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PROVINCE OF ST. CATHARINA. 



east of the capital, upon a steep, a little distant from the large lake, enjoying 

 an extensive view of the ocean. Its parishioners cultivate sugar and mandioca, 

 with the other provisions of the country. In this district there is an establish- 

 ment for whale fishing. 



Two leagues to the south of the capital is the parish of Nosso Senhora da 

 Lapa, situated near the mouth of a small river, in the recess of a semicircular 

 bay, and in front of an island. It is commonly called Robeira, has abundance of 

 fish, and the provisions of the country. 



Laguna is a middling town, advantageously situated upon the eastern 

 margin of the lake from which it derives the name. It is two miles from the 

 bar, near a small hill, from whence descend excellent waters. The form of 

 this place is quadrilateral, w ith three parallel streets, crossed by others, and a 

 square at one side, in which the municipal house is situated. It has only one 

 church, dedicated to St. Antonio dos Anjos, and a great part of the houses are 

 of stone, some one story high, and whitened with the lime of shells. The inha- 

 bitants cultivate the usual productions of the country. The lake is stored with 

 fish, and in the months of November and December a prodigious quantity of 

 bagre (a long fish with a forked tail) enter it, supplying a lucrative branch of 

 commerce. This town is sixty miles south of the capital. From its port, 

 which receives coasting vessels, is exported farinha, rice, Indian corn, timber, 

 and salt fish. 



About fifteen miles north of Laguna, and near fifty south of the capital, is 

 the parish of St. Anna, commonly known by the name of Villa Nova, a small 

 place, pleasantly situated upon an elevation near the northern extremity of the 

 same lake, with two ports, one called Porto da Embituba, sheltered on the south 

 and east by a headland of the same name, where there is a small whale 

 fishery, subject to the administration of that of Garopaba. The houses are 

 generally of wood, although there is abundance of stone. Its inhabitants, 

 amongst whom there are many macilentos, (meagre or spare,) cultivate the pro- 

 ductions common to the country, and a large quantity of flax, having, conse- 

 quently, more weavers of that article than any other place in the province. 

 Onions are of an extraordinary size, and other hortulans of a fine quality. 



The parish of Nosso Senhora do Rozario, which is upon the bay of Brito, 

 between two small brooks, thirty-five miles north of St. Anna, and ten south of 

 the capital, is yet small, and its parishioners cultivate mandioca, Indian corn, 

 and sugar, and also are fishermen. In its district there are hot springs. 



Four miles to the south-east of the capital, and one distant from the left bank 



