A NATURALIST IN BRAZIL 



profound impression on the beholder. And whatever one's attitude 

 may be to the racial problem, since Brazil is for the most part a 

 tropical country, and since of all races the black is best adapted to 

 life in the equatorial zone, who knows but what the black element 

 is essential to the future of the Brazilian people ? 



But far more abundantly than negro blood the blood of the 

 Indians flows through the veins of the Brazilian people; in some 

 regions indeed the latter seems to be reverting to the Indian type. 

 For this the climate may be in part responsible. Indian forefathers 

 are by no means regarded with distaste; indeed, as in Spanish 

 America, many old families point with pride to the Indian chieftains 

 in their family tree. 



As Jose de Alencar, in his admirable works, gave new life to the 

 old Brazil and its Indian inhabitants, so, it is to be hoped, the pithy 

 Indian tales of animals may become better known to the children 

 of to-day. Above all, may the love of Nature of these old rulers of 

 the land be awakened, with equal vitality, in the hearts of the present 

 inhabitants ! Then Brazil will cherish its own beauty ; for the people 

 that has learned to find happiness and wisdom in Nature will not 

 fail to protect her. The best security for the future is a genuine love 

 of one's homeland. Lastly, commerce with Nature can but ennoble 

 a people, for the heart that beats in sympathy with each lovable 

 living creature increases its power of loving, and the harmony of 

 Nature clears the vision for the eternal values. 



With such wishes for the future of Brazil I will close this book. 

 These wishes I expressed also in the lectures which I ventured to 

 give in Brazil as I improved my knowledge of the Portuguese 

 language. And by such hints I believe I am repaying my amiable 

 hosts more effectively than by the fact that I helped them in their 

 campaign against a few of their agricultural pests. 



