In the interval, the difference between the dew point and temperature had increased from 7.5 to 17 degrees.
On another occasion I started early and walked to the Gavia, or topsail mountain.

The air was delightfully cool and fragrant; and the drops of dew still glittered on the leaves of the large liliaceous plants, which shaded the streamlets of clear water.
Sitting down on a block of granite, it was delightful to watch the various insects and birds as they flew past.

The humming-bird seems particularly fond of such shady retired spots.

Whenever I saw these little creatures buzzing round a flower, with their wings vibrating so rapidly as to be scarcely visible, I was reminded of the sphinx moths: their movements and habits are indeed in many respects very similar.
(PLATE 13.

RIO DE JANEIRO.) Following a pathway I entered a noble forest, and from a height of five or six hundred feet, one of those splendid views was presented, which are so common on every side of Rio.