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xvin CANELOS TO BANGS 137
were split along the middle and the two halves
placed alongside, with the point of one to the base
of the other ; but of the Wettinia, the pinnae of one
side were doubled over so as to fall between those
of the other side, and as they are remarkably
canaliculate -concave, a series of alternate convex
and concave surface was thus obtained, resembling
well the tiled roof of a house. Several
remarkably
entire fronds with their pinnae in the natural position
were fastened along the top of the roof, so as
to throw the rain both ways. On the ground
beneath other palm-leaves were extended, and on
these were placed our beds and boxes. The fire
was made midway, under the ridge of the roof.
A stick set up on each side, to sustain a cord
stretching across the fire, was essential for hanging
up our wet garments through the night to dry and
smoke. Two of the cargueros were considered my
personal attendants on the way, viz. the one who
carried my bed, the necessary changes of linen, and
other things likely to be needed, in a waterproof
; bag and the one who carried the provisions in a
saparo, a nearly cylindrical basket 3 feet long and
2 feet in diameter, covered by a lid made of an
outer and an inner framework woven of the liana
Tamshe, with two or three layers of leaves of Vijao
securely packed between them so that no rain could
enter. The duty of these men was to erect my
rancho, and collect me firewood sufficient to
burn through the night. When we had got our
house set up and the necessary fuel and water
brought to it, my first care was to prepare coffee
-the greatest consolation a traveller can have after
a day's work in the wet forest. After coffee a salt