The earliest European exploration of the region of Última Esperanza was in the 16th century, when Juan Ladrilleros, of the Spanish Navy, surveyed the southern Pacific coast, as far as the Magellan Strait. This expedition did not give rise to any colonization.

In the final decade of the 19th century there was renewed interest, this time in ranching operations. Our author, Captain Eberhard, motivated by a spirit of adventure and eager to obtain good, productive lands, decided to investigate this practically unknown region.

Despite travelling in the depths of winter (1892), with the attendant difficulties and dangers, he was able to identify a fine, attractive site, where he later settled and began to establish his operations. The text of this book tells of his venture, and the photographs show the beautiful scenery and the extent of his success.

This book was published by Imprenta «El Magallanes», Punta Arenas, Chile, 1922. Thanks to Juan Mac-Lean for loaning a copy of the original.

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