242 A JOURNEY IN BRAZIL. 
of species from the Amazonian waters to more than six 
hundred, every day showing more clearly how distinctly 
the species are localized, and that this immense basin is 
divided into numerous zoological areas, each one of which 
has its own combination of fishes. Our stay at Teffe draws 
to a close, and to-day begins the great work of packing, in 
preparation for the arrival of the steamer at the end of the 
week. These days are the most laborious of all ; on leav- 
ing every station, all the alcoholic specimens have to be 
overhauled, their condition ascertained, the barrels, kegs, 
and cans examined, to make; sure that the hoops are fast, 
and that there are no leakages. Fortunately, there are 
some of our party who are very dexterous as coopers and 
joiners, and at these times /the laboratory is turned into 
a workshop. We were reminded of the labors of the day 
by a circular distributed at breakfast this morning : 
" SIR : - - The ' United Coopers' Association ' w iH meet iu the lab- 
oratory after breakfast. You are particularly requested to attend. 
"TEFFE, Oct. 17th, 1865," 
And at this moment the laboratory rings with click of ham- 
mer, and nails, and iron hoops. As usual, there are a 
number of uninvited spectators watching the breaking up 
of the scientific establishment, which has been, during the 
past month, a source of constant entertainment to the va- 
grant population of Teffe. In this country of open doors 
and windows one has not the same protection against intru- 
sion as in a colder climate, and we have had a constant 
succession of curious visitors hanging about our premises. 
I have dwelt especially on the fish collection ; but we do 
not go away empty-handed in other respects. Mr. Dexter 
has prepared a large number of the forest birds for mounting, 
papagaios, toucans, and a great variety of smaller species 
