We were not lucky enough to see the mountains again until we were near the capital.
I must here mention a comical mistake of Herr Beske, of Novo Friburgo, which we at first could not understand, but which afterwards afforded a good deal of amusement.

Herr Beske had recommended us a guide, whom he described as a walking encyclopaedia of knowledge, and able to answer all our questions about trees, plants, scenery, etc., in the most complete manner.

We esteemed ourselves exceedingly fortunate to obtain such a phoenix of a guide, and immediately took advantage of every opportunity to put his powers to the test.

He could, however, tell us nothing at all; if we asked him the name of a river, he replied that it was too small, and had no name.

The trees, likewise, were too insignificant, the plants too common.