This magnificent region enjoys a perpetual summer, its various fruits
coming to maturity, according to their character, at different periods
throughout the year. It has, however, its wet and dry seasons. The
rain occurs at one time in the Upper Amazon, and at another in the
Lower,--greatly swelling the volume of water in the main stream, which,
unable to find its way towards the ocean, rushes through the countless
channels and igarapes, overflowing the lower portions of a vast district
called the Gapo. The waters begin to rise in February, and progress
inch by inch until the middle of June, gradually swelling the rivers and
lakes, when, these becoming filled, the lower lands and sand-banks are
overflowed even far-away in the interior. The forests are traversed by
numerous gullies, which in the dry season are wide dells, but now become
transformed into broad creeks, through which canoes can proceed to great
distances under the shade of the lofty trees.
At this period of the year the inland pools are frequented by swarms of
turtle, as well as alligators, and shoals of fish which leave the main
river; while the flocks of wading birds migrate northerly, thus greatly
dispersing the food on which the natives depend for their existence.
The fishermen who have been employed during the dry months in catching
turtle and fish on the sand-banks return to their villages, though some
employ themselves in collecting the Brazil-nut and wild cacao, which are
now ripe.
About the first week in June, the flood has risen sometimes to the
height of forty feet above the usual level of the river, when it now
begins to subside. The rains, however, do not fall continuously, though
very heavy at times. Several days of beautiful sunny weather generally
intervene. The fine season begins with a few days of brilliant
weather--the rays of the sun breaking forth among the passing clouds.
Towards the middle of July the sand-banks again appear, flocks of gulls
and other water birds fly by, and the gaily-plumaged inhabitants of the
forest come forth into full activity and life.