CHAPTER V.

THE AMAZONS, THE GIANT RIVER OF THE TORRID ZONE.

The Course of the Amazons and its Tributaries--The Strait of Obydos--Tide Waves on the Amazons--The Black-water rivers-- The Rio Negro--The Bay of the Thousand Isles--The Pororocca-- Rise of the River--The Gapo--Magnificent Scenery--Different Character of the Forests beyond and within the verge of Inundation--General Character of the Banks--A Sail on the Amazons--A Night’s Encampment--The ‘Mother of the Waters’-- The Piranga--Dangers of Navigating on the Amazons--Terrific Storms--Rapids and Whirlpools--The Stream of the Future-- Travels of Orellana--Madame Godin 36