Diseases and Dangers. 331 



(lays; distance by way of St. Thomas, 1610 + 1400 miles. 

 Steamer for Eio the ninth of each month ; fare, $125 ; 

 time, twelve days; distance, 2190 miles. Fare from Rio 

 to 'New York, $200. Fare by sailing vessel from Para to 

 New York, fi*om $50 to $75 ; time, three wrecks. A Brit- 

 ish steamer from Rio stops at Para and Lisbon. 



A word about health. First, take one grain of common- 

 sense daily ; do as the natives do, keep out of the noon- 

 day sun, and make haste slowly. Secondly, take with you 

 qumine in two-grain pills, and begin to take them before 

 leaving New York, as the great African traveler, Du 

 Chaillu, recommended us. As preventive against the in- 

 termittent fevers on the lowlands and rivers, nothing is 

 better than Dr. Copeland's celebrated pills^quinine, twelve 

 grains; camphor, twelve grains; cayenne pej)per, twelve 

 grains. Mix with mucilage, and divide into twelve pills ; 

 take one every night or morning as required. On the 

 Amazon carry guarana. Woolen socks are recommended 

 by those who have had much experience of tropical fevers. 

 Never bathe when the air is moist ; avoid a chill ; a native 

 will not bathe till the sun is well up. Rub yourself with 

 aguardiente (native rum) after a bath, and always when 

 caught in a shower. Freely exercise in Quito to ward off 

 liver complaints. Drink little water; coffee or chocolate, 

 is better, and tea is best. Avoid spirits with fruit, and 

 fruit after dinner. The sickhest time in Guayaquil is at 

 the breaking up of the rainy season. 



As to dangers : First, fi'om the people. Travehng is as 

 safe in Ecuador as in New York, and safer than in Mis- 

 souri. There are no Spanish banditti, though some places, 

 as Chambo, near Riobamba, bear a bad name. It is not 

 wise to tempt a penniless footpad by a show of gold ; but 

 no more so in Ecuador than any where. We have traveled 

 from Guayaquil to Damascus, but have never had occasion 



