AND JOURNEY TO THE RIO DOCE, 



175 



eight or ten leagues up the river, at the place where the first military 

 station had formerly been. He sent hither deserters and other crimi- 

 nals, to people the new colony, and these settlements would certainly 

 have prospered in a short time, had not death too soon carried off 

 that active minister. Since that period this district has been entirely 

 neglected, and unless more energetic measures are adopted, will 

 probably soon be completely desolate. 



We were impatient to sail up the beautiful Rio Doce, in order to 

 make ourselves acquainted, if possible, with the interesting theatre of 

 the war in the forests with the Botocudos ; but owing to the rough- 

 ness of the river, occasioned by a violent wind on the 35th of December, 

 we were advised by our soldiers to. defer our departure till the next 

 day. The following morning was warm and calm, and we accordingly 

 embarked at day-break in a long canoe which was rowed by six soldiers. 

 Our party consisted of nine persons, all well armed. In order to 

 ascend the Rio Doce, when it is at its height, four men at least are 

 necessary, who propel the canoe with long poles ( varus.) As there 

 are every where shallow places, which in the dry season appear as 

 sand-banks, the poles can always reach them, even when the water is 

 high ; and with the most favourable combination of circumstances it is" 

 possible to reach Linhares in one day, but not till late in the evening. 



The weather was very fine, and when we had become accustomed 

 to the rocking of the narrow canoe, caused by the soldiers walking 

 backwards and forwards to push it along, we found the excursion very 

 agreeable. When it was quite day-light we saw the broad surface of 

 the rapid stream glistening in the morning sun ; the distant banks 

 were so thickly covered with gloomy forests, that in the whole of 

 the long tract which we passed, there was not a single open spot 

 which would have afforded room even for a house. Numerous 

 islands of various sizes and forms rise above the surface of the water ; 

 they are covered with ancient trees of the most luxuriant verdure. 



