PROVINCE OF PIAUHY. 



429 



Phytology. — This province has few woods, and those of little extent; but 

 possesses trees of good timber for building. The carnahuba and piassaba trees 

 are very numerous in some districts. Cocoa-nut trees appear only in the vicinity 

 of the sea. Quinaquina, or Jesuits' bark, is said to grow here. The soil is in 

 parts substantial, and appropriated to the culture of mandioca, Indian corn, 

 legumes, rice, the cane, and tobacco, producing sufficient of all for the consump- 

 tion of the country. The tobacco upon the margins of the Parnahiba passes 

 in the opinion of many for the best in the Brazil ; at least it is dearer, and pre- 

 ferred to the approved quality of Bahia. There are large plantations of the 

 cotton tree, the produce of which furnishes a considerable branch of commerce. 

 Jalap and ipecacuanha are not unknown ; as also, among other fruit trees of the 

 plains, the ambuzo, i\\e jabuticaba, and the mangaba ; the^aca and mango trees 

 are rare. The orange and banana trees are not common to all places ; but the 

 atta, orpine tree, prospers almost in all parts, and produces fruit in perfection. 

 European fruit trees scarcely appear. The fig and the vine acquire little size 

 and fructify in small quantity. 



Zoology. — The abundance and good quality of pasturage which is met with 

 in all the districts, and generally without many portions appropriated to agri- 

 culture, has caused the lands, almost in all parts, to be destined for breeding 

 cattle, which are prodigiously numerous, and constitute the main property in 

 the country ; and this province may be considered the great mart for the supply 

 of beef to Maranham, Pernambuco, and Bahia, at which places the cattle 

 arrive in much better condition than at Rio de Janeiro. Horses are not bred 

 beyond the wants of the country. Sheep are numerous, and goats much less 

 so ; but if the inhabitants were industrious, and well acquainted with cutting and 

 tanning the skins, they would form a considerable branch of commerce. All 

 the wild animals of the neighbouring provinces are well known here; deer are 

 the most numerous. In the short extent of the coast of this province there 

 are no islands, capes, nor points; and the only port is that of the river 

 Hyguarassu, capable of receiving sumacas, which formerly navigated to the 

 town of St. Joao, but at present remain eight miles below it, in consequence of 

 the river diminishing in depth. The entrance, besides, is dangerous. 



The towns of this province are the following : — 



Oeyras Campo Maior Jerumenha 



Parnahiba Vallenca Pernagua. 



Marvao 



