again met with at the point where
the river expanded to a somewhat greater width.

After going almost due west for a short distance the river gradually
swung round to due north, a most beautiful view opening before us as we
got round the sweeping curve. For 5,000 m. the river now ran in a
perfectly straight line, with its beautiful clear water flowing over a
rocky bed. In the far distance loomed the first range of mountains we had
seen since leaving the Serra Azul. I had got so tired of gazing at a flat
horizon line that the sight of the range gave me unbounded pleasure. But
I had not much time to gaze upon the scenery, for rocks of all sizes and
shapes were strewn all along the channel.

Two small islets, each 20 m. long, were passed on the right bank. Then
came more picturesque groups of rock on the right and on the left of us
as we paddled gaily along, and refreshing accumulations of pure white
sand. Farther on, an island 50 m. wide and 60 m. long, with a southerly
crown of huge boulders--Corona Island--was to be seen close to the right
bank.

Some thousand metres before we got to the end of the long stretch, yet
another elongated island 50 m. long lay close to the left bank. The
island was thickly wooded. From that spot a basin fully 1,000 m. broad
spread out. The easterly portion was a mass of rock, exposed a few feet
above the surface. These rocks extended right across the basin as far as
an island 350 m. long--Josephine Island. The vegetation was
indescribably beautiful in that part. Immense quantities of rubber trees
stood majestically, so far unknown and untouched in the luxuriant forest.

Eight distinct groups of rocks were found on the right-hand side of the
river where it flowed for 4,000 m. in a N.N.W. direction. I took
forty-two sights of the sun that day in order to determine the exact
latitude and longitude. Lat. 10 deg. 48'.9 S.; long. 58 deg. 0' W.

When we left again in the afternoon the river, there 350 m. broad, was
enchantingly beautiful, absolutely clear of obstacles as far as we could
see. There was a stretch of 4,000 m. of placid waters, and we imagined
that we had come to the end of our trouble.

Monkeys played gaily among the trees, evidently taking the greatest
interest in the canoe. They followed us for long distances, jumping from
tree to tree, shrieking with excitement and gazing at us with keen
interest. We in the canoe suffered perfect torture from the millions of
bees, gnats, and