46 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



as advancing some claim to be put into this class. Every thing, which 

 had life, except perhaps, a few reptiles, has been eaten in the interior 

 parts of the country, and all creatures seemed alike welcome to the lower 

 classes of the natives and black people. A few sorts are now taken out of 

 the hands of the vulgar, and sold in the city, and eaten as luxuries. 



Wheat does not grow in that part of Brazil, where Rio is situated, 

 and in the distant provinces only a small quantity is produced. It is 

 imported, partly in the grain, partly in the form of flour. The bread, 

 though made with leaven, is good; but much too dear for any, except 

 the more wealthy classes. No other grain, besides wheat, is here 

 employed for bread. The universal substitute for what we account the 

 staff of life, is a powder called Farinha, the produce of the Mandioca 

 or Cassava-root. It is most commonly eaten without any preparation 

 but that, through which it has passed in manufacturing. A plate of 

 farinha, with orange-juice squeezed over it, forms a frequent dinner for 

 the inferior traders and artisans ; others eat it with gravy, and the negroes 

 give it a slight boiling. 



Many of our culinary Vegetables thrive in Brazil, and are produced 

 there in great abundance ; such as cabbages, carrots, parsnips, spinach, 

 onions, lettuces, and endive; all of which are valued and much used, 

 more especially in soups. A few other sorts, which are common with us, 

 have probably, never had any fair trial given them, and some have been 

 tried without success. This is the case with potatoes and turnips, to 

 which the climate seems unsuitable ; so that the few Avhich are raised, 

 are not good, and those who will have them, are obliged to resort to 

 importation. The vegetables, there called Feijam, are almost as abun- 

 dant, and in as common use, as potatoes with us; they are different 

 species of kidney beans, of which the seed, suffered to grow to its full 

 maturity, is eaten, and not the pod. As might be supposed, vegetation 

 is extremely rapid ; but frequently much injured by insects, and scorched 

 by the sun. No general attention is paid to private gardens; and the 

 cultivation of the articles in demand is left chiefly to little planters, who 

 as they become fit for. use, bring them into the city for sale. 



