CHAPTER VIII

Brazil--Contrast between Portuguese and Spanish South America--Moorish traditions--Amazing beauty of Rio de Janeiro--Yellow fever--The commercial Court Chamberlain--The Emperor Pedro--The Botanical Gardens of Rio--The quaint diversions of Petropolis--The liveried young entomologist--Buenos Ayres--The charm of the "Camp"--Water throwing--A British Minister in Carnival-time--Some Buenos Ayres peculiarities--Masked balls--Climatic conditions--Theatres--Restaurants--Wonderful bird-life of the "Camp"--Estancia Negrete--Duck-shooting--My one flamingo--An exploring expedition in the Gran Chaco--Hardships--Alligators and fish--Currency difficulties