xpansion is furnished with a
sharp raised margin; on the other, the strong nervure which traverses it
on the other side is crossed by a number of short, sharp furrows, like
those of a file. When, therefore, the insect rapidly moves its wings,
the file of one expansion scrapes sharply across the horny margin of the
other, thus producing the curious sounds. The wing-cases, which are of
a parchment-like nature, and the hollow drum-formed space which they
enclose, assists to give resonance to the tones. The music they make is
employed undoubtedly to serenade their mates, for the same object which
induces the feathered tribe to utter their varied notes in the forest.

We had once more entered the main stream, which, after the confined
navigation of the last few days, appeared to our eyes almost like the
wide ocean. We landed rather earlier than usual, as a favourable spot
appeared, and we could not tell how far off another might be found. We
had formed huts as usual, our camp-fire was lighted, and Domingos and
Maria were engaged in cooking our evening meal, making the most of the
scanty fare we had remaining. A point was near from which we believed
we could get an uninterrupted view for a great distance down the river.
As we found we could make our way to it without much difficulty, we
begged Ellen and Oria to accompany us.

On reaching the point we sat down on a bank. A small object appeared in
the distance on the water. Arthur was the first to espy it. I thought
it was but a log of wood. We pointed it out to Oria. She at once
declared that it was a canoe. It was certainly approaching, and at
length we made out a small canoe gliding over the smooth water; and as
it came near we saw a white man in the stern steering, and ten natives
urging her on with rapid strokes. "What if those people should be able
to give us news of our father!" exclaimed Ellen. "Do call them, lest
they should pass by." John hailed the canoe. Presently we saw the
white man stand up and look towards us. Instantly the head of the canoe
was turned in our direction. We hastened down to the point where they
would land, and the white man stepped on shore. He gazed first at one,
then at the other, with an inquiring glance.

"Can you tell me, my friend," asked John, "if an English family are
stopping anywhere on the banks down the river?"

"Indeed I can, senor," answered the white man; "for I have been sent up
by the master to look out for