PREFACE. ix 



Captain Burton, whose knowledge of languages is 

 perhaps unequalled, and who is well known for the daring 

 explorations and expeditions which he has carried out, 

 travelled from Rio de Janeiro, via Petropolis, Juiz de Fora, 

 Barbacena, Sao Joao * del Rey, and Olhos d'Agua, to Cou- 

 gonhas do Campo, and thence by the Rio das Velhas to 

 its junction with the Rio Sao Francisco, which river he 

 followed some fifteen hundred miles to its embouchure in the 

 province of Bahia. The earlier part of his journey often 

 crossed the districts I visited and worked on, as will be 

 seen by reference to the map ; and for this reason I detail 

 his route. 



To attempt to rival such a book as Captain Burton's, 

 much less M. Liais's scientific work, would be an imperti- 

 nence ; but if my modest journal be a means of passing 

 a few pleasant hours, and if my notes can add anything 

 to the store of general knowledge, I shall be content. 



Although insects only were my special object, I have 

 given the names of the species of all the various orders 

 collected or noticed by me, as far as 1 have been able to 

 determine them. They include 



* Pronounced Saong Joaong. 



