of an Expedition up the Capim River. 477 



Among the lower vegetation of the banks we noted from 

 time to time the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus cristatus), stupidly 

 frightened and flying heavily into more sheltered quarters. 

 It is a common bird all along the Lower Capim, being met 

 witli in flocks of from ten to twenty or more. It feeds here- 

 abouts especially on " Anhinga" {Montricliardia arborescens), 

 a large Caladinm-like aroid, and on "Aturia" (Drepano- 

 carpus lunulatus), a low bush of the family Leguminosae, with 

 recurved stinging-spines all over its branches and involved, 

 flat, siliculous fruits. Once we saw a flock of four Muscovy 

 Ducks ( Cairin a moschata) crossing the river. 



When we arrived at Approaga the black cook of the 

 fazenda, who had been sent out shooting in the forest, 

 brought home, besides a "Cutia" [Dasyprocta croconota), 

 a good specimen of the Red Arara (Ara maeao).. This I was 

 inclined to take for a good omen, as these birds arc getting 

 rare in the neighbourhood of the city of Para. 



Approaga is certainly the most important agricultural 

 station on the River Capim. It is pleasantly situated on the 

 border of the river to the right, on a somewhat elevated spot, 

 which is rendered necessary by the "pororoca." 



A large white house connected with a lower mass of 

 farm-factory buildings, the whole rendered visible far off on 

 the riverside by four old and tall royal palms [Oreodoxa 

 olerqcea) and the long chimney of the engine, gives to the 

 domain an aspect imposing as well as agreeable. Coming 

 nearer you will soon understand that it is a "Feudum," 

 suddenly interrupted in the course of prosperity, like 

 thousands of similar fazendas all over the former Brazilian 

 empire, by the suspension of slavery. Externally and 

 internally signs of the rapid cessation of a former activity 

 are seen at every step. It has evidently been one of those 

 important possessions which were still in a prosperous 

 condition when Wallace visited the region about the middle 

 of the last century. 



Around the I'a/.enda there is a cleared space, already 

 covered by a tolerably high weed-vegetation. Some negro 

 families inhabiting a series of dilapidated cottages behind 



