NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



79 



It is first conducted along the Eastern edge of a precipice, the mountain 

 rising to the left ; it then crosses the ridge, which is here very narrow, 

 and follows the Western side for a considerable distance, with a precipi- 

 tous rock of solid granite above, and descending below the work. In 

 this spot the canal is cut through the face of the rock, and the only path- 

 way is upon its coping. In both these portions of its course the views 

 are wonderfully fine. It next passes through a woodland scene, until it 

 comes to another ridge, composed of clay, which is cut down, and the 

 work is completely buried as far as to the spot where the prospect opens 

 to the North and North-west. Hence it winds round the hill, accom- 

 panied by a broad road overgrown with brushwood, the scene entirely 

 of the strictest forest kind, which continues to the very border of the 

 city. At every break among the trees new views burst upon the 

 passenger, first to the left and then to the right, as the wall which he 

 follows crosses the projections of the over-shadowing mountain. Above 

 the Convent of Santa Thereza, the aqueduct approaches the very point 

 of a hill, and descends rapidly through the building to a suite of arches 

 below ; these convey it from the mountain, whose sides it has so long 

 adorned, to the hill of St. Antonio, and to the city. To the inhabi- 

 tants it affords a most agreeable promenade, on days when the ordinances 

 of the Church require a cessation from business, and allow them to be 

 made days of amusement. 



Rio de Janeiro may properly be considered as a Garrison-town, 

 though without walls. It is divided into military districts, the palace 

 being the head quarters ; guard-houses are placed in different parts, 

 where officers are constantly in attendance ; sentinels are stationed at all 

 public offices, at the landing-places, and in every part of the city, where 

 they can conveniently communicate with each other. Soldiers on duty 

 are always walking about the streets, some in regimentals and others 

 without them ; acting in the civil, as well as the military department. 

 In plainer words, the place is under martial law ; but it is mildly admi- 

 nistered by a council, which was established immediately upon the 

 Queen's arrival. 



