290 



PROVINCE OF ESPIRITO SANTO. 



however be observed, that the reduction of the Indians is rendered more difficult 

 by the numerous serras and extensive woods which cover this district, demon- 

 strating at the same time the fertiUty of the soil and its susceptibility of nume- 

 rous branches of agriculture. The river Doce, which bounds it on the north, 

 would render it still more valuable from the communication which might be 

 opened by water from the mining districts to the ocean ; and there is little doubt 

 but that part of this district, in the power of the Indians, through which it 

 runs is auriferous ; at least it is fair to draw such an inference from the pieces of 

 gold which are in the possession of the Indians who come in contact with the 

 Portuguese parties of soldiers stationed upon its banks. An ouvidor assured 

 me that the captain-mors, w ho commanded advanced stations upon this river, 

 had seen pieces of gold in the possession of the Indians which they did not 

 appear to value, but willingly exchanged them, at favourable opportunities, for 

 knives or other iron instruments. 



The salubrity of the climate, the existing state of this province, and the 

 advantages which it presents, loudly call upon the present king and government 

 to adopt measures for clearing the margins of the river Doce of the tribes of 

 Indians that infest it, and to render this river navigable from the ocean to the 

 province of Minas Geraes. The only natural difficulties of the river which 

 present any impediment to its free navigation are the Escadinha falls, met with 

 in its course between the latter province and that of Porto Seguro ; they are 

 three in number, are highly interesting, and do not extend more than three 

 miles, being neaily together, so that the construction of a railway, or any 

 other and less excellent expedient which the government might be induced to 

 adopt, for the space only of three miles, would connect a conveyance by water to 

 the coast of the produce of the interior districts, which at present is sent on 

 the backs of mules, two and three months being consumed on the journey, and 

 the same period with the return cargoes. 



Mountains. — The most remarkable mountains in the vicinity of the sea are, 

 the serra Guarapary, upon the river of the same name; that of Pero-cao, further 

 to the north ; Monte Moreno, near the entrance of the bay of Espirito Santo, 

 and Mestre-Alvaro, which is a mountain almost circular, enjoying extensive 

 views, and is the highest upon the coast. It is about three miles from the beach, 

 in parts bare and rocky, in others covered with wood, having some fertile 

 portions, the cultivators of which are generally within the parish of Nossa 

 Senhora da Concei^ao of the serra. The best balsamic trees of the province 

 are j)roduced here ; it is situated between the rivers Carahype, and Reis Magos, 



