52 



PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. 



only to give instruction in reading, writing, and 

 arithmetic. Neither in these nor in the semi- 

 nary is any expense incurred by the pupils. 

 The Lazarus Hospital is neglected, but patients 

 are admitted ; the other establishments for the 

 sick are very miserable. Strange it is, that fine 

 churches should be built, whilst many individuals 

 are suffered to perish from the want of a suitable 

 building under which to shelter them. But the 

 best institution of which Pernambuco has to 

 boast, in common with the mother-country, is 

 the Roda dos Engeitados. Infants of doubtful 

 birth are received, taken care of, reared, and 

 provided for. Every person knows what the 

 wheel of a convent is, — a cylindrical box open 

 on one side, which is fixed in the wall and turns 

 upon a pivot ; near to this is placed a bell, to be 

 rung when any thing is put into the box, that 

 the inhabitants of the convent may know when 

 it should be turned. One of these wheels stands 

 ready night and day to receive the child — the 

 bell is wrung and the box turns. Thus the lives 

 of many are saved — thus numbers are spared 

 from shame. Never let it be imagined that 

 births of a secret nature will be more frequent, 

 from the consideration that this institution exists; 

 but it removes all motives for unnatural conduct 

 in a mother, and it may sometimes produce re- 

 form of future conduct, by the facility afforded 

 of concealing what has already passed. 



