Chapter XIII: Physical History of the Amazons

Drift about Rio de Janeiro.—Decomposition of underlying
Rock.—Different Aspect of Glacial Phenomena in different
Continents.—Fertility of the Drift.—Geological Observations
of Messrs. Hartt and St. John.—Correspondence of Deposits
along the Coast with those of Rio and those of the Valley of
the Amazons.—Primitive Formation of the Valley.—First known
Chapter of its History.—Cretaceous Fossil Fishes.—Former
Extent of the South-American Coast.—Cretaceous Fossils from
the Rio Purus.—Comparison between North and South
America.—Geological Formations along the Banks of the
Amazons.—Fossil Leaves.—Clays and Sandstones.—Hills of
Almeyrim.—Monte Alégre.—Situation and Scenery.—Serra of
Ereré.—Comparison with Swiss Scenery.—Boulders of
Ereré.—Ancient Thickness of Amazonian Deposits.—Difference
between Drift of the Amazons and that of Rio.—Inferences
drawn from the present Condition of the Deposits.—Immense
Extent of Sandstone Formation.—Nature and Origin of these
Deposits.—Referred to the Ice-Period.—Absence of Glacial
Marks.—Glacial Evidence of another Kind.—Changes in the
Outline of the South-American Coast.—Souré.—Igarapé
Grande.—Vigia.—Bay of Braganza.—Anticipation. 397–441

CHAPTER XIV.

CEARÁ.

Leaving Pará.—Farewell to the Amazons.—Ease of Travelling on
the Amazons.—Rough Passage.—Arrival at Ceará.—Difficulty of
Landing.—Aspect of the Town.—Rainy Season.—Consequent
Sickliness.—Our Purpose in stopping at Ceará.—Report of Dr.
Felice about Moraines.—Preparations for Journey into the
Interior.—Difficulties and Delays in getting off.—On the
Way.—Night at Arancho.—Bad Roads.—Carnauba Palm.—Arrival at
Monguba.—Kind Reception by Senhor Franklin de Lima.—Geology
of the Region.—Evening Games and Amusements.—Pacatuba.—Traces
of ancient Glaciers.—Serra of Aratanha.—Climb up the
Serra.—Hospitality of Senhor da Costa.—Picturesque Views.—The
Sertaō.—Drought and Rains.—Epidemics.—Return to
Monguba.—Detained by extraordinary Rains.—Return to
Ceará.—Overflowed Roads.—Difficulty of fording.—Arrival at
Ceará.—Liberality of the President of the Province toward the
Expedition. 442–465

CHAPTER XV.

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF RIO.—ORGAN MOUNTAINS.

Voyage from Ceará.—Freshets at Pernambuco.—Arrival at
Rio.—Collections.—Vegetation about Rio as compared with that
on the Amazons.—Misericordia Hospital.—Charities connected
with it.—Almsgiving in Brazil.—Insane Asylum.—Military
School.—The Mint.—Academy of Fine Arts.—Heroism of a
Negro.—Primary School for Girls.—Neglected Education of
Women.—Blind Asylum.—Lectures.—Character of a Brazilian
Audience.—Organ Mountains.—Walk up the
Serra.—Theresopolis.—Visit to the St. Louis Fazenda.—Climate
of Theresopolis.—Descent of the Serra.—Geology of the Organ
Mountains.—The Last Word. 466–494

CHAPTER XVI.

GENERAL IMPRESSIONS OF BRAZIL.

Religion and Clergy.—Education.—Law, Medical, and Scientific
Schools.—High and Common Schools.—Public Library and Museum
in Rio de Janeiro.—Historical and Geographical
Institute.—Social and Domestic Relations.—Public
Functionaries.—Agriculture.—Zones of
Vegetation.—Coffee.—Cotton.—Timber and other Products of the
Amazons.—Cattle.—Territorial Subdivision of the Great
Valley.—Emigration.—Foreigners.—Paraguayan War. 495–517