462 



PROVINCE OF PARA. 



With four very large rivers, the Tucantins, the Zingu, the Tapajos, and the 

 Madeira, nature has partitioned this province into as many districts, which it is 

 probable in a short period will form an equal number of comarcas ; and, for the 

 disembarrassment of their history and geography, we will describe them as so 

 divided, namely : 



DISTRICTS. PRINCIPAL TOWNS. 



Para Proper 

 Xingutania . . 

 Tapagonia . . 

 Mundrucania 



District of Paba. 



The district or comarca of Para is confined on the north by the ocean, on the 

 south by the province of Goyaz, on the east by that of Maranham, and on the 

 west by the district of Xingutania, from which it is separated by the river Tur 

 cantins. It is four hundred and fifty miles from north to south, and two hundred 

 from east to west, the country being flat, watered with many rivers, and possess- 

 ing immense woods, demonstrating the fertility of the soil. 



The before-described rivers Guama, Acara, and Maju, are the principal ones 

 of this district, well enough provided with ports, and exceeding the others in 

 population and agriculture. The southern part is yet occupied by wild Indians. 

 The tribe Taramambazes, who were masters of the sea coast from the bay of 

 Turyassu to that of Cahete, excelled all others in the art of swimming. They 

 could swim leagues, and frequently proceeded by night to cut the cables of ships 

 anchored at a distance, remaining an extraordinary time under water. 



Belem, more generally called Para, is the capital of the province, situated 

 upon the eastern margin of the river Tucantins in the bay of Guajara, at the 



f Belem or Para. 

 . . . < Braganca. 



f Col lares. 



r Villa Vicoza. 

 . . . < Gurupa. 



CMelgaco. 



C Santarem. 

 . . . < Souzel. 



(Alter do Chao. 



r Villanova da Rainha. 

 . . . < Borba. 



(Villafranca. 



