Early on the 6th Gurupá was in sight. As we drew near we were hailed from the fort in some outlandish tongue, inquiring, probably, if we intended to storm the town. Our answer was in English, and they seemed as well satisfied as though they had comprehended it, bidding us pass on. The town does not present a very striking appearance from the water, merely the tops of half a dozen houses being visible. The landing was at the upper end, and there we moored, among numbers of little craft which had collected from the vicinity, for the day was a festa.

Gurupá was formerly considered the key to the river, and was of great service to the early colonists in preventing the encroachments of other nations. Now it is of little consequence, and has but a scanty trade. Its population numbers a few hundred. Superior sarsaparilla, or salsa, is taken to Pará. from this vicinity. The situation of the town is fine. In front, a long island stretches far down the river, called the Isle of Paroquets. Above, and within a few miles, are two other islands, both small, and beautiful from their circular shape. Upon the Isle of Paroquets all kinds of parrots and macaws were now preparing to breed in vast flocks, and this accounted for the unusual numbers which we had seen within a few days.