VOYAGE UP THE COAST TO PARA. 



151 



domain of the Amazons properly so called ; for I have seen as yet but a tenth 

 part of the fluviatile species known from this basin, and some of the marine 

 species which come up to Para. Unhappily, Mr. Burkhardt is ill, and has been 

 able to paint but four of the new species we have procured ; and of nearly 

 half the number, only single specimens have been secured. On my return 

 I must make a longer stay in Para in order to fill these deficiencies. I am 

 enchanted with the grandeur of nature here. Your Majesty certainly reigns 

 over the most beautiful empire of the world ; and, personal as are the atten- 

 tions which I receive wherever I stop, I cannot but believe that, were it not for 

 the generous and hospitable character of the Brazilians and the interest of the 

 higher classes in the progress of science and civilization, I should not have 

 met with the facilities which crowd my path. Thus, in order to render the 

 exploration of the river from Para to Manaos more easy, Mr. Pimenta Bueno, 

 instead of allowing me to take the regular steamer, has put at my disposition, 

 for a month or six weeks, one of the finest boats of the company, where I am 

 installed as conveniently as in my Museum at Cambridge. Mr. Coutinho is 

 full of attention, and renders my work doubly light by procuring, in advance, 

 all the information possible. But I will not further abuse your Majesty's 

 leisure, only begging you to believe in the complete devotion and respectful 

 affection of 



Your humble and obedient servant, 



L. Agassiz. 



