358 The Naturalist Brazilian Expedition. April, 
ing hilis, but they are badly drained and dirty—another reminder, 
perhaps, of New York and Philadelphia. Fora wonder we found 
the hotels excellent and very reasonable in their charges; they 
all have French or Italian names, with what purpose it would be 
hard to say, for these nationalities are hardly represented in the 
city. There are about 35,000 inhabitants, mostly white Brazil- 
ians and Germans. 
Standing on the summit of the promontory, near the presi- 
dent’s palace, one may obtain a very close idea of the topography 
of the surrounding country. To the west and south, sweeping 
around the point, is the broad Guahyba; just above the city It's 
divided by many islands, receiving several branches which, 
spreading out like the fingers of a hand, have given to this part ; 
of the river the local name of Viamao (handway). Flat lands 
stretch away to the south-west, beyond the river; these -e 
meadows and swamps, continuous with those which skirt the ; 
western side of the Lagoa dos Patos. To the east and north arè : 
beautiful rolling lands, once covered with forest but now occupt® 
by pastures and farms; beyond these are other more ru 
hills, forest or prairie-covered ; and far to the north-west a bli? 
flat-topped range can be descried, the edge of the interior ae : 
land. Gee 
We made several short excursions around the city, noting OF 
physical peculiarities of the region and getting our first gee 
of its fauna and flora. Lines of street cars run in various pa : 
tions, affording very pleasant little excursions, and bey ond Ae : 
there are good roads and paths by the river-shore or among he E 
and ravines. The country reminded us much of the Middle i 
Southern United States, yet there was a certain mingling of tP 
cal features everywhere. The roads are broad and lint pe 
hedgerows of mimosas and cacti; the houses, as asm 
washed and tile-roofed, often with neat kitchen-gardens mor 
_ (To be continued.) 
