XXIII AMAZONIAN VEGETATION 349 
character of the very interesting writer, and also 
that of Spruce himself, who could excite such 
enthusiastic affection (though this will surprise none 
who knew him intimately), I will here give the 
more interesting portions of it.] 
Senor Saniander to Senor Don Ricardo Spruce 
My much -thought -of and never -forgotten 
Friend — The receipt of your much-desired and con- 
solatory letter has filled me and my family with joy, 
especially on seeing the portrait that accompanied it. 
But what a notable difference it presents from that 
you sent us in 1 864, which showed you much the same 
as we had known you, whereas this last shows you 
with a beard as white as the snow of Chimborazo, 
and a stoutness that (for you) is extreme. What 
changes time makes in the features — one would 
think from this portrait you were seventy years 
old! 
[Then follows an account of his own domestic 
troubles : the death of his eldest son, the dangerous 
illness of his wife, and the loss of a fine mastiff, 
our old and faithful friend and the guardian of 
our house ! " He then continues :] 
Notwithstanding these calamities, I did all I 
could to procure the specimens of Cinnamon for Mr. 
Hanbury, but I have found it impossible. 
In the first place, I availed myself of Padre 
Fierro, our friend, and in effect he sent the desired 
specimens by Pacho Gallegos and Jose Torres. 
But see what happened. The Padre's nephew ran 
away from Canelos and carried off all his uncle's 
clothes, some ounces of gold, a gun, etc. He 
