NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



67 



out of the room ; nor could I afterward obtain admission into it. We 

 had previously been introduced into the chapel, which is a handsome one ; 

 and there my ignorance of established ceremonies had made it too 

 manifest, that I had no more reverence for the Crucifix standing on the 

 altar than for the vestal lamp burning beside it. 



Some of the senior Monks appeared to be men of simple, mild and 

 cheerful manners. I felt attached to more than one inhabitant of the 

 house, until convinced, beyond the possibility of doubt, that virtue did 

 not predominate there. 



The gardens are kept in such order that scarcely any in Rio equal 

 them. Behind the convent is a considerable hill, which is a part of the 

 demesne of the establishment ; round its summit is an extensive walk, 

 whence the city and its neighbourhood are seen to great advantage. As 

 we passed along, our ecclesiastical companion entertained us with a story 

 of a crocodile, which once dwelt there, and devoured two children. Had 

 an alligator ascended this dry isolated hill, and taken up its abode there, 

 it might have done such mischief, but the speckled lizard, which really 

 dwells in such places, is much too diminutive to come under the oppro- 

 brium of devouring children. 



It seems that there were two convents of Carmelites in Rio ; for 

 we find, besides that which is now attached to the Royal house, a small 

 one in the Rua dos Barbonos, and the number of its inhabitants is 

 proportionate to its extent. With more seeming modesty than some 

 others possess, it does not obtrude its front into the street, nor has it, like 

 them, chosen for its site one of the spots most favoured with fine 

 prospects and refreshing breezes. The little Chapel belonging to it is 

 uncommonly neat. Nearly opposite, is an excellent private chapel, 

 where the usual worshippers are numerous. 



Not far distant is the Convent of Nossa Senhora d'Ajuda, designed 



for ladies. It is a large incomplete building, has a garden inclosed with 



a high wall, and an area, where the Nuns are allowed to see and converse 



with their friends, through large and well secured gratings. The Lady 



Abbess is a fine portly woman, about fifty-five years of age ; her manner 



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