74 RIO JANEIRO. 
was to them quite a novelty from its low branches, which extended 
horizontally and covered a space of one hundred and forty feet in 
diameter. 
After leaving the Estrella Pass the descent was very gradual, the 
route lying among the mountains. Crossing the river Paibanha, 
they reached a hamlet beautifully situated on the brow of a hill, and 
commanding an extensive view of the country. Here they found the 
place well suited to their employment of making collections of plants, 
and resolved to stop. Their host kept a small store, and had a 
German for salesman, who was greatly delighted at finding Mr. 
Brackenridge could speak his language. He paid them great atten- 
tion, and provided amply for their wants. 
They were gratified by the rich botanical field that was open to 
them. Among the plants, or trees, were Cupheas, with deep purple 
flowers, and others with lilac ; Lobelias fifteen feet high, with spikes 
of blue flowers three feet long ; and Acacias in full flower. Cyrtopo- 
dium Andersonii grew on the rocks in bunches, &c. Several trees 
of the Araucaria Braziliensis, from seventy to eighty feet high, were 
found in the valley, which Mr. Brackenridge succeeded in climbing, 
and obtained two handsome cones. The rivers were also searched 
for shells, but the water was too high to give any success. 
Returning at dark they found the German had provided supper, 
which was soon served. It consisted of bean soup, Indian bread, 
fried jerked beef, and sausages, which they had the satisfaction of 
eating on their knees, for there was no table, and but one spoon and 
only one knife for three persons. 
Having loaded themselves with specimens, they concluded to 
return, their ideas of life in tropical climates having undergone 
much change in this short time, from the erroneous belief they had 
entertained that industry was not necessary, that the inhabitants 
were surrounded by luxuries, having every delicacy imaginable, and 
that the only reason they were not advanced in agriculture and the 
arts was from the idleness engendered by the enervating influence of 
the climate. The fatigue and endurance necessary to overcome the 
actual state of things, was least of all expected, and such a thing as 
suffering from cold, even on elevated spots, was never dreamt of. 
The common food of the country was found to be ground manioc 
and jerked beef, which proved palatable after their fatigues. Their 
guide, however, who was a New Hampshire man, complained much 
of his privations. 
