336 



PROVINCE OF BAHIA. 



already described, as well as the medium through which a portion of the pro- 

 ductions of the circumjacent provinces are exported. Its situation, embracing 

 all the commercial advantages of its rival port of Rio de Janeiro, will enable 

 it, in the desirable march of improvement and civilization, of which this great 

 country is yet so susceptible, to preserve its rank, at least of the second city 

 in the Brazil. 



It is nearly four miles long from north to south, including the suburb of Vic- 

 toria in the southern extremity, and that of Bom Fim in the northern, and 

 divided into two unequal parts, high and low ; the higher and larger one situated 

 upon an agreeable eminence, and the other at its western base, both without any 

 regularity. The latter is denominated the Praya, in consequence of extending 

 along the beach, and has not more than one street nearly the whole of its length, 

 almost in the central part of which there are five that do not exceed two hundred 

 and fifty paces in extent. Here is the seat of commerce, containing the stores of 

 the merchants, and many capacious warehouses, denominated trapiches, for the 

 reception of sugar, tobacco, cotton, and other exports ; also a general deposit 

 for farinha, grain, and legumes, called tulhas, where they are distributed to 

 the people. 



The lower town is divided into two parishes, the churches of which are both 

 dedicated to Nossa Senhora, with the titles of Pilar and Concei^ao. The 

 latter is a fine edifice with its front of European stone, and is richly decorated 

 within. Near to it is the dock-yard and the marine arsenal. 



The Cidade Alta, or High City, stands on elevated and uneven ground, the 

 approaches to it, from the lower part, being exceedingly steep. The situation is, 

 commanding. The valleys and hortas, or country houses, in its vicinity, as well 

 as the various trees of eternal verdure, give animation to the native beauty of its 

 surrounding scenery. The houses are built with latticed windows and balco- 

 nies. Sedans, of various forms, with canopies and embroidered curtains, are 

 very numerous and convenient in ascending the steep streets, but attended with 

 great labour to the slaves. These chairs are considered the most elegant in the 

 Brazil. A better quality of meat is met with here than at Rio ; and the fruits 

 are very delicious, particularly the oranges, water-melons, and pine-apples, 

 which are exposed to sale by black female slaves, who are also occupied in the 

 disposal of doces^ or sweetmeats, which are made in great perfection. This 

 part of the city is divided into six parishes, with the churches of Nossa Senhora, 

 of Victoria, St. Pedro, St. Anna, St. Antonio, SS. Sacramento, or Passo, and St. 

 Salvador, which is the cathedral. There is a house of misericordia, with its 



