VII AT MANAOS 207 
effects of the moist atmosphere are seen in the 
mosses, Hepatics, and ferns, which form great cones 
at the bases of the trees, hang in festoons from the 
branches, and clothe even the living leaves with a 
fine spongy felt." 
The first letter to Mr. Bentham was written 
three weeks after his arrival at Manaos, and the 
following extracts give his general impression of 
the vegetation, and his programme for the year.] 
To Mr. George Bentham 
Barra do Rio Negro, /(^-^. i, 185 1. 
. . . We had a miserable voyage of 63 days (!) 
from Santarem ; both of us were ill much of the 
time, and we were able to procure very few plants. 
Thus, what with waiting at Santarem for a passage, 
and what with the protracted voyage, I have lost 
an entire summer. The rainy season set in here 
some time ago, and the rain that falls far exceeds 
what we experienced at Santarem. However, we 
are in full work, and it is satisfactory to find one- 
self in the midst of a new vegetation — more pro- 
mising, unless I am mistaken, than any I have yet 
met with. I have already got 10 new Melastomas, 
some Myrtles, Laurels, Solanums, etc. ; but I have 
been principally occupied in securing some plants 
on the shore, which the river is fast overflowing. 
I propose making the Barra my head-quarters 
until the commencement of the dry season, when, 
if it please God, I will penetrate to the Orinoco 
and rifle the spoils of the Cerra Duida. . . . 
It is miserable work travelling up these rivers. 
