JUAN FERNANDEZ, joo'an feeniin-dez (Sp. hoo-in' f6r-nan'deth), a group of islands in the south Pacific Ocean, 300 miles west of Chile and belonging to that country. They are named from a Spanish pilot who discovered them in 1563 and obtaining a grant from his country started a settlement. There are two principal islands, Mas a Tierra (nearest to land) and Mas Afuera (farther out), the latter 90 miles west of the former, both on lat. 33° 40' south. Mas a Tierra is 12 miles long, 33 miles wide, of rugged configuration with its higher peak, El Yunque (the anvil), rising 2,500 feet above sea-level. Cumberland Bay, or bay of San Juan Bautista, on the north side is the principal harbor, but the water is too deep for safe anchorage in bad weather. This island was occupied by the Spanish in 1750 and taken by Chile when that country became independent in 1818. It was used as a penal colony prior to 1840. It has a population of about 300 which lives mainly by supplying water, wood and food to whaling and other vessels. Parts are fertile and produce vegetables, peaches, figs, grapes, etc., and originally there was considerable san dalwood, but it has all been taken. Plenty of fish are obtained from the surrounding waters and also a lobster (Pa/into-us frontalis) which is an important source of subsistence and also is canned for export in two factories. In 1914
a wireless station was erected. Just off the southwest corner of Mas a Tierra is the small, rocky island of Santa Cruz. Mas Afuera, six miles long by three and one-half miles wide, very mountainous, its highest summit being 5.300 feet above the sea. It presents fine scenery and its remarkable flora makes a most dis tinctive landscape. The islands consist of Ter tiary volcanic rocks in thick layers comprising a succession of lava flows and tuffs, mostly hori zontal. The climate is more humid than that of Valparaiso, with mild winters, moderate sum mers and frequent gales. The islands had no original wild land animals, but the flora is unique. Some Megallanic types have recently been found high on Alas Afuera. One remark able plant, gunnero, has leaves 10 feet in di ameter. The 'Robinson Crusoe' of Defoe is said to be based on the experiences of Alexan der Selkirk, a Scotch sailor, who lived alone on the larger island from 1704-09.