CENTRAL BRAZIL. G91 



The operations arc simple. The loose stones at the bottom 

 of the stream are first raked np into baskets, and then care- 

 fully washed, under the inspection of the overseers. 



In one district it is calculated that, from 1730 to 1830, 

 diamonds worth upwards of three millions sterling were col- 

 lected ; and in that of Abaete, in 1791, a diamond weighing 

 1381 carats — the largest in the world— was discovered. 



Possibly, however, if the labour which is bestowed on 

 mining were employed in cultivating the ground, it would be 

 productive of greater profit to the country. 



