RETURN TO MANAOS.—EXCURSION ON THE RIO NEGRO.
Christmas Eve at Manaos.—Ceremonies of the Indians.—Churches on
the Amazons.—Leave Manaos for the Rio Negro.—Curious River
Formation.—Aspect of the River.—Its Vegetation.—Scanty
Population.—Village of Taua Péassu.—Padre of the
Village.—Palms.—Village of Pedreira.—Indian Camp.—Making
Palm-thatch.—Sickness and Want at Pedreira.—Row in the
Forest.—Tropical Shower.—Geology of Pedreira.—Indian
Recruits.—Collection of Palms.—Extracts from Mr. Agassiz’s
Notes on Vegetation.—Return to Manaos.—Desolation of the Rio
Negro.—Its future Prospects.—Humboldt’s Anticipations.—Wild
Flowers.—Distribution of Fishes in the Amazonian Waters.—How
far due to Migration.—Hydrographic System.—Alternation
between the Rise and Fall of the Southern and Northern
Tributaries. 322–350