284 



TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



peopled, and where the arts are in so low a state. 

 The Hospicio de Nossa Senhora Mai dos Homens 

 stands as the triumph of the persevering piety of 

 a single man, who, in 1771j commenced the build- 

 ing with charitable donations, and, by degrees, 

 adorned the church with paintings, carving, gold, 

 silver, and precious stones. The venerable hermit, 

 a native of Portugal, and above a century old, was 

 still alive. He was much rejoiced at having been 

 visited in this solitude by Europeans. As he was 

 no longer able to direct the assistance of other 

 brethren, none of whom were here at the time, it 

 was confided to an administrator sent by the go- 

 vernment. They received us with much cordiality, 

 and we were surprised to find clean beds, table- 

 linen, and other conveniences in abundance. The 

 establishment has already acquired some property 

 by pious donations ; eight negro slaves cultivate 

 the land in the vicinity, or attend to the horned 

 cattle which thrive here admirably. The butter 

 made here excels in taste and sweetness that of 

 the Swiss Alps. In the neighbourhood of the 

 convent there are several kinds of European fruit- 

 trees, such as cherries, quinces, apples, chestnuts, 

 and olives ; but these last, notwithstanding the 

 cool and elevated situation of the places, bear 

 no fruit. 



The treasures of this beautiful mountain valley 

 keep the naturalist in a continued transport. The 

 forms of the plants here arc incredibly diversified 



