TO RIO JANEIRO. 35 
bunches, and some eggs. In order to obtain beef, it is necessary to 
buy the cattle at the cattle-yard, where, on previous notice being 
given, you may choose those that suit for slaughter. They are in 
general of small size, and dark-coloured. Those we saw were from 
the interior of the island, where they are said to thrive well. 
The morning drill of the recruits which was witnessed, was 
amusing. They were cleanly dressed, but the rattan was freely 
used by the sergeant, and what seemed characteristic or in keeping 
with appearances around, the sergeant during the drill ordered one 
of his men from the ranks, to bring him some fire to light his 
cigar ! 
No trades were observed, and but one small carpenter's shop. A 
few shops were supplied with cotton, hardware, &c. There were like- 
wise a number of little wine shops, where they also sold fruit, which 
they usually have in great plenty, but all their crops depend much 
upon the rains, and the inhabitants have also become indifferent or 
careless about raising more than for their own supply, from the 
heavy exactions of government made upon every thing that is 
cultivated. The demand for shipping has of late years very much 
decreased. The improvement in the supplies and comforts on board 
of vessels on long voyages, now make it unnecessary to touch in port, 
as was formerly deemed unavoidable. 
Porto Praya is yet visited by whale ships for supplies. Although 
the soil is poor, and the crops very uncertain, yet the tropical fruits 
and some vegetables can always be obtained here. They are usually, 
if time is allowed, brought from the interior. The inhabitants have 
at times suffered almost the extremes of famine, in consequence of 
the droughts that prevail for successive years, and especially during 
the one that took place in 1832. It gave me pleasure to hear that 
the timely aid sent there during its prevalence from the United 
States was remembered with gratitude. 
The exports from these islands are salt, some ordinary wine, hides, 
goats' skins, and orchilla. The latter is a government monopoly. 
Ninety thousand milrees were paid by the company for the yearly 
crop, and it is said at that price to yield a handsome profit. 
The climate of these islands is said to be healthy, though 
exceedingly warm. It is subject to fevers, which generally take 
place during the rainy months of July and August. There is an 
indistinctness in the atmosphere that I have not experienced else- 
where, which causes every thing to be ill defined, although the 
