TO CAPE FRIO. 



61 



here, is the most beautiful of its species. This animal is kno\vn in 

 the country by the names of cobra coral, or coraes ; but it must not 

 be confounded with the cora'cs described by Lacepede and others. 

 The name of coral-snake is most justly assigned to it ; the most 

 brilliant scarlet alternates on its smooth body with black and greenish 

 white rings, so that this innocent reptile may be compared with a 

 string of variegated beads. I have frequently preserved it in spirits 

 of wine ; but could never succeed in retaining its fine red colour. In 

 the Linnean system this species of snake has doubtless been described 

 by the name of coluber fidvius, from specimens which had lost their 

 splendid hues in spirits. 



In the evening our host invited us to supper. During the repast, 

 the female inhabitants of the house, according to the custom in Bra- 

 zil, did not appear, but they peeped through the chinks in the doors 

 and window-shutters, to obtain a sight of the strange guests : negro 

 slaves of both sexes waited at table. As other travellers have de- 

 scribed this and similar customs of the Brazilians, it is unnecessary 

 for me to dwell on the subject. During the entertainment we en- 

 deavoured to turn the conversation to national topics and institutions ; 

 but our host, though in other respects so obliging, seemed either 

 unable or unwilling to give us any information on this head. 



The next day being the Sabbath, our attendants went early to 

 mass. After divine service was over, we departed. The heat was 

 intense ; we therefore refreshed ourselves on the road with cold 

 punch and excellent oranges, which in many parts may be had gratis. 

 This excellent fruit can be eaten without injury to the health, even 

 when a person is overheated ; but in the evening it is said not to 

 be wholesome. Much more caution is necessary in eating cocoa-nuts 

 and other cooling fruits. 



We proceeded through marshes and sandy woods ; and the distance 

 from Tiririca to Parati being only about three leagues, we soon 



