1848.] 
ARRIVAL AT PARA. 
3 
plants, and from the wall-tops and window-openings of 
the churches often spring luxuriant weeds and some- 
times small trees. Above and below and behind the 
city, as far as the eye can reach, extends the unbroken 
forest ; all the small islands in the river are wooded to 
the water’s edge, and many sand-banks flooded at high- 
water are covered with shrubs and small trees, whose 
tops only now appeared above the surface. The ge- 
neral aspect of the trees was not different from those of 
Em^ope, except where the '' feathery palm-trees” raised 
their graceful forms ; but our imaginations were busy 
picturing the wonderful scenes to be beheld in their 
dark recesses, and we longed for the time when we 
should be at liberty to explore them. 
On landing, we proceeded to the house of Mr. Miller, 
the consignee of our vessel, by whom we were most 
kindly received, and invited to remain till we could 
settle om^selves as we should find most convenient. 
We were here introduced to most of the English and 
American residents, who are all engaged in trade, and 
are few in number. Eor the four following days we 
were occupied in walking in the neighbourhood of the 
city, presenting our passports and obtaining license to 
reside, familiarizing ourselves with the people and the 
vegetation, and endeavouring to obtain a residence fitted 
for our pursuits. Einding that this could not be imme- 
diately done, we removed to Mr. Miller’s rosinha,” or 
country-house, situated about half a mile from the city, 
which he kindly gave us the use of till we could find 
more convenient quarters. Beds and bedsteads are not 
wanted here, as cotton woven hammocks are universally 
B 2 
