Emerging from the forest, a brilliant scene burst upon us.

A large clearing, evidently once cultivated, but now in a state of neglect, stretched out before us.
Broad fields, covered with flowers of every hue--thickets of blooming rose-trees--belts of the yellow helianthus--and groups of cocoa-trees and half-wild plantains, formed a picture singular and beautiful.
On one side, and close to the border of the forest, could be seen the roof of a house, peering above groves of glistening foliage, and thither we marched.
We entered a lane, with its _guardarayas_ of orange-trees planted in rows upon each side, and meeting overhead.
The sunlight fell through this leafy screen with a mellowed and delicious softness, and the perfume of flowers was wafted on the air.
The rich music of birds was around us; and the loveliness of the scene was heightened by the wild neglect which characterised it.
On approaching the house we halted; and after charging the men to remain silent, I advanced alone to reconnoitre..