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 llth. Para. Early yesterday morning, a lew 

 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 Coutlnho. 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 

 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 



