134 Voyage of the Novara. 



at the same time supplies the most authentic information as to 

 the scientific, commercial, and industrial activity of the city 

 and province of Rio. Even more important as a medium for 

 the diffusion of useful knowledge among the masses is a sort of 

 popular kalendar, which is published in duodecimo form, under 

 the title of " Folinhas" (Leaves), and for 320 reis (about 

 7ic?. English), gives upon 360 pages an immense amount of 

 useful information. Of this publication 80,000 copies were 

 sold throughout the empire in the year 1857. There are very 

 few works of importance written by native authors, as they 

 devote their energies chiefly to periodical literature. Of daily 

 and monthly publications there are abundance, both in Rio 

 and in the provinces, but they have only an ephemeral exist- 

 ence. The press enjoys the most unbounded freedom, and pro- 

 bably in very few continental cities would such language be 

 tolerated as that of the Courier du Bresik edited by a French 

 refugee. If the influence of journalism in Brazil is as yet 

 insignificant, it is in consequence of the prevailing ignorance, 

 as four-fifths of the population are unable to read or write, and 

 the papers published are consequently only in the hands of the 

 upper classes. 



While we found but few opportunities of intercourse with 

 Brazilian families, the public authorities received and treated 

 us in the most obliging and distinguished manner. In this 

 respect, we were particularly indebted to Dr. de Lagos, Dr. 

 Schiich de Capanema, Dr. F. de Paulo Candido, and Dom 

 M. de Portoalegre. 



