374 



UNINHA. 



We proceeded, and at some distance beyond, 

 descended from a high hill into a narrow valley, 

 which was completely embosomed by the emi- 

 nences around, and so enclosed that we appeared 

 to intrude upon its inhabitants in crossing this 

 spot of their retirement. The grass upon the 

 hills was dry ; but all below was yet in full 

 health. 



At length we arrived at the plantation of 

 Uninha, which is situated upon an extensive 

 field, composed of uneven ground ; and watered 

 by several springs. The mill is turned by oxen, 

 which is a late improvement ; horses being usually 

 employed where water cannot be obtained. We 

 dined with the owner, and he returned with us 

 to Barbalho in the afternoon. I was much de- 

 lighted with the day's amusement. This was 

 the most beautiful part of the country which I 

 visited, taken as a whole. The hills and the 

 vallies are not high or extensive, but they are 

 decidedly marked. Here cultivation formed a 

 considerable feature in the country, the cane 

 lands were extensive, and the mills for its ma- 

 nufacture into sugar numerous. 



On my return from Uninha, I wished still 

 to remain at Barbalho for a few days, and 

 therefore the owner of the cottage at which 

 I was staying went on to Jaguaribe, to re- 

 main there until I could join him. I staid 

 with Manoel and Simam. One morning Manoel 

 had gone to cut a bundle of grass, and on his 



