PROVINCE OF GUIANNA. 



487 



says that he measured the eastern branch, ten miles from the Amazons, and 

 that he found it in the narrowest part seven thousand two hundred and eighteen 

 feet in width. This river augments considerably as it approaches the Amazons, 

 is in parts from twelve to eighteen miles in width, and is divided into various 

 branches by numerous islands, which render the navigation not unfavourable. 

 Its water exhibits such a dark aspect that it has been said to appear like black 

 ink ; it is, notwithstanding, transparent, diuretic, and salubrious, retaining its 

 clearness for many leagues after it enters the bed of the Amazons. It has the 

 same fish as the latter, and affords navigation to the centre of various districts. 

 The greatest floods are in August. We will describe its numerous confluents, 

 together with the povoa^oes upon its margins. 



The towns of the eastern portion of the province are 



Macappa is the most considerable town of the province, situated upon the 

 margin of the Amazons, four miles north of the equator, on elevated land, with a 

 very good fort, a church dedicated to St. Joze, an hospital, tolerable streets, and 

 houses covered with tiles. It had its commencement twelve miles further to the 

 west, at the embouchure of the Matapy. Its inhabitants cultivate Indian corn, 

 mandioca, rice, some cocoa, cotton, and various fruits. Amongst other trees of 

 estimation in its environs there is one called quatiara, the wood of which is 

 yellow, having black stripes ; also the macaco wood. 



Sixty-five miles east of Macappa is Robordello, reduced to little note by the 

 desertion of the Indians who inhabited it. It is situated upon the southern 

 margin of the island of Cavianna, which is thirty-five miles in length and twenty 

 in width; the land is flat and fertile, with a fine farm or fazenda of cattle, be- 

 longing to the Hospital da Santa Caza, (Holy House,) of Mizericordia, at Para. 

 It produces the macaco wood, and the whole of its circuit abounds with fish. 



Villanova is situated on the eastern bank, and twenty-five miles above the 



Macappa Almeyrim 



Mazagao Outeyro 



Villanova Montalegre 



Array olios Prado 



Espozende Alemquer 



Obydos 



Faro 



Cayenna. 



The towns of the western portion are 



Sylves • Rio Negro 



Serpa Barcellos 

 Marippy 



Moura 

 Thomar. 



