"?'•'/>■.'''. 



<M2 



DISEASES. 



size of a fazenda, is by computing it at so many 

 leagues ; or, as in some cases, by so many hun- 

 dreds of calves yearly, without any reference to 

 the quantity of land. Few persons take the 

 trouble of making themselves acquainted with 

 the exact extent of their own property, and 

 perhaps could not discover it if they made the 

 attempt. 



The climate is good ; indeed the inland flat 

 country is much more healthy than that imme- 

 diately bordering the coast. I can hardly name 

 any disorders that appear to be peculiar to it ; 

 but several are known. Agues are not common, 

 but they exist. Dropsy also they are acquainted 

 with. Ulcers in the legs are common, but less 

 so than upon the coast. Ruptures frequently 

 occur. The small-pox * makes dreadful ravages, 

 and the measles are much dreaded. When the 

 venereal disease has once settled, the sufferer 

 seldom gets rid of it entirely ; applications of 

 herbs are used, but as these people are unac- 

 quainted with or unable to follow its proper 

 mode of treatment, some of the patients are 

 crippled, and the major part of them never again 

 enjoy good health. The yaws also is to be met 

 with ; but I had afterwards more opportunities 

 of seeing this complaint, and will therefore not 



* Vaccination is finding its way among them in spite of 

 prejudice. — 1815. 



