VOYAGE UP THE COAST TO PARA'. 139 
unexpectedly successful in this expedition, it is as much 
owing to the active sympathy of the Brazilians themselves, 
and to their interest in the objects he has so much at heart, 
as to the efforts of himself and his companions. 
August \\th. Para. Early yesterday morning, a few 
yellowish patches staining the ocean here and there gave us 
our first glimpse of the water of the Amazons. Presently 
the patches became broad streaks, the fresh waters encroach- 
ing gradually upon the sea, until, at about ten o'clock, we 
fairly entered the mouth of the river, though, as the shores 
are some hundred and fifty miles apart, we might have 
believed ourselves on the broad ocean. As we neared the 
city, the numerous islands closing up about Para and 
sheltering its harbor limited the view and broke the enor- 
mous expanse of the fresh-water basin. We anchored 
off the city at about three o'clock, but a heavy thunder- 
shower, with violent rain, prevented us from going on 
shore till the next morning. None of the party landed 
except Major Coutinho. He went to announce our arrival 
to his friend, Mr. Pimenta Bueno, who has kindly invited 
us to make his house our home while we stay in Para. 
The next morning was beautiful after the rain, and at seven 
o'clock two boats were sent to take us and our effects on 
shore. On landing we went at once to Mr. Pimenta's 
o 
large business establishment near the wharves. Here he 
has provided several excellent working-rooms to serve as 
laboratories and storage-places for the specimens, and be- 
sides these a number of airy, cool chambers on the floor 
above, for the accommodation of our companions, who 
have already slung their hammocks, arranged their ef- 
fects, and are keeping a kind of bachelor's hall. Having 
disposed of the scientific apparatus, we drove out to Mr 
