Their uncle decided first to take them to the famous Botanical Gardens and as they entered the main gateway, they saw the avenue of fine royal palms.
"The avenue is almost half a mile long," said the Senhor. "And the trees are a hundred feet high."
"Aren't they fine," said Affonzo. "They are the tallest palms I ever saw."
"They meet together at the top and form a regular archway the whole length of the walk," said Martim.
"What is that very high mountain?" asked Lola.
"That is the Corcovado, and some day we shall go over there and ascend it," said Martim. "We shall have to start very early in the morning, for it is a long trip."
"Here comes Doctor Barbosa, papa," said Martim. "I wonder if he will go around the gardens with us."
"Perhaps he will, if he is not too busy. If he does, he can tell you all about the trees and flowers for he has explored the country along the Amazon and knows all about the Brazilian flora."
As the Senhor spoke, Doctor Barbosa came up smiling, for he and Senhor Lopez were old friends.