The river, above the junction of the Tapajos, was sensibly narrower. Between Garupá and Santarem its width had averaged from eight to twelve, and sometimes fifteen miles. From the'tnouth of the river to Santarem, a distance of six hundred miles, twelve hundred islands are sown broadcast over the water; many of large size, and but few very small. These have been accurately surveyed, and their places laid down upon charts, by the officers of a French brig of war, within a few years. Owing to this multitude of islands, we rarely had the opportunity of distinguishing the northern shore.

The waters now were decreasing, having fallen between one and two feet. Their annual subsidence at Santarem is twenty-five feet; and they do not reach that point until late in December. At that time the tides are observable for a distance of several hundred miles above the Tapajos. Even at the height of water they cause a slight flowing and ebbing at Santarem.

We had been advised that the cárapanás were more bloodthirsty above the Tapajos; and our first night's experience made us tremble for the future.

Early in the morning, June 17th, we drew up by a cacao sitio. The only residents here were four women; two rather passees, and the others pretty, as Indian girls almost always are.