308 



TRAVELS IN BRAZIL 



the principal chain of the Alps and Mount Jura 

 in Switzerland, &c. It is- probable that a great 

 part of the valley, through which the Paraiba now 

 flows, was connected with the sea, and that these 

 rocks derived their present form and situation from 

 violent overflowings and currents of that element. 

 There are, besides, many traces in the valley of 

 the Paraiba that it has often changed its bed. 



On Christmas-day we continued our journey in 

 the direction from S. S. W. to Pendamhongabaj 

 five leagues from Guarantingueta. The three 

 streams of Parapitinga, Agoa Preta, and Ribeirao 

 da Villa, were so much swelled, that our collections 

 ran great risk in the passage over them. The 

 rain continued without ceasing to pour down in 

 torrents ; and the whole valley was almost always 

 enveloped in thick fog. We had, therefore, neither 

 inclination nor opportunity accurately to examine 

 this woody and well- watered district. Travelling 

 in tropical countries during the rainy season, besides 

 many other inconveniences and dangers, has the 

 double vexation, that the traveller finds great diffi- 

 culty in observing the environs ; and his books, 

 instruments, and collections, can hardly be pre- 

 served fi*om spoiling, by the greatest care and at- 

 tention. Pendamhongaba consists of some rows 

 of low huts lying scattered upon a hill, and does 

 not appear to be in a thriving condition. The 

 capitao mor of the place received with great 

 politeness his guests, who were wet through, and 



