28 



RESIDENCE AT RIO DE JANEIRO. 



of the country. Rio in particular has received several improvements ; 

 among these, I ought to notice the many ordinances for promoting a 

 more active commerce. The circulation of large sums of money has 

 greatly increased the opulence of the city, and to this effect the 

 residence of the Court principally contributes : the ambassadors of 

 the European powers, and other foreigners thereby attracted to this 

 place, have introduced a high degree of luxury among the various 

 classes of the community : the style of dress and fashions are like 

 those of an European capital ; and there are so many artists and 

 artisans of every class, from all countries, that in a few years there 

 will be no want of any thing that belongs to the conveniences and 

 pleasures of life. When to these are added the vast variety of fruits 

 and other productions of every kind, which the soil and climate 

 bring forth, some idea may be formed of the natural riches of this 

 prolific region. Oranges, mangoes, figs, grapes, the guava, pine- 

 apples, &c. attain extraordinary perfection : the bananas are met 

 with of various species, especially those of St. Tome ; also the banana 

 da terra, which is considered as still more wholesome ; both are very 

 nutritio-us and well-flavoured : cocoa-nuts, the jacas, water-melons, 

 nuts of the sapucaya tree, those of the Brazilian pine, and other 

 fruits, are offered for sale in the streets at all hours. The sugar-cane 

 is said to have been originally found wild, particularly in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Rio. The markets are equally well supplied with fish 

 of various kinds, of the most singular forms and beautiful colours : 

 poultry, and many sorts of game bought of the hunter, add to the 

 abundant supply. They have a species of fowls with yellow bills and 

 feet, which are said to have come from Africa. 



The troops, which are now very numerous, also afford a good live- 

 lihood to many of the old inhabitants. The contrast between the 

 soldiers brought from Portugal, who had served under Wellington in 

 Spain, and those raised in the Brazils, is very striking. A fine mili- 



