FERNANDO DE NERONHA. 273 



is on the north side, and the other on the north-west. . . . The 

 barrenness of the island does not proceed from any defect in its 

 soil, which produces every species of grain and fruits common in 

 hot climates, as experience has sufficiently demonstrated, but 

 from the want of moisture ; for, besides two or three years often 

 pass without any rain, there is not the least drop of water to be 

 found throughout the island, except in some brooks. . . . On the 

 igth of May came on violent showers, which continued the whole 

 time we remained near the island. The inhabitants use the water 

 which they save in pits resembling cisterns ; but this, as well as 

 the waters of the brooks, on its beginning to rain, grow thick and 

 brackish. The Portuguese, indeed, say that in the inward parts 

 of the island, where these brooks have their origin, water is never 

 wanting, and that it is clear and wholesome. 



" In the inward part of the island is a Portuguese town, in 

 which reside the parish priest and a governor, who, on advice of 

 any ships being in sight, repair to the forts, which are all well 

 garrisoned, there being only in fort Remedios, while we were 

 there, near one thousand men partly regulars sent from Fernam- 

 buco, which are relieved every six months ; and partly transports, 

 from all the coast of Brazil ; and some, though few, which are 

 settled here with their families all being poor people and 

 Mestizos (descendants of Spaniards and Indians). There are 

 also some Indians who are sent to work on the fortifications, 

 and likewise to serve the governor and other officers in the 

 island. ... 



" The common food of the inhabitants of all ranks, both here 

 and throughout Brazil, is the farina de Pau or wood-meal, which 

 is universally eaten instead of bread. . . . They are so habituated 

 to it that, even at a table where they have wheat-bread at com- 

 mand, with every mouthful of it they take a little of this meal. 

 Besides this flour, which is, in fact, nothing more than wood-meal 

 or sawdust, both with regard to taste and smell, they eat a great 

 deal of rice and sugar-cane, brought from Fernambuco. . . . 



" After the second settlement of the Portuguese here, besides 

 the little plantations, which was one of their first cares, they also 

 brought over cows, hogs, and sheep, in order to breed those 

 useful creatures. And, as a small quantity of flesh serves the 



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