TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



255 



which are covered with a layer of red clay, we ar- 

 rived in the evening at Soumidouro, a small village 

 with a few houses, situated in the middle of the 

 wood, at the source of a mountain stream. We 

 were hospitably received, and informed that we 

 had still half a day's journey from this place to 

 the military post {destacamento^ of Paraiba ; where 

 all caravans coming from Minas Geraes, and the 

 passports of all travelling strangers who are going 

 into the interior of that gold district, are most 

 strictly examined on account of the smuggling 

 trade carried on in gold dust. To avoid this search, 

 we advanced into the forests, which are here so 

 unfrequented and gloomy, no farther than to a so- 

 litary fazenda, which lies at a small distance from 

 the river Paraiba. After v/e had partaken of some 

 refreshment, and obtained all the information that 

 was desirable, both from the host, and from some 

 of the mulattoes belonging to the customhouse on 

 the Paraiba, who were patrolling in the neighbour- 

 hood, armed with swords and muskets, we pre- 

 pared to return by the way of Soumidouro, to the 

 country-house of Mr. Von LangsdorfF. 



During our stay at Mandiocca, our kind host 

 was visited by his neighbours, who regarded with 

 surprise, and not without jealousy, the rapid pro- 

 gress of his establishment. As the first attempt to 

 turn up, with a European plough, the spots which 

 had been cleared by burning the wood, had failed, 

 through the awkwardness of the negroes and for 



