A Journey in Brazil — Background and Themes

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Agassiz, Louis, 1807-1873, Agassiz, Elizabeth Cabot Cary, 1822-1907 Project Gutenberg 2017 Not confirmed
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Text sections 27

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A dual-authored travel narrative combining Louis Agassiz's scientific observations with Elizabeth Agassiz's descriptive prose, focusing on the Amazon basin's geography, natural history, and settlements during an 1865 expedition.
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VOYAGE FROM NEW YORK TO RIO DE JANEIRO.

First Sunday at Sea.—Gulf Stream.—Gulf-Weed.—Lectures proposed.—First Lecture: On the Gulf Stream in the Gulf Stream.—Aquarium established on board.—Second Lecture.—Rough Sea.—Peculiar Tint of Water.—Third Lecture: Laying out Work of Expedition in Brazil; Distribution of Fishes in Brazilian Rivers; its Bearing on Origin of Species; Collecting of Eggs.—Tropical Sunset.—Fourth Lecture: Plan of Geological Investigations with special reference to Glacial Phenomena in South America.—Flying-Fish.—Fifth Lecture: Glacial Phenomena, continued.—Second Sunday at Sea.—Rough Water.—Sixth Lecture: Embryological Investigations as a Guide to sound Classification.—Seventh Lecture.—Moonlight Nights.—Trade-Winds.—Eighth Lecture: Importance of Precision in Localizing Specimens.—Southern Cross.—Ninth Lecture: Fresh-water Fishes of Brazil.—Easter Sunday.—First Sight of South American Shore.—Olinda.—Pernambuco.—Catamarans.—Tenth Lecture: Methods of Collecting.—Eleventh Lecture: Classification of Fishes as illustrated by Embryology.—Preparations for Arrival.—Twelfth Lecture: Practical Lesson in Embryology.—Closing Lecture: Transmutation Theory; Intellectual and Political Independence.—Resolutions and Speeches.—Singular Red Patches on the Surface of the Sea 1–45

RIO DE JANEIRO AND ITS ENVIRONS.—JUIZ DE FORA.

Arrival.—Aspect of Harbor and City.—Custom-House.—First Glimpse of Brazilian Life.—Negro Dance.—Effect of Emancipation in United States upon Slavery in Brazil.—First Aspect of Rio de Janeiro on Land.—Picturesque Street Groups.—Eclipse of the Sun.—At Home in Rio.—Larangeiras.—Passeio Publico.—Excursion on the Dom Pedro Railroad.—Visit of the Emperor to the Colorado.—Cordiality of the Government to the Expedition.—Laboratory.—Botanical Garden.—Alley of Palms.—Excursion to the Corcovado.—Juiz de Fora Road.—Petropolis.—Tropical Vegetation.—Ride from Petropolis to Juiz de Fora.—Visit to Senhor Lage.—Excursion to the Forest of the Empress.—Visit to Mr. Halfeld.—Return to Rio.—News of the Great Northern Victories, and of the President’s Assassination 46–79

LIFE IN RIO CONTINUED.—FAZENDA LIFE.

Botafogo.—Insane Hospital.—Tijuca.—Erratic Drift.—Vegetation.—Birthday Dinner.—Arrangements for Parties to the Interior.—Public Lectures in Rio.—Procession of St. George.—Leave Rio on Excursion to the Fortaleza de Santa Anna.—Localities for Erratic Drift between Rio and Petropolis.—Departure from Juiz de Fora.—Arrival at the Fazenda. Ride in the Forest.—Eve of San João.—Cupim Nests.—Excursion to the Upper Fazenda.—Grand Hunt.—Picnic.—Coffee Plantation.—Return to Rio.—Mimic Snow-Fields.—Coffee Insect spinning its Nest.—Visit to the Fazenda of Commendador Breves.—Botanizing Excursion to Tijuca.—Preparations for leaving Rio.—Major Coutinho.—Collegio Dom Pedro Segundo. 80–125

VOYAGE UP THE COAST TO PARÁ.

On board the Cruzeiro do Sul.—Members of the Party.—Arrival at Bahia.—Day in the Country.—Return to the Steamer.—Conversation about Slavery in Brazil.—Negro Marriages.—Maceio.—Pernambuco.—Parahyba do Norte.—Ramble on Shore.—Ceará.—Difficult Landing.—Brazilian Baths.—Maranham.—Assai Palm.—Visit to Orphan Asylum.—Detained in Port.—Variety of Medusæ.—Arrival of American Gunboat.—More Medusæ.—Dinner on Shore.—Cordiality toward the Expedition.—Arrival at Pará.—Kind Reception.—Environs of Pará.—Luxuriant Growth.—Markets.—Indian Boats.—Agreeable Climate.—Excursion in the Harbor.—Curious Mushroom.—Success in collecting, with the assistance of our Host and other Friends.—Fishes of the Forests.—Public Expressions of Sympathy for the Expedition.—Generosity of the Amazonian Steamship Company.—Geological Character of the Shore from Rio to Pará.—Erratic Drift.—Letter to the Emperor. 126–151

First Sunday on the Amazons.—Geographical Question.—Convenient Arrangements of Steamer.—Vast Dimensions of the River.—Aspect of Shores.—Village of Breves.—Letter about Collections.—Vegetation.—Variety of Palms.—Settlement of Tajapuru.—Enormous Size of Leaves of the Miriti Palm.—Walk on Shore.—Indian Houses.—Courtesy of Indians.—Row in the Forest.—Town of Gurupá.—River Xingu.—Color of Water.—Town of Porto do Moz.—Flat-topped Hills of Almeyrim.—Beautiful Sunset.—Monte Alégre.—Character of Scenery and Soil.—Santarem.—Send off Party on the River Tapajoz.—Continue up the Amazons.—Pastoral Scenes on the Banks.—Town of Villa Bella.—Canoe Journey at Night.—Esperança’s Cottage.—Picturesque Scene at Night.—Success in Collecting.—Indian Life.—Making Farinha.—Dance in the Evening.—Howling Monkeys.—Religious Impressions of Indians.—Cottage of Maia.—His Interest in Educating his Children.—Return to Steamer.—Scientific Results of the Excursion. 152–184

LIFE AT MANAOS.—VOYAGE FROM MANAOS TO TABATINGA.

Arrival at Manaos.—Meeting of the Solimoens with the Rio Negro.—Domesticated at Manaos.—Return of Party from the Tapajoz.—Generosity of Government.—Walks.—Water-Carriers.—Indian School.—Leave Manaos.—Life on board the Steamer.—Barreira das Cudajas.—Coari.—Wooding.—Appearance of Banks.—Geological Constitution.—Forest.—Sumaumeira-Tree.—Arrow-Grass.—Red Drift Cliffs.—Sand-Beaches.—Indian Huts.—Turtle-Hunting.—Drying Fish.—Teffé.—Doubts about the Journey.—Unexpected Adviser.—Fonte Bôa.—Geological Character of Banks.—Lakes.—Flocks of Water Birds.—Tonantins.—Picturesque Grouping of Indians.—San Paolo.—Land-Slides.—Character of Scenery.—Scanty Population.—Animal Life.—Tabatinga.—Aspect of the Settlement.—Mosquitoes.—Leave one of the Party to make Collections.—On our Way down the River.—Party to the Rivers Iça and Hyutahy.—Aground in the Amazons.—Arrival at Teffé. 185–211

Aspect of Teffé.—Situation.—Description of Houses.—Fishing Excursion.—Astonishing Variety of Fishes.—Acará.—Scarcity of Laborers.—Our Indoors Man.—Bruno.—Alexandrina.—Pleasant Walks.—Mandioca-shed in the Forest.—Indian Encampment on the Beach.—Excursion to Fishing Lodge on the Solimoens.—Amazonian Beaches.—Breeding-Places of Turtles, Fishes, etc.—Adroitness of Indians in finding them.—Description of a “Sitio.”—Indian Clay-Eaters.—Cuieira-Tree.—Fish Hunt.—Forest Lake.—Water Birds.—Success in Collecting.—Evening Scene in Sitio.—Alexandrina as Scientific Aid.—Fish Anecdote.—Relations between Fishes as shown by their Embryology.—Note upon the Marine Character of the Amazonian Faunæ.—Acará.—News from the Parties in the Interior.—Return of Party from the Iça.—Preparations for Departure.—Note on General Result of Scientific Work in Teffé.—Waiting for the Steamer.—Sketch of Alexandrina.—Mocuim.—Thunder-Storm.—Repiquete.—Geological Observations. 212–250

RETURN TO MANAOS.—AMAZONIAN PICNIC.

Arrival at Manaos.—New Quarters.—The Ibicuhy.—News from Home.—Visit to the Cascade.—Banheiras in the Forest.—Excursion to Lake Hyanuary.—Character and Prospects of the Amazonian Valley.—Reception at the Lake.—Description of Sitio.—Successful Fishing.—Indian Visitors.—Indian Ball.—Character of the Dancing.—Disturbed Night.—Canoe Excursion.—Scenery.—Another Sitio.—Morals and Manners.—Talk with the Indian Women.—Life in the Forest.—Life in the Towns.—Dinner-Party.—Toasts.—Evening Row on the Lake.—Night Scene.—Smoking among the Senhoras.—Return to Manaos. 251–275

MANAOS AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD.

Photographic Establishment.—Indian Portraits.—Excursion to the Great Cascade.—Its Geological Formation.—Bathing Pool.—Parasitic Plants.—Return by the Igarapé.—Public Ball.—Severity in Recruiting, and its Effects.—Collecting Parties.—Scenes of Indian Life.—Fête Champêtre at the Casa dos Educandos.—Prison at Manaos.—Prison Discipline on the Amazons.—Extracts from Presidential Reports on this Subject.—Prison at Teffé.—General Character of Brazilian Institutions.—Emperor’s Birthday.—Illuminations and Public Festivities.—Return of Collecting Parties.—Remarks on the Races.—Leave Manaos for Mauhes. 276–300

EXCURSION TO MAUHES AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD.

Leave Manaos.—On board the Ibicuhy.—Navigation of the River Ramos.—Aspect of the Banks.—Arrival at Mauhes.—Situation of Mauhes.—Tupinambaranas.—Character of Population.—Appearance of the Villages of Mauhes.—Bolivian Indians.—Guaraná.—Excursion to Mucaja-Tuba.—Mundurucu Indians.—Aspect of Village.—Church.—Distribution of Presents.—Generosity of the Indians.—Their Indifference.—Visit to another Settlement.—Return to Mauhes.—Arrival of Mundurucus in the Village.—Description of Tattooing.—Collection.—Boto.—Indian Superstitions.—Palm Collection.—Walk in the Forest.—Leave Mauhes.—Mundurucu Indian and his Wife.—Their Manners and Appearance.—Indian Tradition.—Distinctions of Caste. 301–321

RETURN TO MANAOS.—EXCURSION ON THE RIO NEGRO.

Christmas Eve at Manaos.—Ceremonies of the Indians.—Churches on the Amazons.—Leave Manaos for the Rio Negro.—Curious River Formation.—Aspect of the River.—Its Vegetation.—Scanty Population.—Village of Taua Péassu.—Padre of the Village.—Palms.—Village of Pedreira.—Indian Camp.—Making Palm-thatch.—Sickness and Want at Pedreira.—Row in the Forest.—Tropical Shower.—Geology of Pedreira.—Indian Recruits.—Collection of Palms.—Extracts from Mr. Agassiz’s Notes on Vegetation.—Return to Manaos.—Desolation of the Rio Negro.—Its future Prospects.—Humboldt’s Anticipations.—Wild Flowers.—Distribution of Fishes in the Amazonian Waters.—How far due to Migration.—Hydrographic System.—Alternation between the Rise and Fall of the Southern and Northern Tributaries. 322–350

DOWN THE RIVER TO PARÁ.—EXCURSIONS ON THE COAST.

Farewell Visit to the Great Cascade at Manaos.—Change in its Aspect.—Arrival at Villa Bella.—Return to the House of the Fisherman Maia.—Excursion to the Lago Maximo.—Quantity of Game and Waterfowl.—Victoria regia.—Leave Villa Bella.—Arrive at Obydos.—Its Situation and Geology.—Santarem.—Visit to the Church.—Anecdote of Martius.—A Row overland.—Monte Alégre.—Picturesque Scenery.—Banheiras.—Excursion into the Country.—Leave Monte Alégre.—Anecdote of Indians.—Almeyrim.—New Geological Facts.—Porto do Moz.—Collections.—Gurupá.—Tajapurú.—Arrive at Pará.—Religious Procession.—Excursion to Marajo.—Sourés.—Jesuit Missions.—Geology of Marajo.—Buried Forest.—Vigia.—Igarapé.—Vegetation and Animal Life.—Geology.—Return to Pará.—Photographing Plants.—Notes on the Vegetation of the Amazons.—Prevalence of Leprosy. 351–396

PHYSICAL HISTORY OF THE AMAZONS.

Drift about Rio de Janeiro.—Decomposition of underlying Rock.—Different Aspect of Glacial Phenomena in different Continents.—Fertility of the Drift.—Geological Observations of Messrs. Hartt and St. John.—Correspondence of Deposits along the Coast with those of Rio and those of the Valley of the Amazons.—Primitive Formation of the Valley.—First known Chapter of its History.—Cretaceous Fossil Fishes.—Former Extent of the South-American Coast.—Cretaceous Fossils from the Rio Purus.—Comparison between North and South America.—Geological Formations along the Banks of the Amazons.—Fossil Leaves.—Clays and Sandstones.—Hills of Almeyrim.—Monte Alégre.—Situation and Scenery.—Serra of Ereré.—Comparison with Swiss Scenery.—Boulders of Ereré.—Ancient Thickness of Amazonian Deposits.—Difference between Drift of the Amazons and that of Rio.—Inferences drawn from the present Condition of the Deposits.—Immense Extent of Sandstone Formation.—Nature and Origin of these Deposits.—Referred to the Ice-Period.—Absence of Glacial Marks.—Glacial Evidence of another Kind.—Changes in the Outline of the South-American Coast.—Souré.—Igarapé Grande.—Vigia.—Bay of Braganza.—Anticipation. 397–441

Leaving Pará.—Farewell to the Amazons.—Ease of Travelling on the Amazons.—Rough Passage.—Arrival at Ceará.—Difficulty of Landing.—Aspect of the Town.—Rainy Season.—Consequent Sickliness.—Our Purpose in stopping at Ceará.—Report of Dr. Felice about Moraines.—Preparations for Journey into the Interior.—Difficulties and Delays in getting off.—On the Way.—Night at Arancho.—Bad Roads.—Carnauba Palm.—Arrival at Monguba.—Kind Reception by Senhor Franklin de Lima.—Geology of the Region.—Evening Games and Amusements.—Pacatuba.—Traces of ancient Glaciers.—Serra of Aratanha.—Climb up the Serra.—Hospitality of Senhor da Costa.—Picturesque Views.—The Sertaō.—Drought and Rains.—Epidemics.—Return to Monguba.—Detained by extraordinary Rains.—Return to Ceará.—Overflowed Roads.—Difficulty of fording.—Arrival at Ceará.—Liberality of the President of the Province toward the Expedition. 442–465

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF RIO.—ORGAN MOUNTAINS.

Voyage from Ceará.—Freshets at Pernambuco.—Arrival at Rio.—Collections.—Vegetation about Rio as compared with that on the Amazons.—Misericordia Hospital.—Charities connected with it.—Almsgiving in Brazil.—Insane Asylum.—Military School.—The Mint.—Academy of Fine Arts.—Heroism of a Negro.—Primary School for Girls.—Neglected Education of Women.—Blind Asylum.—Lectures.—Character of a Brazilian Audience.—Organ Mountains.—Walk up the Serra.—Theresopolis.—Visit to the St. Louis Fazenda.—Climate of Theresopolis.—Descent of the Serra.—Geology of the Organ Mountains.—The Last Word. 466–494

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS OF BRAZIL.

Religion and Clergy.—Education.—Law, Medical, and Scientific Schools.—High and Common Schools.—Public Library and Museum in Rio de Janeiro.—Historical and Geographical Institute.—Social and Domestic Relations.—Public Functionaries.—Agriculture.—Zones of Vegetation.—Coffee.—Cotton.—Timber and other Products of the Amazons.—Cattle.—Territorial Subdivision of the Great Valley.—Emigration.—Foreigners.—Paraguayan War. 495–517

I. The Gulf Stream 519

II. Flying-Fishes 522

III. Resolutions passed on board the Colorado 525

IV. Dom Pedro Segundo Railroad 527

V. Permanence of Characteristics in different Human Species 529

VI. Sketch of Separate Journeys undertaken by different Members of the Expedition 533

COCOEIRO PALM FRONTISPIECE

A species of Attalea common in the Serra d’Estrella. It bears two or three large bunches of olive-like berries, hanging immediately below the crown of leaves. The upper part of the stem is often overgrown with parasites, as in the specimen represented here.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

TREE ENTWINED BY SIPOS 54

There are a great many parasites, the stem and roots of which are attached to larger trees; this woodcut represents one of those strange “tree-killers,” as they are called by the natives, belonging to the family of the Fig-trees, which, beginning their growth among the upper branches of trees, gradually descend to the ground, throw out branches around the stem they attack, and in the end kill it in their embrace. On the right are Lianas, from which hang parasitic flowers.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

SIDE VIEW OF THE ALLEY OF PALMS 60

Part of the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro. In the foreground a Pandanus covered with fruits. The Palms standing in pairs in the great alley are commonly called Palma Real. Their botanical name is Oreodoxa oleracea. The peak of Corcovado forms the background.

From a photograph by Messrs. Stahl & Wahnschaffe.

VISTA DOWN THE ALLEY OF PALMS 61

The objects are the same as in the preceding woodcut, only seen at right angles, to afford a view down the alley.

From a photograph by Messrs. Stahl & Wahnschaffe.

The great southeastern bay in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro. The highest peak in the centre is the Corcovado, at the foot of which stand the Insane Asylum and the Military School. On the left are the Gavia and the Sugar-Loaf; on the right, Tijuca. A beach runs all round the bay.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

From a photograph by Messrs. Stahl & Wahnschaffe.

MINA NEGRESS AND CHILD 84

From a photograph by Messrs. Stahl & Wahnschaffe.

FALLEN TRUNK OVERGROWN BY PARASITES 91

A comparison with the woodcut facing p. 54 will show how parasites growing upon living trees differ from those springing from dead trunks.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

FAZENDA DE SANTA ANNA, IN MINAS GERAES 103

The level grounds in front of the buildings are used for drying the coffee.

From a photograph by Senhor Machado.

ESPERANÇA’S COTTAGE 179

From a water-colored painting by Mr. J. Burkhardt.

VERANDA AND DINING-ROOM AT TEFFÉ 214

From a drawing by Mr. J. Burkhardt.

HEAD OF ALEXANDRINA 245

Extraordinary as the head of hair of this girl may seem, it is in no way exaggerated; it stood six inches beyond the shoulders each way.

From a sketch by Mr. Wm. James.

DINING-ROOM AT HYANUARY 258

The palm on the left is a Pupunha (Guilielma speciosa); the large-leaved trees back of the building are Bananas, and the Palm on the right a Javari (Astrocaryum Javari).

From a water-colored painting by Mr. J. Burkhardt.

The Palm in the foreground is a Mucaja (Acrocomia lasiospatha); near the fence stand Banana-trees, and in the distance on the right a Tucuma Palm (Astrocaryum Tucuma).

From a water-colored painting by Mr. J. Burkhardt.

MUNDURUCU INDIAN; male 313

From a photograph by Dr. Gustavo, of Manaos.

MUNDURUCU INDIAN; female 314

Also from a photograph by Dr. Gustavo, of Manaos.

This Palm, called Œnocarpus distychius by botanists, is remarkable for the arrangement of its leaves, which are placed opposite to each other on two sides of the trunk, and higher and higher alternately, so that, seen from one side, the two rows of leaves are equally visible, and have the appearance of a wide fan; seen in profile, they look like a narrow plume.

From a drawing by Mr. J. Burkhardt.

This colossal tree is known to botanists under the name of Eriodendrum Sumauma, and may be seen everywhere in the basin of the Amazons.

From a photograph presented by Senhor Pimenta Bueno.

GARRAFAŌ, among the Organ Mountains 486

This peak is called the Finger by the English residents of Rio. The Brazilians liken it to a bottle.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

The loose boulder alluded to in the text stands on the fourth peak from the left.

From a photograph by G. Leuzinger.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER I. VOYAGE FROM NEW YORK TO RIO DE JANEIRO.

FIRST SUNDAY AT SEA.—GULF STREAM.—GULF-WEED.—LECTURES PROPOSED.—FIRST LECTURE: “ON THE GULF STREAM IN THE GULF STREAM.”—AQUARIUM ESTABLISHED ON BOARD.—SECOND LECTURE.—ROUGH SEA.—PECULIAR TINT OF WATER.—THIRD LECTURE: LAYING OUT WORK OF EXPEDITION IN BRAZIL; DISTRIBUTION OF FISHES IN BRAZILIAN RIVERS; ITS BEARING ON ORIGIN OF SPECIES; COLLECTING OF EGGS.—TROPICAL SUNSET.—FOURTH LECTURE: PLAN OF GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GLACIAL PHENOMENA IN SOUTH AMERICA.—FLYING-FISH.—FIFTH LECTURE: GLACIAL PHENOMENA, CONTINUED.—SECOND SUNDAY AT SEA.—ROUGH WATER.—SIXTH LECTURE: EMBRYOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AS A GUIDE TO SOUND CLASSIFICATION.—SEVENTH LECTURE.—MOONLIGHT NIGHTS.—TRADE-WINDS.—EIGHTH LECTURE: IMPORTANCE OF PRECISION IN LOCALIZING SPECIMENS.—SOUTHERN CROSS.—NINTH LECTURE: FRESH-WATER FISHES OF BRAZIL.—EASTER SUNDAY.—FIRST SIGHT OF SOUTH AMERICAN SHORE.—OLINDA.—PERNAMBUCO.—CATAMARANS.—TENTH LECTURE: METHODS OF COLLECTING.—ELEVENTH LECTURE: CLASSIFICATION OF FISHES, AS ILLUSTRATED BY EMBRYOLOGY.—PREPARATIONS FOR ARRIVAL.—TWELFTH LECTURE: PRACTICAL LESSON IN EMBRYOLOGY—CLOSING LECTURE: TRANSMUTATION THEORY; INTELLECTUAL AND POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE.—RESOLUTIONS AND SPEECHES.—SINGULAR RED PATCHES ON THE SURFACE OF THE SEA.

_April 2d, 1865._—Our first Sunday at sea. The weather is delicious, the ship as steady as anything on the water can be, and even the most forlorn of our party have little excuse for sea-sickness. We have had service from Bishop Potter this morning, and since then we have been on deck reading, walking, watching a singular cloud, which the captain says is a cloud of smoke, in the direction of Petersburg. We think it may be the smoke of a great decisive engagement going on while we sail peacefully along. What it means, or how the battle ends, if battle it be, we shall not know for two months perhaps.[2] Mr. Agassiz is busy to-day in taking notes, at regular intervals, of the temperature of the water, as we approach the Gulf Stream. To-night we cut it at right angles, and he will remain on deck to continue his observations.

_April 3d._—The Professor sat up last night as he intended, and found his watch, which was shared by one or two of his young assistants, very interesting. We crossed the Gulf Stream opposite Cape Hatteras, at a latitude where it is comparatively narrow, some sixty miles only in breadth. Entering it at about six o’clock, we passed out of it a little after midnight. The western boundary of the warm waters stretching along the coast had a temperature of about 57°. Immediately after entering it, the temperature began to rise gradually, the maximum being about 74°, falling occasionally, however, when we passed through a cold streak, to 68°. These cold streaks in the Gulf Stream, which reach to a considerable depth, the warm and cold waters descending together in immediate contact for at least a hundred fathoms, are attributed by Dr. Bache to the fact that the Gulf Stream is not stationary. It sways as a whole sometimes a little toward the shore, sometimes a little away from it, and, in consequence of this, the colder water from the coast creeps in, forming these vertical layers in its midst. The eastern boundary is warmer than the western one, for the latter is chilled by the Arctic currents, which form a band of cold water all along the Atlantic shore. Their influence is felt nearly to the latitude of Florida. On coming out of the Gulf Stream the temperature of the water was 68°, and so it continued for an hour longer, after which Mr. Agassiz ceased his observations. To-day some of the gulf-weed was gathered by a sailor, and we found it crowded with life. Hydroids, in numbers, had their home upon it; the delicate branching plumularia and a pretty campanularia, very like some of our New England species; beside these, bryozoa, tiny compound mollusks, crusted its stem, and barnacles were abundant upon it. These are all the wonders that the deep has yielded us to-day, though the pretty Portuguese men-of-war go floating by the vessel, out of reach thus far. Such are the events of our life: we eat and drink and sleep, read, study Portuguese, and write up our journals.

Louis Agassiz opens the preface by framing the journey as a long-deferred scientific ambition, tracing his interest back to his student days when he described fishes collected by Spix and Martius. The expedition, made possible by Nathaniel Thayer's patronage, is presented not as a mere vacation but as an opportunity to build the Museum of Comparative Zoology's collections. Elizabeth Agassiz's narrative voice emerges in the descriptive passages, such as the account of Mauhes, where she notes the village's layout along a grass-grown street and the contrast between straw-thatched houses and the tiled roof of Mr. Michelis's home.

A Scientific Expedition Takes Shape

The preface reveals the book's dual purpose: personal restoration and scientific gain. Agassiz explicitly states that a mere vacation held little charm; the journey had to yield important results for science. He credits the Emperor of Brazil's interest in zoology and his prior support of the Cambridge museum as an additional incentive. The dedication to Nathaniel Thayer underscores the patronage model that enabled the expedition's scale. Readers should note that the narrative is jointly authored: Louis provides the scientific framework, while Elizabeth's contributions shape the descriptive travelogue. The preface sets expectations for a work that balances field notes with broader observations of Brazilian society and landscape.

Navigating the Watery Labyrinth

In the Mauhes region, the text emphasizes the overwhelming scale of the Amazon's tributaries. Elizabeth describes the island of Tupinambaranas as a network of rivers, lakes, and islands, noting that streams barely marked on maps prove to be large rivers. The passage illustrates a recurring theme: the difficulty of comprehending the Amazon's vastness when following its main course versus exploring its lesser branches. The description of the Bolivian Indians' perilous voyages—unloading cargo repeatedly to shoot cataracts—grounds the landscape in human labor. A specific proposal by Major Coutinho for a road along the Madeira is mentioned, hinting at the region's infrastructural challenges.

Settlement and Local Industry

The village of Mauhes is portrayed as a promising settlement, largely due to the efforts of Mr. Michelis, a resident of twenty-five years. Elizabeth contrasts his enterprise with the general lack of development along the Amazon, noting that his example should encourage other settlers. The description of the Guaraná plant—a trailing vine bearing beans processed into a paste, grated with a pirarucu tongue—offers a concrete detail of local commerce and daily life. The drink made from Guaraná is noted for its refreshing quality and medicinal use against diarrhœa. This section grounds the travelogue in economic and ethnographic specifics, showing how the authors attend to both natural resources and human adaptation.

Voice and Perspective in a Joint Account

The excerpts reveal a clear division of labor: Louis Agassiz's preface is personal and professional, while Elizabeth's descriptive passages adopt a more observational, almost ethnographic tone. Her writing includes precise details—the white beach, the Bolivian campfires, the church with its wooden cross—that convey a sense of place without overt scientific jargon. The narrative occasionally shifts to first-person plural, as when describing the arrival at Mauhes. Readers should be aware that the book alternates between these voices, and that the scientific content is often embedded within travel anecdotes. The excerpts do not reveal the full extent of Louis's zoological findings, but the preface suggests that collections made during the journey were intended for the Cambridge museum.

As you read A Journey in Brazil, pay attention to the interplay between the two authors' perspectives. Louis Agassiz's scientific goals provide the expedition's rationale, but Elizabeth's observations give the landscape texture and human scale. The excerpts suggest that the book is as much about the challenges of fieldwork—negotiating rivers, documenting settlements, and collecting specimens—as it is about Brazil itself. The narrative does not follow a strict chronological or thematic structure; instead, it moves between scientific description, travel anecdote, and social commentary. Approach the text as a layered account of a 19th-century scientific expedition, where the journey's purpose is continually reframed by the authors' distinct voices.

Some afternoons, I run my hand along the old Agassiz expedition—the Amazon’s mud still clinging to those dual voices, one observing, one feeling. There’s a gentleness in that memory, a pause between science and wonder. It reminds me of a small, quiet volume, Petals Plucked from Sunny Climes — Reading Notes, where scattered observations rest like pressed leaves, each holding its own light without asking for a single word of praise.

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  • ...
    Anthony Martinez - 1 month ago
    While A Journey In Brazil covers an important subject, the writing style feels dated and occasionally verbose. The author's perspective is very much of their time, lacking critical analysis of colonialism. The descriptions, though detailed, can become tedious. I would recommend it only to those with a specific interest in 19th-century travelogues, but even they might find it a slog.

  • ...
    Bruce Castillo - 4 weeks ago
    A Journey In Brazil is a breathtaking account of exploration and discovery. The author's vivid descriptions of the Amazon rainforest, bustling cities, and diverse wildlife made me feel like I was right there. The blend of personal anecdotes and historical context is masterful. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in South America or adventure travel. I couldn't put it down!

  • ...
    Victoria Carlson - 2 weeks ago
    A Journey In Brazil offers a compelling narrative and rich details about the country's landscapes and culture. The author's enthusiasm is infectious. However, at times the pacing feels uneven, with some sections dragging on while others are rushed. Still, a worthwhile read for armchair travelers and history buffs alike.


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