The Fazenda of the Senhor Dias was situated on the edge of the magnificent woods which line the banks of the Amazon near the City of Para.
"No wonder that this region around Para is called the Paradise of Brazil," said the Senhor as they entered the forest, where heavy dew glittered on the leaves like diamonds in an emerald crown. "Every time I enter the forest it seems to me more splendid than it did the last time."
"What are those huge trees?" asked Affonzo.
"You ought to know those, for they are among the most famous of all Brazilian trees. They are the Stanba or stone wood, and beside them grows a cinnamon tree. In addition to these there is the jacaranda, pas d' arc, the euphorbia, the large lofty cotton-wood tree, the tall white syringa."
"I know that one," said Affonzo. "It is a rubber tree. Won't you take me to see the rubber gathered to-day?"
"Not to-day, but to-morrow, perhaps, for your uncle wishes to make the rounds and you may go with him."
"Thank you, that will be delightful," said Affonzo.
Their path led through the forest where long racemes of tropic moss hung down and waved in the breeze, while fern and vines grew in a tangle across the narrow path. Often the undergrowth was so thick, that Joachim had to go before the party and cut it away with his tracado.[1]
"You must keep silent now," said the Senhor.