noon
Over such they hurried as quickly as they could ; and fortunately , where they chanced to travel , such places were neither numerous nor extensive , although in some districts of Brazil there are campos hundreds of miles in extent . A small stream meandered through the forest and enabled them to refresh themselves frequently ; which was very fortunate , for the heat , especially towards noon , became extremely intense , and they could not have existed without water . So great , indeed , was the heat about mid-day , that , by mutual consent , they resolved to seek the cool shade of a spreading tree , and try to sleep if possible . At this time they learned , to their surprise , that all animated nature did likewise , and sought repose at noon . God had implanted in the breast of every bird and insect in that mighty forest an instinct which taught it to rest and find refreshment during the excessive heat of mid-day ; so that during the space of two or three hours , not a thing with life was seen , and not a sound was heard . Even the troublesome mosquitoes , so active at all other times , day and night were silent now . The change was very great and striking , and difficult for those who have not observed it to comprehend .