104 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



of their absurd modes of treatment would excite incredulity, as well as 

 wonder how patients escaped with life and limb. 



The great proportion of Apothecaries' and Druggists' shops in Rio, 

 was not the only thing relative to them which appeared observable to 

 strangers. What the owners wanted in skill they seemed earnest in their 

 endeavours to make up in show. 



These shops were fitted up in a much gaudier style than others, and 

 affected a superior taste. Instead of a counter, as usual, there was erected 

 in the middle, a kind of altar, the front of which was adorned with 

 painting and gilding ; the subjects usually chosen for the pencil being 

 a landscape, a shipwreck, or a simple wreath of flowers. Upon it were 

 placed scales and weights, and two or three old books, no doubt, oracles, 

 in the healing art. The upper part of the walls was decorated with long 

 rows of Dutch gallipots, bearing learned inscriptions, indicating nothing, 

 but to adepts in the modes of dragging from reluctant nature secrets, 

 which might sooth the anguish, or gladden the hearts, of men. 



The accommodations of the IMerchants and Wholesale-dealers, for 

 the arrangement of their goods and the reception of customers, were 

 much more simple. Some of the warehouses were of considerable 

 extent, but poorly stocked, except with articles for exportation, which 

 the distracted state of the mother country had occasioned greatly to accu- 

 mulate upon their hands. 



At the early hour of seven, the merchants were accustomed to visit 

 those who had brought out goods. Having examined the stores of the 

 foreigners, and made their purchases, they returned home to breakfast; 

 lounged away the morning, with a small mixture of commercial occupa- 

 tion ; and after a confused and unceremonious repast at noon, retired to 

 their siesta, as did all the rest of the Brazilian world. In sweet and 

 luxurious oblivion they passed the hottest part of the day ; and came 

 forth in the evening to their visits or other amusements, with nerves new 

 strung and recruited spirits. With employment, that hardly confined 

 them for more than two or three hours in a day, they might have found 

 ample leisure to have brought themselves nearer to a level with the 



