54 



JOURNEY FROM RIO DE JANEIRO 



twilight the goat-suckers ( caprimulgtis J flew about our party, and a 

 large phalena of a slate colour, of which we might have taken many 

 specimens, had we been provided with the net used for catching them. 

 I found a dead bat hanging to a branch, of the genus phyllostoma, 

 which has a great resemblance to one described by Azara ; the only 

 specimen of this kind seen during the whole course of my journey. 



As we were going to examine the flower of a low palm, we found, 

 fastened to a branch, a neatly constructed nest of the blue-crowned 

 humming-bird ; this species greatly resembles the trochilus hicolor. 

 In all these nests there are two white eggs, which in some species 

 were extremely small. Continuing our route, we passed between 

 several lakes, and after a long day's journey we reached a venda 

 situated on the lake Sagoarema, where we found the mules and 

 our attendants, who had gone by another road. We also expected 

 that the kettles were already suspended over the fire ; but every requi- 

 site for preparing a repast was wanting. We therefore sent out 

 some of the servants for provisions ; but as they remained absent 

 so long that w^e began to despair of their return, we dispatched others 

 in quest of them on horseback. They returned with our messengers, 

 but brought nothing except fresh fish. Mean time the night had 

 passed away, and thus our supper was converted into a breakfast. 



The lake Sagoarema is connected with the sea, and of considerable 

 extent, being about six leagues in length and one in breadth. Its 

 water is salt, though it sends forth a disagreeable smell in some 

 places ; but yet it abounds in fish. Here is a scattered village of 

 fishermen, who dwell in small mud huts on the banks. Every house 

 has a pit dug in the ground, which serves as a cistern, the sea-water 

 being often foul. These fishermen are lightly clothed, like all the 

 Brazilians, wear large straw hats, thin loose drawers and shirts, 

 leaving their feet and necks without any covering. Every one carries 

 a sharp stiletto in his girdle. This weapon is in general use among 



