作者介紹
(英)亨利·沃爾特·貝茨
亨利·沃爾特·貝茨(Henry Walter·Bates，1825—1892)，英國博物學家和探險家。出生於萊斯特一個紡織業主家庭。自幼熱愛收集，喜歡研究昆蟲。沒有受過高等教育，小學畢業后一邊當學徒一邊自學。1848年，他和動物學家阿爾弗雷德·羅素·華萊士一起前往南美洲的亞馬遜河流域進行科學考察，為大英博物館收集哺乳動物、鳥類、昆蟲和植物標本，一去就是十年。期間，他不但收集了大量生物標本，還發現一些昆蟲為保護自身，演化出具有防禦功能的擬態性狀，對以達爾文為代表的演化論學說有一定的推動作用。為紀念他的發現，動物的這一性狀被稱為「貝茨擬態」。
《亞馬遜河上的博物學家》出版于1862年，是貝茨畢生唯一的著作。此書是在達爾文的幫助和推動下才得以付梓的。貝茨在書中除詳細記述自己在南美洲的十載科考經歷與發現外，還滿懷深情地記錄了與當地土人的交流與友誼。在那個博物學具有明顯帝國主義傾向的年代，貝茨是少有的異類，他沒有種族與地域偏見，視南美原住民為友人，也因此得到後者的全力協助，得以完成長年累月的野外考察工作。可以說，這不僅是一部博物學著作，更是一部了解19世紀前半葉亞馬遜河流域風土人情的人文佳作。今據原版影印行世。
目錄
CHAPTER I.
PARA.
Arrival-Aspect of the country-the Para River-First walk in
the Suburbs of Para-Free Negroes-Birds,Lizards,and Insects
of the Suburbs-Leaf-cutting Ant--Sketch of the climate,his-
tory,and present condition of Para.
CHAPTER II.
PARA-continued.
The Swampy forests of Para-A Portuguese landed proprietor-
Country house at Nazareth-Life of a Naturalist under the equa-
tor-The drier virgin forests-Magoary-Retired creeks-Abo-
rigines
CHAPTER III.
PARA-concluled.
Religious holidays-Marmoset Monkeys-Serpents--Inseets of the
forest-Relations of the fauna of the Para District.
CHAPTER IV.
THE TOCANTINS AND CAMETA.
Preparations for the journey-The bay of Goajara—Grove of fan-
leaved palms-The lower Tocantins-Sketch of the river-Vista
alegre-Baiad-Rapids-Boat jourmey to the Guariba falls-
Native life on the Tocantins--Second journey to Cameta.
CHAPTER V.
CARIPI AND THE BAY OF MARAJO.
River Para and Bay of Maraj6--Joumey to Caripi-Negro obser.
vance of Christmas-A German Family-Bats-Ant-eaters-
Humming-birds-Exeursion to the Murucupi-Domestic Life of
the Inhabitants-Hunting Excursion with Indians-Natural
History of the Paca and Cutia--Insects.
CHAPTER VI.
THE LOWER AMAZONS-PARA TO OBYDOS.
Modes of travelling on the Amazons--Historical Sketch of the
early explorations of the River--Preparations for Voyage-Life
on board a large Trading-vessel-The naurow Channels joining the
Para to the A mazons-First Sight of the great River-Gurupa-
The Great Shoal-Flat-topped Mountains-Contraction of the
River Valley-Santarem-Obydos-Natural History of Obydos
Origin of Species by Segregation of Local Varieties.
CHAPTER VII.
THE LOWER AMAZONS-OBYDOS TO MANAOS,OR
THE BARRA OF THE RIO NEGRO.
Departure from Obydos-River banks and by-channels-Caead
planters-Daily life on board our vessel-Great Storm-Sand-
island and its birds-Hill of Parentins-Negro trader and
Mauhes Indians—Villa Nova,its inhabitants,climate,forest,
and animal produetions-Cararaucu-A rustie festival-Lake of
Cararauci-Motica flies-Serpa-Christmas holidays-River
Madeira-A mameluco farmer-Mura Indians-Rio Negro-
Description of Barra-Descent to Para-Yellow fever
[