R. H. SCHOMBURGK. 33 



tobacco-water squeezed into their eyes, to avert the 

 evil spirit ! 



Against some rocks in the river were found the 

 remains of a corial, which, on its descent, badly- 

 managed, must have been wrecked ; or, while 

 ascending, the rope might have given way, when 

 destruction is almost inevitable. Broken arrows, 

 bows, and other Indian implements scattered near, 

 afforded a proof that the unfortunate occupants had 

 lost their lives. 



Heavy showers falling one evening, the lodgings 

 of the party were rendered exceedingly uncomfort- 

 able. The Indians, at all events, found it so ; and, 

 according to their superstitious belief, the chief com- 

 menced to piai the rain away. A quick movement 

 with the hands, and a sound muttered between the 

 teeth, formed the charm. But the spirit was im- 

 placable; and, after vain attempts, the chief was 

 the first to seek a shelter. Then a tremendous 

 crash startled all ; the rain had softened the earth, 

 and one of the large trees which stood near the 

 bank, partly undermined by the river, had given 

 way and fallen into the water; before it reached 

 the surface, the bearing down of all the minor trees 

 and branches was heard, then the plunge, and lastly 

 the cry of startled maccaws, parrots, and monkeys 

 was a noise of unknown sounds ; a moment after, 

 and everything was hushed in silence, save the 

 monotonous noise of the falling rain. 



In this neighbourhood grow a number of graceful 

 little palms of the genus Bactris, a species allied to 



c 



