Orange groves margined its course, running sinuously through the settlement.
In places it was lost to sight, only to re-appear with some new feature of beauty.
Here and there it exhibited cascades and slight waterfalls that danced in the sunlight, sending up showers of prismatic spray.
There were islets upon which grew reeds, sedges, and canes, surmounted by groups of caricas, and laurel-magnolias, the exogenous trees overtopped by the tall, feathery palm.
In its waters wild fowl disported themselves, scattering showers of luminous spray as they flapped their wings in delight.
Birds of rare plumage darted hither and thither along its banks, enlivening the groves with their jocund notes.
Far beyond, the swamp forest formed a dark, dreary back-ground, which, by contrast, enhanced the cheerfulness of the scene.
Looking seaward, the prospect was no less resplendent of beauty.
The water, dashing and fretting against the rocky quays, glanced back in mist and foam.
Snow-white gulls hurried along the horizon, their wings cutting sharply against an azure sky, while along the silvery beach, tall, blue herons, brown cranes, and scarlet flamingoes, stood in rows, their forms reflected in the pellucid element.