THE HERMIT OF PETROPOLIS. 331 



into the trunk of a mighty tree till a great cavity- 

 prepares its downfall, testifies to the destructive power 

 of an insidious enemy. 



It is only in the more open spots that a botanist is 

 able to make close acquaintance with the smaller 

 trees and shrubs. Near to the stream I was able to 

 hook down a branch and secure flowering specimens 

 of a Begonia that grew to a height of over twenty 

 feet. In such situations Melastomacecz were every- 

 where abundant, but for variety of forms the ferns 

 surpassed any of the families of flowering plants. I 

 was surprised to find that the beautiful tree ferns, 

 that add so much to the charm of the tropical flora, 

 were rarely to be found with fructification, and the 

 huge fronds being of quite unmanageable dimensions, 

 I did not attempt to collect specimens. Of the 

 smaller kinds, when I was able, with the kind assist- 

 ance of Mr. Baker, of Kew, to name my specimens, 

 I found that I had collected thirty-five species in the 

 neighbourhood of Petropolis. 



During my stay here I visited a German gentleman 

 whose singular manner of life excites the interest and 

 curiosity of the European residents. I am ignorant 

 of the motives that have led Mr. Doer, evidently an 

 educated and cultivated man, to lead the life of a 

 hermit far from his native country. He has built for 

 himself a small house in the forest, on one of the hills 

 that enclose the basin of Petropolis, and lives quite 

 alone, except for the daily visit of a boy who carries 

 the provisions that satisfy his very moderate wants. 

 He seems to be entirely occupied in studying the 

 habits of the native animals of the country, and 



