NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



87 



The Public Gardens, though small, perfectly level, laid out in a 

 very formal style, and most negligently kept, claim the pre-eminence 

 among the few places of amusement in Rio. The entrance to this 

 favourite retreat is from the Rua das Marrecas, through a handsome gate, 

 above which is a medallion of the Queen, and her late husband, Don 

 Pedro. In front of this gate, the principal avenue extends to a terrace on 

 the opposite side of the gardens, raised about ten feet above the natural 

 ground. Before it is a mass of grotto work, covered with verdure, 

 among which are entwined in each other's folds, two bronze alligators, 

 about eight feet long. They discharge water from their mouths, and 

 seem just about to plunge into a stone reservoir, in which it is received. 

 From hence the water is conveyed into two other basins, level with the 

 ground, one on each side of the avenue, behind which are long stone 

 seats, overshadowed by very fine trees, and plants supported by lattice 

 work, where, under the shelter of the Passion-flower, the sun-burnt 

 Brazilian enjoys the luxury of fresh air. Just by, arise two slender 

 pyramids of granite, of good proportions, well wrought, and bearing 

 suitable inscriptions. At either end of the esplanade is a broad flight of 

 steps ; near the top of that on the left hand, is a small statue of a flying 

 and laughing cupid, who holds by its foot a land tortoise, through the 

 body of Avhich, water is discharged into a granite bucket below, furnished 

 with a ladle, and inviting the thirsty to drink. On a label, loosely twined 

 round the right arm, is painted an allusive motto, — " Ainda brincando 

 sou utile." — Though playing I am useful. The quaintness of the sentence, 

 the countenance of the figure, and the refreshment derived from his 

 proffered beverage, universally please, and often excite a smile. 



The Terrace is nearly a hundred yards long, and proportion ably broad, 

 paved with a coarse chequer work of different coloured granites, and 

 accommodated with seats. Toward the sea it has a parapet, on which 

 are pots holding plants and flowers ; toward the garden a well-wrought 

 stone balustrade. At each end is a small square summer house, highly 

 ornamented with painting and gilding. Their internal form is octagonal, 

 with four glazed windows, and a pair of folding doors. The principal 



