84 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



much longer upon an approaching enemy than that of any other of the 

 forts, and could not be silenced until a vessel flanked, or brought her 

 broadside to bear upon it. 



Having passed these three forts, which, with a stiff sea-breeze, 

 might occupy half an hour, an invading fleet would find itself fairly in 

 the harbour, and in a situation to be little molested by them, because 

 almost their whole force is directed towards an approaching enemy. 

 Before ships of war are brought up in the Roads, their anchoring place, 

 they have to pass the fort of Villegagnon, well situated upon a long and 

 narrow island, but in a very dilapidated, and even ruinous condition. 

 It is supported, on the East, by the insignificant battery of St. Joan do 

 Carai, and on the North by the fort of St. Diogo, now become 

 almost useless. 



Beyond the town is the Ilha das Cobras, covered with a small forti- 

 fication, which seems to have been intended as a retreat in extreme 

 distress, rather than an addition to the defences. It must, however, be 

 untenable, should an enemy have possession of the commanding fortified 

 heights. Among these the most important are the old fort of the 

 Monte, near the Church of St. Sebastian, a platform a little below it, 

 neither of which have any guns mounted, and the fort of Concei^am, 

 which is in a better condition, and might be rendered of great use. A 

 small battery is situated upon the height above the College of St. Joz6, 

 and commands the beach of the Lapa. Some of these positions are 

 become less valuable than they formerly were, the channel, which once 

 led into the rear of the city, being now blocked up ; and it is impossible 

 fully to appreciate their ancient utility, without entering into some 

 particulars of the history of the place. 



Besides these, there are two Batteries of an inferior order, each about 

 four miles from the town, intended to guard narrow passes. One, on the 

 road to Copo Cabana, is advantageously placed on the projecting point of 

 a high rock, and commands the beach in that quarter, but is very much 

 neglected. The other is upon the road to the Lagoa do Freitas, and is of 

 no value whatsoever at present, but may formerly have been useful 

 against the inroads of Indian bands. 



