32 RIO JANEIRO, BRAZIL. 



about twelve miles. This reservoir is supplied by the 

 mountain-vapors which the night temperature converts 

 into copious rains. The water is cool, delightful to the 

 taste, and clear as crystal. 



There is a navy-yard at Rio Janeiro. It presents, how- 

 ever, but little activity ; for the Brazillian navy is now 

 dwindled down to a few vessels ; previous to the abdica- 

 tion of Don Pedro L* it was large and efficient. 



The currency is paper, the gold and silver being mere 

 articles of commerce, and consequently subject to great 

 fluctuation. 



On the 26th, the " Relief" arrived. Her officers stated 

 that the great length of the passage was owing more to 

 calms, and variable winds than bad sailing. There were 

 many days during which she did not make more than a 

 mile on her course. On the 17th, she fell in with the huil 

 of the brig " Nile," of Bath, both masts gone, within a 

 few feet of the partners, and her hold was nearly filled 

 with water. It was evident she had been in this situation 

 for some time ; clusters of shell-fish were fastened to her 

 decks and bulwarks, and long sea-weeds flaunted at her 

 sides. As her bowsprit was still standing in good condi- 

 tion, Captain Long caused it to be cut away, and taken on 

 board the " Relief." Nothing more occurred during her 

 passage worthy of notice. 



On the morning of the 27th we hauled up to Enxadas ; 

 landed the provisions and stores, and then proceeded to 

 " smoke ship." We performed this troublesome and disa- 

 greeable operation in the hope that we might destroy the 

 roaches, which from the time of our leaving the United 



* Don Pedro I. ascended the throne in 1822, under the title of Emperor of Brazil. After 

 a reign of a few years, the violence of political parties rose to such a height, and becamo 

 so unmanageable, that the Emperor thought it prudent to abdicate in favor of his son, the 

 present Emperor. 



