92 WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA. 



not only vegetating, but sending forth vigorous shoots, 

 though far from their perpendicular, and their trunks 

 inclined to every degree from the meridian to the 

 horizon. 



Their heads remain firmly supported by the bush-rope ; 

 many of their roots soon refix themselves in the earth, and 

 frequently a strong shoot will sprout out perpendicularly 

 from near the root of the reclined trunk, and in time 

 become a fine tree. No grass grows under the trees ; and 

 few weeds, except in the swamps. 



The high grounds are pretty clear of underwood, and 

 with a cutlass to sever the small bush-ropes, it is not diffi- 

 cult walking among the trees. 



The soil, chiefly formed by the fallen leaves and decayed 

 trees, is very rich and fertile in the valleys. On the hills, 

 it is little better than sand. The rains seem to have car- 

 ried away, and swept into the valleys, every p ticle which 

 nature intended to have formed a mould. 



Four-footed animals are scarce, considering how very 

 thinly these forests are inhabited by men. 



Several species of the animal, commonly called Tiger, 

 though in reality it approaches nearer to the leopard, are 

 found here ; and two of their diminutives, named Tiger-cats. 

 The Tapir, the Labba, and Deer, afford excellent food, and 

 chiefly frequent the swamps and low ground, near the sides 

 of the river and creeks. 



In stating that four-footed animals are scarce, the Peccari 

 must be excepted. Three or four hundred of them herd 

 together, and traverse the wilds in all directions, in quest 

 of roots and fallen seeds. The Indians mostly shoot them 

 with poisoned arrows. When wounded, they run about 

 one hundred and fifty paces; they then drop, and make 

 wholesome food. 



The Eed Monkey, erroneously called the baboon, is heard 



