78 



AMAZONIA AND LA PLATA. 



But thcugh histoiy has forgotten this doubtful precursor of Columbus, the Bra- 

 zilian seaboard was certainly sighted within eight years of the great navigator's 

 first voyage by an expedition which had not been equipped for the New "World at 

 all. "While Vicente Pinzon and Diego de Lepe were penetrating into the Amazons 

 estuary, Pedr' Alvarez Cabrai, bound for the East Indies, steered so far to the 

 west that he struck land which he supposed to be an island. Here his vessels 



Fig. 25. — Land of Vera Ceuz, Section of Brazilian Coast first discovered. 



Scale 1 : 500,000. 



Oto5 

 Fatboms. 



Depths. 



5 to 12 

 Fathoms. 



12 Fathoms 

 and upwards 



oS Miles. 



found a refuge in the haven which has preserved its original name of Porto 

 Seguro. Taking possession of the place in the name of Portugal, he sailed 

 away, leaving behind two criminals who were to learn the language of the country 

 in order afterwards to act as interpreters. 



On a cross erected near the port, Cabrai had caused the arms of the King of 



