CHAPTER VI 



Pan de i\zucar 



Friday, May i^th. In all tropical regions, the 

 forests and open glades appear to reach their acme 

 of splendor in the early morning hours. This is not 

 owing simply to atmospheric effect, which we so 

 much consider in the viewing of all landscapes, 

 but because of the freshness of the vegetation and 

 the reawakening of all life at that time. During 

 the prolonged heat of a tropic day, all nature seems 

 drowsy. The birds cease their calls and disappear ; 

 insect life is less in evidence and the vegetation 

 itself loses in vigor. After the cool of the night 

 and a refreshing dew bath, the coming day is 

 greeted by a general rejoicing. Every plant 

 thrusts forth its leaves to absorb the sun's rays 

 while still tempered by morning mists. All 

 animal life is rejuvenated and busily sets about its 

 day's task with a vim that begins to flag by nine 

 and is dissipated by ten o'clock. This, of course, 



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