are invariably of the “dugout” type.  A shape is roughly cut from a tree-trunk and then a fire is built in the centre and kept burning in the selected places until the trunk is well hollowed out.  It is then finished off by hand.  Paddles are formed from the buttresses which radiate from the base of the matamata tree, forming thin but very strong spurs.  They are easily cut into the desired shape by the men and receive decorations from the hands of the women who often produce striking colour effects.  A beautiful scarlet tint is obtained from the fruit of the urueu plant, and the genipapa produces a deep rich-black colour.  These dyes are remarkably glossy, and they are waterproof and very stable.

After sunset the launch was off again.  Everything went quietly until midnight, when we were awakened with great suddenness.  The launch had collided with a huge log that came floating down the stream.  It wedged itself between the side of the boat and the lighter and it required much labour to get ourselves loose from it.  After we got free, the log tore two of the canoes from their fastenings and they drifted off; but the loss was not discovered until the next morning, when we were about thirty-five miles from the scene of the accident.

Two more days passed without any incident of a more interesting nature than was afforded by occasional stops at lonely barracaos where merchandise was unloaded and fuel for the engine taken in.  We were always most cordially received by the people and invited to take coffee, while murmurs of “Esta casa e a suas ordenes”—­This house is at your disposal—­followed our departure.  Unlike many conventional phrases of politeness, I do not know that the sentiment was entirely exaggerated, It is typical of the Brazilian and is to be reckoned with his other good qualities.  They always combine a respect for those things that are foreign, with their decided patriotism.  The hospitality the stranger receives at their hands is nothing short of marvellous, and no greater insult can be inflicted than to offer to pay for accommodations.  I find any retrospective glance over the days I spent among these people coloured with much pleasure when I review incidents connected with my contact with them.  There is a word in the Portuguese language which holds a world of meaning for anyone who has been in that land so richly bestowed with the blessings of Nature, Brazil.  It is saudades, a word that arouses only the sweetest and tenderest of memories.

There were seven more days of travel before we reached the headquarters of Floresta, the largest rubber-estate in the Javary region.  It covers an area somewhat larger than Long Island.  Coronel da Silva, the owner, lives in what would be called an unpretentious house in any other place but the Amazon.  Here it represents the highest achievement of architecture and modern comfort.  It is built on sixteen-foot poles and stands on the outskirts of a half-cleared