NOTES ON BRAZIL, 



61 



Besides these places of public worship, there are others of an inferior 

 order; such as chapels, which seem to belong to all, the same as the 

 churches ; others, which are attached to convents ; and not a few in 

 the larger private establishments, chiefly in the environs of the city. 



Among the public Chapels, the Royal one calls for our first atten- 

 tion ; and, on account of its enjoying, under its humbler designation, 

 many of the dignities and privileges of a cathedral, on account of its 

 splendour, its princely attendants, and the multitudes of all ranks, who 

 frequent it, ought not, perhaps, to have been represented as inferior to 

 the churches. 



It stands on the West side of the Largo do Pa^o, forming a hand- 

 some object from the water ; and once belonged to the Convent do Carmo. 

 The ascent to the East door, the height and proportions of which are 

 good, and which forms the grand entrance, is by a few broad steps ; from 

 whence, up to the altar, the view is rich and striking. The interior forms 

 one spacious, well-Hghted room, though divided into a nave, a small 

 transept, and a chancel, with a lofty painted ceiling. The walls exhibit 

 some fine specimens of carving, particularly of angels and saints. Over 

 the door is an orchestra, handsomely railed in front, containing a good 

 organ. Beneath the orchestra the space is entirely open, and contains no 

 furniture except two stone basins for holy water, and confessional chairs. 

 Beyond this, a narrow space on each side of the chapel, extending to the 

 upper part of the nave, is separated by substantial rails, and designed for 

 the use of men during divine worship. The inner space is appropriated 

 to females, who sit on the floor, with their feet and legs doubled under 

 them, as each can find room, without distinction of rank, age, or colour. 

 The floor of this part of the chapel is divided by frame work into com- 

 partments of six feet by three; these are graves, or rather catacombs, 

 from which the flooring may easily be removed, as occasion requires. On 

 each side of the chancel, which is spacious, and covered with carpets, are 

 ranged the inferior priests. The bishop's throne is near the middle, on 

 the right of the altar ; on the left, and high in the building, are the royal 

 boxes, if such a term may be allowed. The high altar is superb ; and 



