PILLAR. 



19 



their means, even though he had only been 

 treated according to his deserts if he had not 

 been screened. Where government exists in a 

 state similar to that of Brazil, wealth will meet 

 with few obstacles in the accomplishment of 

 its purposes, whatever these may be. * 



In the month of January, 1814, the vicar 

 summoned me to accompany him to Pillar, to 

 which I agreed with much pleasure. The master 

 of the grammar-school, Ignacio de Almeida For- 

 tuna, who is likewise a priest, was of the party ; 

 he is a man of considerable talent and information. 

 His advantages have been very few, for he has 

 resided almost entirely upon this island ; and yet 

 his knowledge is far from being limited, and his 

 love of it is unbounded. We crossed the narrow 

 creek which has been already mentioned, and 

 proceeded along a path under the shade of the 

 coco-trees, until we made for the sands. The sea 

 has made great encroachments for about two 

 miles in this part of the island ; we passed the 



* The dependants do not always show the respect which, 

 seemingly, they ought to render to their patron. One of 

 the Indians of Amparo (not he of the crabs) met his master, 

 the owner of the place, in the field near to the dwelling- 

 house. The Indian took off his own hat to speak to his mas- 

 ter, but the same was not done by his superior ; however the 

 fellow quickly performed this lor him, saying, " When you 

 speak to people, take off your hat." — " Quando sc Jalla a 

 gente lira se o chapeo.'' The master took this quietly, and 

 when the conversation ended, his hat was returned. 



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