NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



115 



peccant humours ; but at the same time destroying- the temper, implanting 

 in the heart the principles of a vixen, and stamping- on the countenance 

 the plain indications of what passes within. 



As to the Employments of females the most common is the spinning- of 

 cotton, chiefly performed by women of colour, but not quite laid aside 

 by others, even in the city. The instrument used is the Rock and Spindle. 

 The workwomen have, probably, never heard of Arkwright and his 

 improvements ; and if they have heard of the invention of St. Catherine, 

 have not the wisdom to adopt it. Indeed the Rock alone, and that of a 

 smaller size than what was formerly used for Wool and Flax, can suit the 

 purpose of those who spin as they walk. But though so generally in their 

 hands, the negresses are far from being so expert in the use of it as the 

 better taught females of the North. 



Many women, white as well as black, employ themselves in making 

 lace. Their method is somewhat curious ; they sit cross-legged upon a 

 mat spread on the floor, with the pillow before them, which is a sort of 

 flat cushion nailed on a wooden frame, with two legs or feet at the hind 

 part. The bobbins are very heavy, and loaded with spangles. The 

 material is Cotton-thread, very coarse, the pattern simple, and the work ill 

 executed ; the colour cannot be good where the workwoman perspires pro- 

 fusely. She has no knowledge of parchment, particularly of the kind 

 used in lace-making in the counties of Northampton and Buckingham ; 

 instead of it she uses a piece of paper, which is not firm enough to main- 

 tain the regularity of the pattern, consequently the work is often very 

 indifl'erent. Nevertheless the process is so tedious, and so much skill is 

 requisite to produce a tolerable article, that the price is high, and a 

 present of lace always acceptable. It is used, not on ladies' caps, for 

 tRey wear none ; but is sometimes quilled round the bosom of a chemise, 

 or set as a flounce at the bottom of a petticoat; it is also employed as a 

 footing down the shoulder, and about the arm. When this lace is 

 exhibited on a black skin, it forms a not unpleasing contrast. 



In every superior family plain sewing is done by the slaves, for this 



is an employment which fashion, here as elsewhere, has very absurdly 



P 2 



