500 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 



purpose of fumigation and destroying insects, and adminis- 

 tered it to the patient, mixed with large doses of tincture of 

 opium. By this remedy and continual friction with warm cloths, 

 we succeeded in restoring animation and consciousness, and 

 when towards morning, I obtained the means of applying 

 warm fomentations, I had the inexpressible satisfaction of 

 witnessing the removal of the spasms and the diminution of 

 the disease on the skin. We were, however, nine leagues 

 distant from Villa de Cachias, and as without proceeding 

 thither, it was impossible to procure aid for the transporta- 

 tion of Dr. Spix, so it was indispensable for me to set off. 

 Nothing indeed was to be done, unless I should myself go 

 there as quickly as possible ; so with a heavy heart, I pro- 

 mised to return without delay, and bidding my friend fare- 

 well, I was lifted upon the horse and started on my lonely 

 journey. To my sorrow I found that the agitation and 

 distress of the previous night conspired to increase my 

 feverish symptoms, and the burning rays of a tropical sun 

 proved almost intolerable. At first my course lay through 

 extensive Palm forests, now full of water from the heavy 

 rains, then over several ranges of hills, covered with bushes. 

 I suffered the torments of thirst, like another Tantalus, for 

 I dared not alight from horseback to drink, lest weakness 

 should prevent my mounting again. Evening approached 

 ere I reached Cachias, for riding up a steep hill, I missed 

 the narrow track and roamed among tall tufts of grass 

 till night came on, and there I was wandering and ill in 

 the gloomy wilds ! With the despondency that followed my 

 late sufferings, I gave up any endeavour to regain the track, 

 and had just determined to lie down under the shelter of a 

 low tree, when I heard the sound of a person whistling ; and, 

 exerting my voice to summon him to my side, a negro 

 appeared, swinging a fire-brand and actually on his way 

 through the forest, carrying medicines from Cachias. This 

 happily-found guide accompanied me back to the road, and 

 at last I beheld the lights of the Villa gleaming before me, 

 and alighted at the house of the worthy Senor Luiz de 

 Oliveira. To him I presented my letters of recommendation, 



