21 
I have been told, however, that fine volutes are 
met with there. 
Many fossil shells may be found under a 
black vegetable soil, resting on granite, near 
Monte Video, a little beyond the gate, going 
to the well, to which I was conducted by a 
most worthy clergyman, the Rev. D. Damaso 
Larranaga. This excellent priest has paid con- 
siderable attention to natural history; and to 
his kindness I was greatly indebted, during my 
residence at Monte Video. 
I COLLECTED some good shells in the inte- 
rior, and at Barriga-negra, near the river Se- 
bollitee, where I was detained many months, 
on my parole *. 

* See the Author’s Travels through the gold and diamond 
district of Brazil. 
