CHAPTER VII.

BARRA DO RIO NEGRO AND THE SOLIMÕES.

Appearance of the Rio Negro--The city of Barra, its trade and its inhabitants--Journey up the Rio Negro--The Lingoa Geral--The umbrella bird--Mode of life of the Indians--Return to Barra--Strangers in the city--Visit to the Solimões--The Gapó--Manaquery--Country life--Curl-crested Araçaris--Vultures and Onças--Tobacco growing and manufacture--The Cow-fish--Senhor Brandão--A fishing party with Senhor Henrique--Letters from England 112