CHAPTER V. 



CARIPI AND THE BAY OF MARAJO. 



Eiver Para and Bay of Marajo — Journey to Caripi — Negro observance 

 of Christmas— A German Family — Bats— Ant-eaters — Humming- 

 birds — Excursion to the Murucupi — Domestic Life of the In- 

 habitants — Hunting Excursion with Indians— Natural History of 

 the Paca and Cutia — Insects. 



That part of the Para river which lies in front of 

 the city, as I have already explained, forms a narrow 

 channel ; being separated from the main waters of the 

 estuary by a cluster of islands. This channel is about 

 two miles broad, and constitutes part of the minor 

 estuary of Goajara, into which the three rivers Guama, 

 Moju, and Acara discharge their waters. The main 

 channel of the Para lies 10 miles away from the city, 

 directly across the river ; at that point, after getting 

 clear of the islands, a great expanse of water is beheld, 

 10 to 12 miles in width ; the opposite shore — the 

 island of Marajo — being visible only in clear weather as 

 a line of tree tops dotting the horizon. A little further 

 upwards, that is to the south-west, the main land on 

 the right or eastern shore appears, this is called Car- 

 napijo ; it is rocky, covered with the never-ending 

 forest, and the coast which is fringed Avith broad sandy 



