Touristic Period (1918–1959)

Abstract

Between Skottsberg’s second and third expeditions to the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, other visitors arrived. World War I caused no direct impact on the islands, because Chile was neutral, but the German cruiser, Dresden, followed by three British warships, had anchored In Cumberland Bay to obtain supplies. Believing that the Dresden was leaving, the English fired on it, causing it to sink into the harbor. Tourists were primarily attracted to Robinson Crusoe Island because of the association with the famous novel by Daniel Defoe. Most travelers relaxed, hiked, ate lobster, and bought souvenirs. Available for purchase were small tree ferns and palms, handicrafts made from goat horns and skins, boxes and canes of palm wood or sandalwood, cleaned and dried lobsters, and hummingbird skins. Botanists who visited the Juan Fernandez Archipelago during this period focused on introduced plants and feral animals. The zarzamora (Rubus ulmifolius) had covered large areas of Robinson Crusoe Island, and the maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) was well established in the quebrada bottoms. Also well-established was the ground cover, trun (Acaena argentea), and the shrubby murtilla (Ugni molinae). The few botanical visitors during this period stressed threats to the native flora and vegetation, as did visiting journalists.