NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



215 



seems to have a more than common dread of an accomplice, keeps his 

 secret in his own bosom, and trusts to his own arm alone. 



The gentleman, to whom the advice of our casual friends introduced 

 us, proved not unworthy of their praise and of our confidence. We 

 found him intelligent and inquisitive, furnished with authority in his 

 district, and using it so as to attract respect and affection. Though his 

 house little surpassed what we had before seen, in point of furniture and 

 accommodations, he set before us some luxuries, particularly some good 

 red wine. We left him gratified by his kindness, and regretting that 

 QUF plans allowed us only a short enjoyment of his society. 



South of the Piratinim the country continues much the same as on 

 the other side, only that the eminences are somewhat more lofty. 

 Through it runs the river Ygaroon, in Rio Grande generally pronounced 

 and written Jigaroon. Its sources are near to those of the Rio Negro, 

 arid between them is one of the most important passes of this part of the 

 Continent. The territory was held, at this time, by the Spaniards, but 

 claimed by the Portuguese, to whom the facilities which it enjoys for 

 the wide distribution of imported goods render the settled possession of 

 it a matter of great moment. Whenever the question of yielding it up 

 was started afresh, there was never any want of difficulties to impede 

 the determination. Both parties had the wisdom, in the mean time, to 

 carry on a considerable commercial intercourse with the Rio Grande ; 

 and though occasionally a Portuguese vessel was seized, it was as lightly 

 restored as detained. From the last mentioned river yatchs, of from 

 fifty to seventy tons burthen, pass by the Gonzales to Lake Mirim ; 

 from thence up the Ygaroon, the entrance of which is the great ren- 

 dezvous of vessels from every part of the Lake, and hence goods are 

 distributed through the fertile territory on the West of it, up the 

 Saboyaty, the water of rats, to Maldonado, and across the mountains 

 even to the Uruguay. The upward cargoes consist of bale-goods, 

 tobacco, spirits, salt, groceries, and gunpowder. The returns are chiefly 

 carne-secca, or charqued beef, bides and tallow, which are exported from 

 Rio Grande. 



