CENTRAL BRAZIL. 691 



The operations are simple. The loose stones at the bottom 

 of the stream are first raked up into baskets, and then care- 

 fully washed, under the inspection of the overseers. 



In one district it is calculated that, from 1730 to 1830, 

 diamonds worth upwards of three millions sterling were col- 

 lected ; and in that of Abaete, in 1791, a diamond weighing 

 138i carats the largest in the world -was discovered. 



Possibly, however, if the labour which is bestowed on 

 mining were employed in cultivating the ground, it would be 

 productive of greater profit to the country. 



