482 A JOURNEY IN BRAZIL. 



with vulgarity and vice, though often unnoticed by the 

 parents. In the capital, some of these evils are fast disap 

 pearing ; indeed, those who remember Rio de Janeiro forty 

 years ago have witnessed, during that short period, a YOr 

 markable change for the better in the state of society. Nor 

 should it be forgotten that the highest authority in the 

 community is exerted in the cause of a liberal culture for 

 women. It is well known that the education of the Impe 

 rial princesses, has -been not only superintended, but JIL a 

 great measure personally conducted, by their father. 



JuneSth. I was prevented yesterday from going to the 

 Uliiiil Asylum with Mr. Agassiz, but I transcribe his notes 

 upon this, as well as upon the Marine Arsenal, which he 

 also visited without me. 



&quot; The building is old and in a ruinous, condition. I was 

 not allowed to go over it, everything being brought to the 

 reception-room for my inspection, though I told the director 

 that I did not care about the external arrangements, but 

 simply wished to know by what means the privations of the 

 blind were alleviated in his establishment. The s^ame_jrjro- 

 cesses of routine prevail here as in other schools and col 

 leges I have seen in Rio. This, however, is not peculiar to 

 Portuguese or Brazilian habits of instruction. The old 

 habit of overrating memory, and neglec^mgJthL.mQra.active 

 and productive faculties _ pf.-tkfiL.mind, still prevails more or 

 less in education everywhere. I learned little of the gen 

 eral system pursued. The teachers were more anxious to 

 show off the ability of special pupils in reading, writing 

 i from dictation, and music, than to explain their methods 

 of instruction. Vocal and instrumental music seemed the 

 favorite occupation ; but though it is very pathetic to hear 

 the blind deplore their misfortune and express their craving 



