56 



PROVINCE OF RIO DE JANEIRO. 



The eye is delighted with the succession of beautiful scenery which the walk 

 presents, and rambles in undiminished rapture at every point, over the varied 

 and romantic objects which sportive nature has here produced. Precipices 

 above, and accumulated alpines shut in the view to the south and west. Wind- 

 ing glens below, formed by smaller elevations ; here and there houses seen almost 

 embosomed in the woody ravines ; the valley of Engenho Velho, sprinkled 

 with white houses, which is also the site of the palace of St. Christovao ; the 

 city and bay, surrounded with their amphitheatres of mountains ; the high soaring 

 masses near the pass to the Tejuca ; the towering piles of the Organ range, and 

 others of varied appearance to the right, edging the distant horizon, together 

 form a grand totality, a most animated and animating picture, extending far to 

 the north and east, harmonizing the feelings, and lifting the mind into a pro- 

 found and pleasing train of wonder and adoration of the all-powerful being 

 who has ordained these noble diversities of nature, over which his creative 

 hand has thrown the graceful and cheerful covering of verdant trees and shrubs,, 

 swarming in wild profusion, the hand of man having in few places contributed 

 its aid. 



" Hail, Source of beings ! Universal Soul 



Of Heav'n and Earth ! Essential Presence, liail! 

 To Thee I bend the knee : to Thee my thoughts 

 Continual climb, who with a master hand 

 Hast the great whole into perfection touch'd." 



This charming picture is lost to view on passing the opening betwixt the 

 pillars, where the prospect, although more confined, is admirable, consisting 

 of the deep recesses of the Orange Valley, the more lofty features of the moun- 

 tains which encompass it, and the singularly formed Corcovada at its head, all 

 rising into indescribable magnificence. These are scenes that would have 

 delighted and invigorated with new energy the most exalted poets and painters. 

 From hence, a narrower terrace, covered with entwining brushwood, and 

 skirting along the side of the mountains for about a mile, brought us to the head 

 of the valley, where the origin of the aqueduct is marked, by an inscription, to 

 have taken place in the year 1744. Its source is adorned with a fine cascade, 

 at the foot of which, a declining platform of rocks, overshadowed with trees, 

 and refreshed with the falling water, afforded us a delightful retreat from the 

 rays of the sun; and here in reality we enjoyed the refreshment a slave had 

 brought for us : above us the rugged mountains in precipices and the stony 

 bed of the rivulet were seen, overhung with high trees and shrubs as far as the 



