OLINDA. 



23 



ever, one of the regiments of the line is sta- 

 tioned here*; it is the residence of the bishop, 

 and the site of the ecclesiastical court, the 

 seminary, which is a public college of educa- 

 tion, and some convents and line churches ; 

 therefore it is by no means desolate, though its 

 general aspect bespeaks tranquillity, regularity, 

 and a degree of neglect. The view to the 

 southward takes in a lake of about three miles in 

 length, of which the surface is covered with 

 weeds and grass, and the opposite banks lined 

 with thick woods and some cottages ; the Recife 

 and the bay behind it, formed by the entrance 

 of the tide, extending to Olinda, but concealed 

 in places by low and thick mangroves, are also to 

 be seen. Olinda covers much ground, but 

 contains only about 4000 inhabitants. At this 

 time the whole city presented a scene of bustle 

 and amusement. The church, particularly de- 

 corated on this occasion, stands upon the high- 

 est point; the assemblage of persons was great; 

 the church was lighted up, and a few individuals 

 of both sexes were kneeling promiscuously in 

 the body of it, but the service was over. 



This is the season of cheerfulness and gaiety, 

 and we were likewise to have our festival at the 

 F090 da Paneila. These festivals are always 



* This has lately been removed to Recife, owing to a 

 report of some plan of revolt amongst the negroes, which has 

 <ince proved to be without foundation. 1815. 

 C 4 



