A little after, we saw Knips leap off the back of his usual palfrey, Flora, and, making his way through the rich grass, collect and carry rapidly to his mouth something that seemed particularly to please his palate.

We followed him, and, to our great comfort, were able to refresh ourselves with that delicious strawberry called in Europe the Chili or pineapple strawberry.

We ate plentifully of this fruit, which was of enormous size; Ernest especially enjoyed them, but did not forget the absent; he filled Knips's little pannier with them, and I covered them with large leaves, which I fastened down with reeds, lest he should take a fancy to help himself as we went home.
I took, also, a specimen of rice, for the inspection of our good housekeeper, who would, I knew, rejoice in such an acquisition.
We proceeded round the lake, which presented a different scene on every side.

This was one of the most lovely and fertile parts we had yet seen of this country.

Birds of all kinds abounded; but we were particularly struck with a pair of black swans, sailing majestically on the water.
Their plumage was perfectly black and glossy, except the extremity of the wings, which was white.