The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-02-07

Lecture by the Rev. Mr.. Fletcher.


Last evening very fashionable and intellectual
audience assembled at the Travellers Club. 222
Fifth avenue, to hear lecture by the Rev Mr..
Fletcher on "'rhe Amazon to Peru" Dir. Edward
T.. Dunbar, President Of the club, introduced the
lecturer in some appropriate remarks, observing
that the subject was one OF considerable interest,
the more AZ Brazil was rapidly increasing in
commercial prosperity and exhibited very friendly
symptoms towards the States. lie alluded to the
recent formation OF line Of steamers to that
country, which, he was gratified, would much
facilitate speedy communication and materially
assist in developing the great resources Of the
magnificent localities along the Amazon. lie
complimented the lecturer on his extended travels
and explorations through South America gener-
ally. Rev. Mr.. Fletcher then commenced by
stating that the subject being Of such vast char
acter he felt somewhat embarrassed in attempt
ing to deal with it in q single evening, and
would therefore merely treat Of that portion where
the great river runs its majestic career, dividing
the broadest valley on the globe. He then gave
an interesting description Of the great virgin forest
which has also been alluded 10 by Humboldt.
That portion OF Brazil is Portuguese America. and
"a we speak the English language here so they
speak the Portuguese language. IL was land so
large in area that il we took away our own Alaska
|
verted to the abundance and perfection Of its iori
cultural productions, which he said were OF most
DELIGHTFUL description. The climate too, was of a
very inviting nature. Towards the city Of Para
the thermometer was quite regular, the extreme
in one direction being eightvseven, and esenty-
four in the other. The extremes would not be more
than fifteen degrees, and thousand miles up the
country would be only one or two degrees warmer.
The hthest he ever noted eighty-sey ven.
Occasionally the trade winds como booming over
and gather up the moisture. The rain comes At
reasonable intervals, the clouds rattle with loud
thunder and then succeeds clear and beautiful
sky. Unlike the Mississippi the Amazon had
regular supply from the immense and sublime
glaciers which remain during the whole season
and send forth their tributaries TO the great river
Adverting to Valparaiso he thought that appel
lstion--which meant . valley Of paradise--was
quite . msnomcr, for portions Of Il presented a
most barren and bleak aspect. He dwslt at length
on the Paraguayan war, observing that the news
to the papers recounting the several conflicts and
political matters generally was some time since
very erroneous. and such information ~ came
through English channels was incorrect through
interested motives. In fact, the whole
war was misrcpresented. He character.
lied the conduct as courageous but ex.
ceedingly foolish In seizing the steamships Of the
| Argentine republic. The lecturer then proceeded
to give very interesting description oil the city
| Of Para aud Of the habits and customs of the
| people, not emitting humorous sketch of their
| culinary arrangements. He described the Indian
| warriors and exhibited some Of their accoutre-
| ments. In conclusion, he trusted that the time
| would come when the great river would be the
leading highway Of nations, for then would ccm-
| mence the true development % the rich and mag
nifcent resources Of south America.
At the termination Of the lecture Q vote OF
thanks was passcdts The Rev. Mr.. Fletcher, and
+, after partakhg Of some refreshments the COM
pany sepsrated.