ot be longer absent from my people in these troubled times. I hope
that you will soon overtake your father and family, who, from the
accounts I have received, intend to wait for you at the mouth of the
river, where it joins the Amazon. Though I must return, Isoro has
expressed a wish to accompany you. You will find his assistance of
value, as he has been among the wild tribes you will encounter on your
passage, and knows their habits and customs. They are very different
from the people you have hitherto met, and may give you much annoyance,
unless cautiously dealt with."

We were very sorry to hear of Don Jose's intention of leaving us, as we
had hoped that he intended to accompany us till we could overtake our
father, though we were greatly obliged to him for his proposal of
allowing Isoro to remain with us.

Once more, the clouds clearing away, we proceeded on our journey. We
made, however, but slow progress, as in many places the sipos which had
overgrown the path had to be cut way to allow of our passage through the
forest. I can scarcely attempt to convey in words an idea of the dense
mass of foliage amid which we had to force our way. Vast roots like
huge snakes ran out over the ground in all directions, their upper parts
forming huge buttresses to the giant stems. Then large ferns shot
upwards, while a thick network of vines hung festooned in every possible
form above our heads, many hanging down straight to the ground, while
numberless curious air-plants hung suspended from the branches. Now and
then gaily-plumaged birds were seen flitting amid the thick shade; but
we were surprised at the paucity of animal life which existed. Not a
quadruped was to be seen. A few monkeys and parrots were occasionally
heard, though rarely caught sight of. We had numerous streams to cross;
often, indeed, the same stream to cross several times. Frequently the
passage was almost as dangerous as that I have described. Sometimes we
stopped at the huts of the natives, where we were as usual well
received. They were built of bamboo, fastened together with lianas or
sipos, the roofs covered with large palm-leaves. They willingly
supplied us with such provisions as they possessed. The chief article
was _yuca_ flour, with which we made cakes. It is the beet-like root of
a small tree about ten feet high. When not hunting, the men appeared to
spend their time in idleness. The women, however, were occasionally
employed i