatted outside the railing on the deck over one paddle-wheel and put the final touches on the jaguar skins. While Colonel Rondon read a religious text, Kermit, Cherrie, and Miller worked on finishing jaguar skins on the deck of the steamer. _Illustrates the diverse activities of the expedition members during the journey._ > He had entered it on his sketch maps as the Rio da Dúvida, the River of Doubt. He labeled the unknown river on his maps as the River of Doubt, or Rio da Dúvida. _Introduces the River of Doubt, a key geographical feature of the expedition._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/through_the_brazilian_wilderness_se/chapters/iv-the-headwaters-of-the-paraguay - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/through_the_brazilian_wilderness_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/through_the_brazilian_wilderness_se/chapters