RIO DE JANEIRO AND ITS ENVIRONS. 77 
of the admirable system of irrigation introduced over the 
whole estate. So rapid is the growth of everything here 
that one can hardly believe this beautiful country place to 
have been under cultivation only five or six years ; a few 
years more under the same direction will make it a tropi- 
cal paradise. 
A variety of plans combining pleasure and science had 
been arranged for the next day. First on the list was a 
drive to the "Forest of the Empress." Everything of any 
interest in the neighborhood recalls the visit of the Im- 
perial family at the opening of the road. From this event 
all loyal Juiz de Forans date, and the virgin forest we were 
to visit is consecrated by the fact that on this great occasion 
the Emperor with his family and suite breakfasted here in 
presence of a numerous assemblage of their loving subjects. 
Surely a more stately banqueting-hall could scarcely be 
found. The throne was cut in the broad buttressed trunk 
of a huge figueira ; the rustic table, built of rough stems, 
stood under the shadow of great palm-trees ; and around 
was the tropical forest, tapestried with vines, and embroi- 
dered with Orchids. These were royal accompaniments, 
even though the whole entertainment was conducted with 
a simplicity in harmony with the scene. Neither gold nor 
silver nor glass was brought to vie with the beauties 
of nature ; the drinking-cups were made from the hollow 
stems of the wild bamboo-tree, and all the service was 
of the same rustic description. The tables, seats, <fcc. 
stand, undisturbed, as they were on that day, and of course 
this spot remains a favorite resort for humbler picnics than 
the one by which it was inaugurated. We wandered about 
for some time in the cool shade of the wood, lunched under 
the rustling palms, and then drove homeward, stopping for a 
