me here, perhaps
the eyes of those capable of appreciating its beauties have never gazed
on it. It seems strange that so many lovely spots, such as exist in
these wilds, should be concealed from the eyes of civilised people."

"Many things exist for which we cannot account," observed Uncle Paul.
"Birds of the most gorgeous plumage are found in parts of the globe
inhabited only by the lowest savages. Nothing can surpass the
magnificence of the icebergs clustered at the arctic and the antarctic
poles, where the feet of human beings never tread. What curious
coloured fish swim far down beneath the surface, where the eye of man
cannot penetrate! Indeed, we may believe that civilised men are not the
only beings capable of enjoying the beauties of creation; which all,
however, tend, when brought to light, to exhibit the power and
beneficence of the Creator."

Arthur listened attentively to what Uncle Paul was saying. "Yes,
indeed, I agree with you," he observed. "There are numberless things
which we see around us in nature, but cannot comprehend the reason of
their existence, though we must acknowledge the wisdom of Him who made
them all, and bow humbly to his will."

Our attention was now turned towards the approaching raft. While it was
coming, Uncle Paul inquired what provisions we had among us; and we
found, on examination, that the stock was very limited, and that the
fruit had come to an end. While there was still light, therefore, he
sent the Indians to search for some more. We saw, not far off, several
palms and other fruit-bearing trees with birds perched on them, showing
that the fruit was ripe. Both Arthur and I were desirous to accompany
them, but we felt much too weary to move.

"You must take care not to get into the midst of the macaws' nests, else
you may find yourselves attacked as we were," observed Arthur. "I see a
number of those birds congregated about a tree in the distance, and
possibly they have their homes thereabout; at all events, they may not
like to be disturbed in their feast, and will do battle with the
intruders."

"Never fear," answered Uncle Paul; "the Indians know pretty well what
they are about."

We had not long to wait for Sambo and Tim, who managed to bring the raft
close up to us. It was, however, so late in the day that Uncle Paul
considered it best for us to remain where we were till the following
morning, when he proposed that we should build another raft capable o