THE PALMS OF AMERICA. 157 



huts on horizontal platforms, supported by the 

 stumps of these palms, but ingeniously sus- 

 pended from stem to stem of the growing trees, 

 spreading mats or hammocks woven from the 

 leaf stalk of the ]\Iauritia, which enabled them 

 during the rainy season, when the Delta was 

 overflowed, to live in the trees in the manner of 

 apes. These pendant huts were partly covered 

 with clay, and the women kindled the fire 

 necessary for their culinary operations on the 

 humid flooring. As the traveller passed by 

 night along the river, his attention was attracted 

 by a long line of flames, suspended high in the 

 air, and apparently unconnected with the earth, 

 forming a sight both extraordinary and startling 

 to those who were previously unacquainted 

 with the habits of this singular race. To the 

 ]\Iauritia palm we may say that the Guaranes 

 owe their independence, for the loose marshy 

 soil of their country renders it of very difficult 

 access to any but such as are able to move over 

 it with an equally fleet and buoyant step to 

 that of these Indians, while their lofty sylvan 

 domiciles render them still more secure. 



The Mauritia not only affords a secure habi- 

 tation, but likewise yields numerous articles of 

 food. It is the sago tree of America, furnish- 

 ing food and clothing, flour and wine, and 



