NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



in an Easterly direction, and is said to fall into the Gonzales, near the lake 

 Mirim. The country, through which it passes, is in general an exceed- 

 ingly fine one, and well variegated with hills. An evidence of the 

 depth of its soil is afforded by the streams which unite to form the river ; 

 many of them having cut their way through channels from twelve to 

 twenty-four feet deep. Notwithstanding this advantage, the country 

 looks bare for want of trees, and the people inhabiting it are driven to 

 miserable shifts for fuel. 



Riding through a small hamlet on the border of this river, we found 

 the inhabitants sitting at their doors, and gaily enjoying the evening- 

 sports. Having civilly replied to a few trifling questions which we asked, 

 they advised us to cross the river to a house, which they pointed out, the 

 owner of which, they said, would not only receive us gladly, but be 

 disappointed if we did not visit " him. On the first intimation of our 

 purpose to comply with this advice, two of them set off to announce our 

 approach. The river had a deep and stony bed, with banks almost 

 precipitous, and is evidently at some seasons, a large impetuous torrent. 

 The water was then low, showing the holes, which are common in the 

 beds of such streams, and convincing us, that in some places, the passage 

 must be really dangerous. As we were descending the steep bank, a 

 young man sprang upon the back of a horse, which happened to be at 

 hand, rode before us, and went both above and below the course, which 

 he wished us to take ; while the old men, women, and children, advanced 

 to the bank vociferating many additional directions. The clamour, 

 though not necessary, was a demonstration of every one's good-will. 



In almost every case the Brazilian friends of a stranger are so anxious 

 for his safety, that they are apt to imagine danger where there is none, 

 and to magnify where i t exists. A traveller "ought to be aware of this 

 feict, or he wilt often be harrassed with groundless apprehensions. At 

 the same time let him never be off his guard ; for there are villains who 

 Would not only hasten to take advantage of an acci(Ient, but would lead 

 him into danger for the sake of pillage. Such wretches almost univer- 

 sally pursue their vocation singly ; the plunderer and assassin, in Brazil, 



