268 



JOURNEY FROM CARAVELLAS 



the aiias viduata of Linneus, a beautiful duck, which we had fre- 

 quently shot more to the south, but had not seen for a considerable 

 time. Though our hunters endeavoured to approach with the utmost 

 caution, they did not succeed in shooting any of these shy birds. On 

 my second visit to this part some months later, I found upon the coast 

 numerous remains of large whales, which indicated a very extensive 

 fishery. Large flocks of carrion vultures (urubu ) covered the re- 

 mains, which infected the whole coast to a great extent. 



The river of Santa Cruz falls into the sea about five leagues from 

 Porto Seguro ; it is rather narrower than the latter, but has likewise 

 a good and secure barra, protected by a projectmg reef of rocks 

 against the violence of the sea. Santa Cruz is well known as the 

 most ancient settlement of the Portuguese in Brazil. Pedro Alvarez 

 Cabral, landed there on the 3rd of May, loOO, and was amicably re- 

 ceived by the inhabitants. The first mass was read, and the same 

 name given to the country which it still retains ; to the nearest river 

 southward, the name of Porto Seguro was given, on account of its 

 safe harbour. At a subsequent period Santa Cruz was made a parish, 

 which still bears the name of " Freguesia de Nossa Senhora da Bella 

 Cruz." The town of Santa Cruz lies at the mouth of the river, on 

 th6 south bank ; the church and a part of the town are situated upon 

 an eminence, which is distinguished by a couple of cocoa palms. At 

 the foot of this eminence lies the rest of the town, consisting of low- 

 houses, scattered in thickets of orange and banana trees. 



The people of this town pay more attention to agriculture, than 

 those of Porto Seguro, for it supplies that place with mandiocca-flour, 

 which is exported also to other parts of the east coast : the inhabit- 

 ants of this town have, however, in general, the reputation of being 

 very indolent, and perform little labour. The garupa fishery employs 

 some ships, but at this time only four lanchas were engaged in it. 

 Santa Cruz is in all respects much less considerable than Porto 



