A NATURALIST IN BRAZIL 



such an expert as Koch Griinberg gives a favourable enough report ;, 

 and of the Guarani Indians both history and Hterature record 

 much that is commendable. Of their love and care of animals 

 I spoke in my eleventh chapter; as regards their knowledge of 

 Nature, H. von Ihering writes : "Just as the North American Indian 

 attracts our attention by the skill in tracking and the sensitive 

 powers of observation which guide him when on the war-path, or 

 hunting, so the Tupis and Guaranis are deserving of our interest, 

 and even our admiration, by reason of their thorough knowledge of 

 the flora and fauna of the country." 



Even to-day every visitor to Brazil will be forced to acknowledge 

 the Indians' subtle understanding of the Brazilian flora and fauna 

 if he will consider the significance of the names which the majority 

 of animals, plants, rivers and mountains bear as their Indian 

 inheritance. Like the faint echo of harpstrings these names tell 

 us of the lovable people who were once the rulers of the beautiful 

 land, and at the same time its children, born of its womb. 



More than a hundred years ago Brazil underwent yet another 

 transformation, and this was like the rising of a sun, that throws its 

 beams far into the future. Brazil is now no colony, but an independent 

 State. The Brazilian people have taken their destiny into their own 

 hands; everywhere one meets with signs of fresh developments;, 

 from year to year the prospects of agriculture, industry, trade, 

 communications, science and art become more full of promise; 

 in short, all is prospering. The Brazilian loves the country; many 

 of the townspeople are endeavouring to settle in the rural districts ; 

 and I met landowners who assured me that they were preparing 

 to make their estates their home, and to regard them not only as 

 a business venture, but as a recreation. Such landowners are the 

 best of all citizens. 



No one who visits Brazil will have doubts as to the future of the 

 State. Brazil is one of the four empires of the earth which can 

 produce within their own limits all that they require. I took some 

 pains to convince myself that the people were everywhere doing 

 their utmost to make themselves independent of the outer world ; 

 and I must say that my experimental purchases of Brazilian body- 

 linen, clothing, and "National silks," were entirely satisfac- 

 tory. In view of this progressive transformation Europe should 

 avoid still further increasing her industries. The world's face is 



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