"Much of our coffee comes from Brazil," said Frank.
Uncle John then told the children that Brazil nuts come from the northern part of Brazil and from the Orinoco valley.
Helen asked if they grow as walnuts and hickory nuts do.
"No," answered her uncle, "they grow inside of a great case or shell. There are from eighteen to twenty-five in one shell, which is nearly as large as a man's head."
"How are the nuts got out of the shells?" asked Mary.
"When they fall, men break them open and take out the nuts," replied Uncle John. "Most of them are sent down the Amazon to the city of Para and from there shipped to the United States and other countries."
None of the children knew where Para is situated, so they all went to the library to look at the atlas. After they had located it, Uncle John told them of his visit to the city and of the wonderful things which he saw on a steamboat trip up the Amazon River.