could
find a proper path, and in doing so, Mr. Walker, who was the first to
climb up, met with an accident which nearly proved fatal to him
; when near the top, part of a rock by which he laid hold gave way, and
he was precipitated from a height of about sixteen or eighteen feet
with great violence, and rolled over some large stones to within a few
feet of a deep precipice; it was a most fortunate circumstance
for him that he did not go over it, or he would have been dashed to
pieces. Although considerably bruised, he was again the first to lead
the way, reaching the top with safety, where with more or less
difficulty we followed him. On attaining this point, we thought we had
gained the highest part of the Serra, but about half a mile to the
north we saw another point considerably higher to which we now directed
our steps. During the ascent the sun was very powerful, but at this
elevation, we found a deliriously cool breeze blowing from the east,
which was very refreshing. We all suffered from thirst, and fortunately
found, at the base of the highest peak, a little pool of clear cool
water, by the side of which we took some refreshment that we had
brought with us. From the summit we had a beautiful prospect in all
directions; to the eastward and north, the view was bounded by several
chains of low Serras, but to the westward and south, the country
appeared one vast plain, which was lost in the horizon. The top was
covered with large blocks of granite, among which grew a few stunted
trees and shrubs.
I
found the western side of the Serra to be bounded by a thick bed of
very compact greyish-coloured limestone, which beyond the northern
point of the Serra, for some leagues, forms large isolated hills,
covered with wood. The central part of the chain is granite, between
which and the limestone formation the rocks are schistose. My botanical
harvest was a very rich one, so much so that I was induced, on two
subsequent occasions, to ascend the mountain again. I collected, in
particular, many curious and beautiful little ferns, all new species,
and several beautiful Vel-lozias ; these plants are peculiar to Brazil, and as I have so often spoken of them, I shall here describe their appearance : they be-
