3-043-740 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Peak of Naiguatà, in Venezuela, 1872. 'Until last April this mountain was supposed to be inaccessible...Mr. James M. Spence then resolved on the feat. He formed a party consisting of several friends who desired to join it for various scientific and artistic reasons...The ascent occupied three days...Mr. Spence's expedition gained knowledge important to scientific researches in Venezuela, both as regards the volcanic disposition of the rocky masses, and sharp peaks, which form the deep abysses of this majestic mountain, and also as furnishing valuable botanical suggestions. Mr. Spence brought down thirty-two specimens of Naiguatà growth, some hitherto unknown to the Flora of Venezuela...The party experienced great suffering from want of water and fatigue. Owing to the perpendicular structure of the rocks, in many places they had to scoop holes for their feet with cutlasses. Even to the summit the danger of the chasms continued, and it is no wonder that this peak had never before been trod by human foot...In the descent, just as the first stream was reached, Mr. Spence fell senseless from thirst'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.