themselves, and have certain
information of the existence of some deep pool at which their steeds may
quench their thirst. Let them be cautious, however, how they approach
the pool; for beneath its surface the alligator and anaconda lie hid, or
the electric eel--which with its powerful galvanic battery may strike
the steed which ventures within its reach.

Even in this arid region the bountiful Creator has not left his
creatures without the means of sustaining life. Here, on the driest
soil, the globular melon-cactus, measuring a foot in diameter,
flourishes; its tough and prickly skin surrounding a rich and juicy
pulp. It is, however, covered with long, sharp thorns, which must be
broken off before the refreshing juice can be obtained. It is curious
that the wild horse and ox--strangers, as it were, to the region--are
not possessed of the sagacity to do this; while the mule, when it
discovers the melon, sets to work at once with its fore-feet, and then
cautiously sips the refreshing liquid.

Day after day the sun, with a lurid glare spread far and wide over the
cloudless sky, rises above the arid plains, drawing up every particle of
moisture, and withering with the intense heat of his rays every blade of
grass and green leaf, till it seems as if the whole region were doomed
to eternal desolation. At length, however, a wonderful change takes
place over the hitherto arid waste. A thick veil of mist is drawn
across the blue sky. A low bank of clouds appears on the horizon.
Gradually it rises, assuming the form of distant mountain-chains above
the plain. Onwards it advances, increasing in density, while vivid
flashes of lightning dart forth; the thunder is heard rolling in the
distance, and now loud crashing peals burst from the clouds, which
rapidly spreading across the vault of heaven, plenteous showers rush
downwards on the parched earth, filling up the dry cracks in the
marshes, replenishing the pools, and swelling the streams. The grass
springs up on every long-dry spot, the leaves burst forth, while
thousands of flowers of every tint and hue enamel the plain; and, as if
by magic, the whole face of nature is in a few hours changed. In a
short time the thorny bushes of the delicate and feathery-foliaged
mimosas are loaded with masses of canary-coloured blossoms, from their
summits down to the lowest branches, sending forth an almost
overpowering perfume; while the fronds of the beautiful mauritias--the
palm