ABSTRACT
In 1920 the Ford Company tried to organize a rubber plantation in Amazonia, but they failed to make a financial success of it, and sold out to the Brazilian government. Then came the second world war, and another short boom killed by synthetic rubber. Today Amazonia is still one of the few places in the world where if one cares to take a virgin area, remove the trees and fence it, one can acquire the territory free of charge. Since 1867 the river has been open to foreign shipping. Belem lies half a degree south of the Equator, and not strictly at the Amazon mouth, which is on the other side of Marajo Island. Belem is a tree-shaded city. From the fishing quay one crosses to a neat park opposite the magnificent old parliament house, now the town hall. Belem was celebrating its 350th year, and banners urged citizens to celebrate by painting their houses and smartening up their gardens.
