2-888-132 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Northernmost Chincha (Guano) Island, [Peru], 1850. Sketch by "a Traveller in Central America". 'In 1840 attention was first drawn to guano for the purposes of agriculture in Europe, and every year since shipments have increased...during the present season, 100,000 tons of guano will be taken from the island, and sold at prices varying from £9 5s. to £11 per ton, leaving, we believe, a net product in favour of the Government of Peru of about half a million sterling...For the facility...of more rapid shipment, to meet the increasing demand for the article, shoots were arranged on the Middle Island, where vessels are now also loaded...vessels are enabled, without danger, to haul close to the cliff, and receive their cargoes through wooden or canvas shoots. In this way, a vessel of 500 tons may be loaded in a couple of days'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.