PROVINCE OF MARANHAM. 



437 



latter. It is of a triangular form, extending nearly four hundred miles from 

 north to south on its western side, and about three hundred and fifty miles 

 from west to east along the coast, lying between 1° and 7|^° south lati- 

 tude. Its vicinity to the equator renders the climate hot. The thunder- 

 storms introduce the winter season, which begin in the southern districts 

 about the month of October, where the longest day is twelve hours and a half. 

 In the northern part of the province there is scarcely any difference between 

 the day and night all the year. The country is mostly uneven, but without any 

 mountains of considerable elevation. It has large and numerous rivers, and is 

 mainly covered with woods, affording a variety and abundance of excellent 

 timber. 



Rivers, Ports, and Islands. — About two miles within the bar of the 

 channel of Tutoya, (the western branch of the river Parnahyba and the eastern 

 limits of this province,) the river of the same name is discharged, after a short 

 course, being only of note as far as the tide ascends. In front of its mouth is 

 a small island, which forms an anchorage place. 



Fifteen miles to the west of Tutoya bar is the Perguicas, which is large, and 

 affords good anchorage for small vessels within the eastern point. Following a 

 handsome beach of white sand for about thirty miles, denominated the Lancoes, 

 and at its termination another of about twelve miles, covered with mangroves, 

 is the river Marim, which flows through a fertile soil and is discharged by three 

 mouths. Passing the western mouth of this river the coast changes its direction 

 to the south-west, and forms a gulf or bay of about thirty-five miles in extent, 

 in which is situated the island of Maranham, (twenty miles long from north-east 

 to south-west, and fifteen at its greatest width,) forming, with the continent, 

 two bays, one to the east, called St. Joze, and the other to the west, St. 

 Marcos, each about six miles in width, communicating by a narrow strait, de- 

 nominated the river Mosquito, fifteen miles long, and separating the island from 

 the continent : this island, almost covered with woods, has some eminences 

 and fifteen perennial streams. 



Seven miles beyond the Marim the Perea discharges itself, and is navigable 

 for a considerable distance. Almost in front of it is an island of the same name, 

 near to which is another, called Raza, and not far distant that of St. Anna. 

 The river Moconandiva follows, and after it the Mamuna, which is discharged 

 by two mouths, the western one being called Aragatuba ; the interval between 

 it and the Perea, about twelve miles, is an archipelago. Twenty-eight miles 

 further is discharged the large river Mony, which originates about twenty-five 



