Around Pard. 



129 



water became so deep that he could not touch bot- 

 tom with the pole. ^The logs, too, began to roll 

 about, and Agassiz was obHged to confess that he 

 could not follow this road. The Indian asked him 

 to wait, and while Agassiz balanced himself on the 

 slippery logs he went for a canoe and soon conveyed 

 him to the opposite shore, where stood a picturesque 

 little home in which the wife and children lived. In 

 referring to the return Agassiz says : I shall never 

 forget that row, the more enchanting that it was so 

 unexpected, through the narrow water-path, over- 

 arched by a solid roof of verdure, and black with 

 shadows, and yet it was not gloomy, for outside, the 

 sun was setting in crimson and gold, and its last 

 beams struck in under the boughs and lit the in- 

 terior of the forest with a warm glow. Nor shall I 

 forget the face of our Indian friend, who had wel- 

 comed us so warmly to his home, and who evidently 

 enjoyed our exclamations of delight and the effect of 

 the surprise he had given us. The creek led by a 

 detour back into the river, a few rods above the 

 landing where our steamer lay. Our friendly boat- 

 man left us at the stairway, with a cordial good-bye, 

 and many thanks from us at parting." 



Agassiz was particularly impressed with the 

 courtesy and kindness of the natives. Everywhere 

 they showered attentions upon him, and examined 

 Mrs. Agassiz — her hair, clothes, and articles of jew- 

 elry with the greatest curiosity. In the morning she 

 would be awakened by the Indian woman bringing 

 her flowers, repaying the courtesy by allowing them 

 to examine her toilet articles. The native men 

 9 



