RIO JANEIRO. 
51 
occasions. At short intervals national flags were suspended across 
the streets. On the custom-house the flags of every nation were seen, 
in the centre of which was the Brazilian, and next to it the " star- 
spangled banner." The Emperor moved on, receiving the same 
marks of affection from his subjects until he reached the great square 
and palace, where he alighted. The troops forming around the 
square soon came tp order, and a general pause ensued, until the 
firing of the feu de joie began, one of the most deafening I ever 
heard. He finished this public exhibition by showing himself to the 
multitude below, from the balconies of the city palace, and was 
received with many vivas. 
He then held his levee, which the Rev. Mr. "Walsh has so well 
described, and which closely resembled the one at which he was 
present, with this difference, that this was much more of a farce, 
in consequence of the boyhood of the Emperor. Nothing can be 
more ridiculous than to see all the dignitaries, and old men, the 
mitred bishop, the sage diplomatist, and the veteran soldier, ushered 
into the presence, and out again, without saying a word, or turning 
their backs on the young monarch. Mr. Walsh has, however, said 
nothing about the scene in the anteroom; to me it was the most 
ridiculous of all. The arranging the order of entrance to the pre- 
sence, with due form and etiquette ; the examination by each diplo- 
matist, that he has his due order of precedence; their anxiety to 
gather their suites around them not unlike a hen with her chickens, 
and to make the fullest show ; all this prepares one for the ridiculous 
scene that is to follow T . The oldest resident minister always takes the 
lead. At night the city was illuminated. 
Rio is now well supplied with water. Aqueducts have been 
finished within the last two years, which bring it from the Corcovado 
and Tejuca Mountains, a distance of six or seven miles. There are a 
number of public fountains in different parts of the city. All the 
water for the supply of families is transported by slaves, who are 
constantly seen about these fountains. Until the amount of toil and 
time occupied is seen, little idea can be formed of the saving of labour 
that hydrants and pipes, for the supply of this necessary article, 
effects. These fountains have numerous jets, and some have pretty 
edifices over them. During the day there are seldom less than fifty 
to one hundred, both male and female, water-carriers around them, 
filling their jars, with which they are seen moving about borne on 
their heads. Near the large fountain called Hafariz, in the square of 
