intelligent party of pilgrims during a unique journey into the wild uncultivated northern lands of the Argentine, especially as some of the most intellectual (the superlative adverb is well chosen) members of the band have promised to give their scientific views on the lands through which we shall pass daily.  Though this expedition is only advertised to last a fortnight, yet we have no intention of closing our paper at the end of that time, for we are certain that once the public have been educated to appreciate the high-class literature and useful information which it will be the aim of “The Tacuru” to supply, we shall have created a demand and interest which not even Halley’s comet can rival, and we shall endeavour to satisfy that demand daily.  Our only fear was that lest the world should be kept waiting for the publication of our paper, for though everything was in readiness yesterday for an early start to-day, the elements seemed inclined to delay us, and when rain had fallen steadily nearly all day, The Instigator of the trip was seen to clench his jaw yesterday afternoon, as he remarked “We cannot start till Monday.”  This fiat caused dire consternation; the idea of waiting for two days when all those carts were packed ready for our immediate outset, filled the party with annoyance, and had it not been for the fact that The Instigator is a man not to be trifled with, it is possible remonstrances might have been raised.  But, fortunately, each member of the party only possessed the angelic variety of temper, so no expostulations were made, and peace was maintained.  This unequalled patience under trials was rewarded, and great was the joy of the party when at 8 p.m. it was found that the rain had ceased, and the moon shone forth in such a way as to influence The Instigator to rescind his decision and declare an early start for to-day.

Rumour has it that The Jehu and his aide-de-camp and Our Hostess sat up till 12.30 a.m., finally arranging “places in the carriages, food supplies, blankets required,” and all the innumerable details which made for the party’s comfort.

Before we publish the impressions, contributed by one member of the band, on to-day’s trip, we think our readers might appreciate a slight character sketch of each of our “Staff.”  There are nine Pilgrims.

FIRST:  The Instigator.  Well, he’s right when you know him, but you do want to know him first.  What possessed him to suggest that we should trek away north, goodness only knows, unless he was fired by a desire to imitate the Cook-Peary journeys, or it may have been the celebrated “Cristobal Cocktails” which inspired him to do great deeds.