68 
RIO JANEIRO. 
parts has a triste appearance, but in others there are few places 
which show so much stir and bustle, particularly when it is 
considered that wheeled vehicles are not used for transportation. 
What gives Rio its principal charm is its suburbs and the small 
quintas around it. Nothing can exceed the beauty of those around 
Gloria and Botofogo. These situations are generally occupied by 
foreigners who are established here in business. 
■:'■, 
The amusements of riding and fishing, with water excursions, are 
irequent, and of the most agreeable kind. It appears to be a climate 
and place that one would soon become attached to. There is much 
agreeable foreign society, composed of the diplomatic corps, many 
retired gentlemen, and generally the officers of the several men-of-war 
ol different nations. I had the pleasure of meeting some old friends 
and the time I could spare was very agreeably spent in their society. 
1 here appears to be but little intercourse between the Brazilians 
and the foreign society. The female sex particularly is still much 
restricted in this respect, and although great improvement has taken 
place yet they seldom mix in social intercourse with foreigners- I 
am told that even among themselves they are never seen except at 
ceremonious parties. They are very much as one would expect 
them to be, reserved, retiring, and wanting in education. They 
