398 



PROVINCE OF PARAHIBA. 



from their burrows the moco and the preha. If the animal perceive a snake in 

 the hole it will not enter. It does not appear to be known southward of the St, 

 Francisco. Amongst the birds are observed the emu-ostrich, seriema, jacu, 

 zabele, quail, parrot, rolla, sabia, troquaze pigeon, canary, cardal, wild duck, 

 colhereira, heron, jaburu, socco, a diversity of the macarico, and the sparrow- 

 hawk. The arraponga has the feathers black upon the back. The puppeyro, 

 which is the size of a black-bird, with the bill of a pigeon, blue back, the breast 

 red, and the tail when opened of beautiful colours, is only met with in the 

 woods of the serras. Two Indian nations were the possessors of this country. 

 The Cahetes, from the river Parahiba to the south, and the Potyguaras to the 

 north ; each tribe is divided into various hordes, and the whole have been chris- 

 tianized many years since. 



Phytology. — Cedar, Brazil wood, aroeira, pereira, batinga, which is yellow, 

 iron and violet wood, fava-de-cheiro, (a species of pulse,) which grows in pods, 

 and wliose bean is deemed excellent for removing hoarseness ; sipipira, bow- 

 wood, heart of negro, anjico, angellim, jatuba, the cupahyba oil, and gum-mas- 

 tick trees. In the woods where these trees grow, and where there are others for 

 building, are also met with fruit trees growing without any human aid, such as 

 the jabuticaba, pitomba, goyaba, cajue, ambuzo, and aracaza. The mangaba is 

 very abundant in some parts. The cocoa-nut tree abounds along the coast, 

 which in parts is sandy, in others rocky, or covered with mangroves. The 

 catulez is a sort of large palm tree, the fruit of which affords aliment to cattle. 

 The piM is a middling sized tree, its fruit round, of the size of an apple, with 

 a green rind, and a large prickly stone, the almond of which is eaten roasted 

 or raw ; the pulp is white and soft, and is also eaten ; an oil is likewise extracted 

 from it, and used for seasoning. 



This province produced formerly much excellent sugar, the culture of which 

 has diminished considerably in consequence of the great droughts which are 

 frequently experienced ; but in its place cotton has greatly increased, as it resists 

 the heat better, and at the present time does not leave a less profit to the cul- 

 tivator. 



In the eastern part of this province are the following towns : 



Parahiba Villa do Conde 



Pilar Villa da Rainha 



Alhandra St. Miguel 



Villa Real Montemor. 



In the western part are Pombal and Villa Nova de Soiiza. 



