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PROVINCE OF MATTO GROSSO. 



Near the heads of the Aranhahy there yet appears some vestiges of the 

 before-mentioned city of Xerez. , 



District of Matto Grosso. 



This district, which is two hundred and forty miles from nortU to south, and 

 two hundred and seventy from east to west on the northern part, is bounded on 

 the south by the Spanish possessions, on the east by the Paraguay, on the north 

 by the district of Juruenna, and on the west by the Guapore. It extends 

 between 13° and 16° 20' of southern latitude. The face of the country is 

 undulated with serras of no great elevation, which, however, attract the sight 

 at a great distance, M'ith plains more or less extensive, woods, and intermixtures 

 of charnecas, (barren tracts,) and is watered by a great number of rivers, tribu- 

 tary to the two largest of South America. 



The most considerable mountains are on the northern part, and are branches 

 of the serra of Paricis. 



Mineralogy. — Gold, diamonds, crystals, granite, minerals of iron, pot- 

 ters' earth, calcareous stone. 



Phytology. — The opuncia is common in various situations ; in others the 

 ipecacuanha ; indigo grows spontaneously in humid lands ; jalap is well known; 

 also the trees of cupahiba, almecega, or gum-mastich, manna, and dragons' 

 blood. There is a diversity of excellent timber for building, and abundance 

 of oranges, goyabas, aracas, mangahas, pine-apples, water-melons, and bananas, 

 generally of good quality. The objects of cultivation are Indian corn, man- 

 dioca, rice, legumes, tobacco, cotton, and the sugar cane, as far as it is 

 required for the consumption of the population. 



European merchandise and some Asiatic productions arrive here at an 

 exorbitant price, and are only procured in exchange for gold. 



Zoology. — All the species of wild quadrupeds which are encountered in the 

 maritime provinces are here common ; of domestic animals cattle only are 

 numerous ; sheep are rare ; and, hitherto, there are no breeders of mules. 

 Here are common the emu ostrich, sereima, mutun, jacu, tucano, parrot, 

 partridge, heron, guiraponga, and jaburu. 



Industry is very limited ; and the weaving of coarse cottons, for labourers, 

 and curing of hides, which exceed the demand, are its principal objects up to 

 this period. 



Rivers. — The Guapore originates nearly one hundred miles to the north-east 

 of Villa Bella, and, after eighty miles of southern course, and nearly the same 



