132 
shaded or protected by extensive groves of low trees, of singu- 
lar and stunted growth; rarely growing so close together as to 
form a thicket or impede the traveller. "These arid groves have 
sometimes reminded me of the Acacia groves so predominant 
over the plains in the interior of Southern Africa. Yet it is 
rarely that one can compare African with Brazilian Botany; 
their character, in many particulars, differs so widely: but I 
was a long time in Brazil before I saw such large trunks of 
timber as I have observed in some of the forests of the Cape 
Colony. I allude to the Podocarpi. These forests are, indeed, 
of no extent, compared to those of America: but they afford . 
specimens of sylvan scenery for the painter not less grand and 
beautiful; although they are generally deficient in that most 
splendid and noble feature, the Palms. When, however, we 
descend towards the low latitudes of Brazil, the glorious magni- 
ficence of the forests is truly astonishing, and none but those 
who are born in the midst of them can view such imposing pro- 
ductions of nature without a feeling of awe or respect. 
overloads herself P and one object oppresses and smothers . 
another in the general struggle for luxuriance. The Ber- 
tholletia, and some species of Bombar, far overtop their 
vegetable brethren; and the trunks of the latter are really — 
- stupendous, both in height and thickness. I say nothing of 
the great climbing plants, as they have been lately so often 
described; but we never can be silent with respect to the 
Palms ; they abound in every latitude and situation, and their ree | 
variety is far greater than any one traveller can form an 
idea of. They are of every size, from that of an ordinary 
herbaceous plant to that of the highest tree of the forest; but _ 
I think none surpass the Buriti or Miriti, (Mauritia vinifera, 
Mart. tab. 38.) in grandeur and imposing beauty: alt 
the plate does not convey an idea of this character. Another 
plant of most extraordinary aspect and magnificence is the 
Araucaria ; but this I never saw much to the northward of -f 
the city of San Paulo. It is only found at a great elevatio» — 
and I believe is not known to exist in the provinces of Goy22 
and Para. You ask whether the Barbacenee abound. vel Me 
these I have found but few, (if I recollect right,) but he — 
