244 



AMAZONIA AND LA PIATA. 



whicli extends north-east and south-west parallel with the coast between the 

 Taharâo and Jaguarao coalfields. 



The natural trade route of the river is completed above Taquary by a railway, 

 which penetrates by the industrial towns of Rio Pardo and Cachoeira westwards 

 to the Tbicuy Grande basin. Another line running northwards to S. Leopohio 

 and Nora Hainhurr/o {Hamhurget' Berg) connects all these German settlements with 

 their natural market of Porto Alegre. The navigable waters of the lake stretch- 

 ing southwards puts the capital in direct communication with Pelotas and Rio 

 Grande, this waterway being accessible to craft drawing eight or nine feet. 



But being prevented by the dangerous bar at the mouth of the Eio Grande 

 from developing its foreign trade, Porto Alegre proposes to seek another seaward 



Fig. 106. — PEOPObED Canal FEOii the Capivaey to Toeees and Laguna. 

 Scale 1 : 2,000,000. 



<il PORTO AIE6REV 



p— S^ „ ^ ConceiçaadaVtama?'^ <^i 



West oF Greenv/ich 51 



Depths. 



to 10 

 Fathoms. 



10 to 2.5 

 Fathoms. 



2.') Frtthoms 

 and upwaids. 



30 Miles. 



outlet by utilising the chain of lagoons which extend from the Lagoa dos Patos 

 north-eastwards to the Tubarao lagoon. The projected canal is to run from 

 Capivary Bay, touching about midway at the port of Santo Domiwjos das Torres 

 on the Santa Catharina frontier. But Torres itself, being exposed to every wind, 

 would have to be protected by costly harbour works, including long piers and 

 breakwaters, beyond the present resources of the State. The engineers have ali<o 

 proposed to cut through the isthmus which shelters the Lagoa dos Patos on the 

 east, and to construct an artificial harbour at the extremity of the cutting. 



Jagiiarcio, at the other end of the fluvial basin, abuts on a high hill which 

 commands an extensive prospect. Founded in 1703 by some colonists from 

 Madeira, Jaguarao has taken an active part in all the local wars and revolutions. 

 At present it trades with the neighbouring republic through its suburb of Artigas, 



