130 A YEAR IN BRAZIL. 



garments ; facing them on the right side was a black 

 king all had gorgeous gilt crowns ; above was an alle- 

 gorical design of a woman standing on the globe (which, I 

 suppose, represented " she shall bruise thy head " *). From 

 the right top corner of the banner streamed forth a brilliant 

 yellow comet. They sang several hymns and carols, mostly 

 with refrains, in excellent time and capital harmony. This 

 serenade, in a dark pouring evening, was a very pleasant 

 passe-temps. Having given them a milreis and some liquor, 

 they went and performed again at the men's tent, so we 

 had a repetition softened by distance. 



The next day we bought about three pounds of grapes 

 for fourpence, which, though not over ripe, were very 

 refreshing. We also purchased eighteen cucumbers for 

 sixpence, and- two dozen green limes for threepence. 



In the evening our men enlivened us by singing 

 Epiphany hymns, and a liturgy to the Blessed Virgin Mary 

 in harmony. 



Jamiary 3. We have now been rain-bound for three 

 days, and so, after getting through necessary indoor work as 

 far as we could, we had recourse to a file of papers and little 

 books, Graphics, etc., which you have sent, and they proved 

 really a God-send. A kind Manchester friend also sent me 

 the Christmas number of the Illustrated, so we were well 

 supplied, and you do not know what a boon they are 

 to us. 



After some really good work last week, notwith- 

 standing Christmas Day, this week we could do but little 

 so far. Tuesday (New Year's Day) was a holiday. Wed- 

 nesday we went out a long way, did a quarter of an hour's 

 work, and returned drenched. To-day, in tent all day. It 

 is the worst bout of rain we have had, and is so depressing. 



* " Ipsa conteret caput tuurn," Gen. iii. 15, Vulgate. 



