her rivers swell its waters, united to it by
countless channels which form a wonderful network throughout the whole
region, joining also many of the main rivers together, with the
intricate navigation of which the natives alone are acquainted.

These curious water-paths, or igarapes, as they are called, are often so
narrow that the branches of the lofty trees meet overhead, enabling the
traveller in his canoe to proceed for miles together sheltered from the
noonday sun. Here and there a glimpse of the sky can be discovered
through the umbrageous foliage overhead, while birds of gay plumage flit
to and fro, or sit perched on the branches uttering their strange and
varied cries. In the intervals, or sometimes forming the termination of
the water-path, numerous pools of various sizes exist--some a few yards
across, others expanding into lakes--filled mostly by the overflowing of
the main river during the rainy season. They are the habitations of a
great variety of fishes. Here several species of turtles and alligators
swarm in vast numbers; electric eels, too, abound in them, as well as
many of the other curious water-creatures of that region. Water-fowl
and various other aquatic birds dwell on their banks, while on the
surface of their placid waters float the wide-spreading leaves and
magnificent blossoms of the Victoria Regia, as also of other lilies and
water-plants.

SCENES ON THE AMAZON.

The chief feature of the Lower Amazon is the vast expanse of smooth
water, of a pale yellowish-olive colour, bearing on its bosom detached
masses of aquatic grass floating down like islands, sometimes mixed with
huge trees, their branches and roots interlocked, and often carrying
among them wild animals, which, unconscious of their character, have
there taken refuge from their foes, or have ventured thither in search
of prey. The timid stag and fierce jaguar are sometimes thus entrapped
and carried out to sea. At even and morn flocks of parrots and large
and yellow macaws, fly backwards and forwards, uttering their wild and
hoarse cries; herons and rails frequent the marshes on its banks; while
all night long the cries of gulls and terns are heard over the sandy
banks where they deposit their eggs, while they may be seen during the
day sitting in rows on floating logs gliding down the stream, motionless
and silent, as if contemplating the scenery. There are divers and
darters, too, in abundance. Now and then a huge manatee