244 TRAVELS IN BRAZIL, 



growth of the trees close together, as to take care 

 that they stand at a sufficient distance fi:om each 

 other. 



But the animal kingdom, which peoples those 

 ancient forests, is no less distinguished than the 

 vegetable world. The naturalist, who is here for 

 the first time, does not know whether he shall most 

 admire the forms, hues, or voices of the animals. 

 Except at noon, when all living creatures in the 

 torrid zone seek shade and repose, and when a 

 solemn silence is diffiised over the scene, illumined 

 by the dazzling beams of the sun, every hour of 

 the day calls into action another race of animals. 

 The morning is ushered in by the howling of the 

 monkeys* the high and deep notes of the tree 

 frogs and toads t, the monotonous chirp of the 

 grasshoppers and locusts, t When the rising sun 

 has dispelled the mists which preceded it, all crea- 

 tures rejoice in the return of day. The wasps 

 leave their long nests which hang down from the 

 branches ; the ants § issue from their dwellings, 

 curiously built of clay with which they cover the 

 trees, and commence their journey on the paths 

 they have made for themselves, as is done also by 



• Mycetus fuscus nob. 



+ Hyla boans, aurantiaca D., Faber Neuw., aspera nob. ; 

 Rana cornuta, labyrinthica nob. ; Bufo agua, margaritaceus 

 D., scaber, leucostictus, dorsalis, ornatus nob. 



J Tettigonia Locusta, Gryllus. 



j Formica leucosoma nob., grossa, megacephala. 



