280 TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



of the Arraial de Catas Altas, which lay at our 

 feet, of the Serra de Itaberava, which is rich in 

 amethysts, and of the distant Itambe, conducted 

 us to an entrance-hall, the walls of which were 

 hung with geographical and historical maps. A 

 globe and several books informed us that the 

 owner amused himself with scientific pursuits (the 

 guarda mores are the surveyors and appraisers of 

 the estates, particularly the mines). 



There was a solemnity in the manner of our 

 host, a venerable old man, which involuntarily 

 reminded us of the quakers. In fact, he belonged 

 to the sect of the Sebastianistas, who expect the 

 return of King Don Sebastian, who was slain in the 

 battle of Alcazar against the Moors, and with him 

 the most glorious epoch of the Portuguese mo- 

 narchy. The followers of this sect, who are 

 distinguished by their industry, frugality, and be- 

 nevolence, are more numerous in Brazil, and par- 

 ticularly in Minas Geraes, than even in the mother 

 country. Senhor Innocenzio, endeavoured to con- 

 vince us out of a great number of manuscript 

 prophecies, of the approaching happiness of Brazil; 

 we assured him, without, however, hoping the 

 return of Don Sebastian, that Brazil was ad- 

 vancing to the period of its greatest prosperity. 



After the frugal meal, the guarda mor con- 

 ducted us to his lavra, immediately behind his 

 house. This gold mine has been worked for these 

 eighty years, formerly by a great number of 



