174 



PROVINCE OF ST. PAULO. 



centre, and being intertwined with twigs, constitute a simple structure, which 

 is finished by the guaricanga (a species of palm tree) as its ultimate covering, 

 with a narrow entrance at one extremity. Fires are made in file along the mid- 

 dle of the building, the inhabitants sleeping upon the ground with their feet 

 extended towards them, and many families constituting the inmates of one 

 dwelling. 



Their instruments of agriculture are rudely constructed of wood, with tools 

 of stones ; and they make certain vessels for the fermentation of inebriating 

 beverages, which they frequently partake of to excess. 



They domesticate some indigenous animals, such as the quaty and cotia ; 

 and of European quadrupeds only the dog for hunting. They prefer the 

 flesh of the horse and mule to that of the ox. On all occasions where any 

 friendly intercourse obtains between them and the Paulistas, they appear to 

 regard iron alone as an article of any value. Their natural ferocity has 

 prevented the Portuguese from extending themselves or cultivation to the 

 westward. 



Amongst other numerous species of birds, remarkable for their size, plumage, 

 and rarity, are the emu ostrich, colhereira, caroe, tabuyaya, tayuyu, jacu, mutun, 

 macuco partridge, tucano, parrot, araponga, guraputepoca, the troquaze dove, 

 rola, heron, inhuma, white uruhu, soco, wild goose, &c. 



The Paulistas (inhabitants of St. Paulo) are at present esteemed the best 

 people of the state, although various accounts would warrant the belief of their 

 being formerly of a very different character ; but these representations must be 

 received with caution. It is evident that their valour and enterprise have, on 

 many occasions, been very conspicuous. Vosgien, the most moderate of all 

 the writers against them, says, that the city of St. Paulo was a species of 

 republic, independent of the Portuguese, and formed of bands from different 

 nations, the whole ill regulated, and consisting of freebooters and thieves, who 

 paid a tribute of gold to the King of Portugal, till they were subjugated by that 

 crown. This is in opposition to the Portuguese authorities, who affirm that 

 they were always faithful subjects of Portugal, from the foundation of the capi- 

 tania. 



From the period of Philip II. becoming possessed of Portugal, and having, 

 in consequence, some controul over its colonies, till the day of acclamation, 

 which restored the crown to John IV. the Paulistas did not deem themselves 

 under the jurisdiction of the Castilian court, but opposed the Spaniards who 

 were in possession of the rich lands to the south and west of the Paraguay ; and 



