Chapter III

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

in the past

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

damaged by blows or hard usage

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

for the reason that

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

plural of “bookstore” — a shop where books are sold

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

the largest Latin American country and the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world; located in the central and northeastern part of South America; world's leading coffee exporter

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

study of the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

characteristic of the present

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

plural of “discovery” — the act of discovering something

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

plural of “edition” — the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

being ten more than seventy

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

to travel for the purpose of discovery

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

plural of “explorer” — someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

(comparative of “few” used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

set up or found

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

highest in quality

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

used to form the superlative

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

and nothing more

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

(obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

a port city of northeastern Brazil on the Atlantic

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

port city in northwest Portugal; noted for port wine

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil; chief Brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

being ten more than sixty

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

everywhere

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

literature in metrical form

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

plural of “voyager” — a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

plural of “voyage” — an act of traveling by water

From this reading The line which is of most interest, and in South America presents the greatest latitude, is undoubtedly that of early voyages and discoveries.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo abound in old bookstores, which are to be found in fewer numbers in others of the larger towns, such as Manaos, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Curytiba, or Porto Alegre.

which person or people

From this reading In the smaller towns of the interior one runs across only new books, although occasionally those who possess the “flaire” may chance upon some battered treasure.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In Brazil, as throughout South America, French is almost universally read; cheap editions of the classics are found in most homes, and bookstores are filled with modern French writers of prose or verse--sometimes in translation, and as frequently in the original.

a late time of life

From this reading Probably it was because they were in a greater or less degree voyagers or explorers themselves that the Americans and English who came to South America seventy or eighty years ago brought with them books of exploration and travel, both contemporary and ancient.