Page:The naturalist on the River Amazons 1863 v2.djvu/89

 generally more liberal. At one period, when I was obliged to wait for remittances from England, I sometimes ran short of money; but I had only to say a word to one of these generous and considerate men, and the assistance was given without interest to the extent I required. The current money on the Amazons varied much during the eleven years of my stay. At first, nothing but copper coins and Brazilian treasury notes, the smallest representing 1000 reis (2s. 3d.), were seen; afterwards (1852–1856), with the increase of the India-rubber trade, a large amount of specie was imported,—American gold coins, Spanish and Mexican dollars, and English sovereigns. These were the commonest medium of exchange in Pará and on the Lower Amazons, until India-rubber fell suddenly in price, in 1855, when the gold again quickly disappeared. About the year 1857, new silver coin, issued by the Brazilian Government, was introduced; elegant pieces of money of convenient values, answering nearly to our sixpenny, shilling, and two shilling pieces. Neither gold, silver, nor paper, however, was of much use on a journey like the one I had now undertaken. All travellers on the branch rivers have to carry cloth, cashaça, and small wares, to exchange for produce or food with the Indians; a small quantity of copper money, the only coin whose value is understood amongst the remote settlers, being nevertheless necessary to balance exchanges. When I had to