oulders of consolidated
ashes with veins of crystals and marble. There, too, the stratification
was vertical. There was lamination in some of the rock, but not in the
granite blocks nor in the blocks of marble, which appeared to have been
subjected to enormous heat. Some of the rock had been in a state of
absolute ebullition.

[Illustration: Marvellous Scenery of the Central Brazilian Plateau.]

[Illustration: "Church rock" standing in the centre.]

At the spot where we crossed the range--starting our ascent from an
elevation of 1,100 ft.--were immense holes, vents and cracks in the
earth's crust. As we rose slightly higher among many chains of low hills,
we were upon a horizontal stratum of laminated granite. Higher still we
passed a semicircular hill composed of immense blocks of granite. In the
centre of the semicircle was a great round hole, 30 ft. in diameter--an
extinct crater. Farther on, ascending upon an inclined plane, we came to
another similar semicircle--not of rock that time, but of red earth and
cinders. When we reached the highest point (elev. 1,270 ft.) of the
divide we had to our left huge pinnacles and pillars of rock of the most
fantastic shapes, monoliths from 10 to 15 ft. high, and rocks hollowed by
the action of fire. Big boulders, which had become perfectly rounded by
having been shot through the air and revolved at a great speed while in a
half-solid condition, were to be seen scattered all over the inclined
planes of the saddle of the divide. Giant cacti grew in abundance in the
interstices between rocks. Although most of the rocks were blackened
outside, by chipping off the outer surface one found that they contained
inside beautiful white marble or else greyish granite. The latter was
striated with thin layers--not more than a quarter or half an inch
thick--of crystallized matter, forming veins in the blocks or dividing
two strata.

Everywhere could be noticed remarkable perforations of all sizes in the
rocks, great spherical or ovoid hollows, or cylindrical tubular channels.
In the ground were many volcanic vents with lips baked by fire.

On our right, a kilometre or so farther on, after having gone through an
extensive stretch of red sand and lapilli, we came across three hills,
the central one of which had the appearance of a cylindrical tower of
masonry with windows and doors. It was a wonderful freak of nature. Under
this huge tower were several caves and grottoes.

Descending upon