NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



219 



So established are these generous and hospitable modes among the 

 people of this country, according to the full measure of their means, 

 that a single exception became memorable. At the house of the great 

 and wealthy butcher of Charqiieados, before mentioned, we were repulsed 

 with churlishness. But it matters not what he is thought of in England, 

 it is scarcely possible to add to the contempt with which such conduct is 

 regarded in his own country. 



My progress to the Southern part of the province of Rio Grande 

 was more confined, and the record of its events and circumstances is, of 

 consequence, more scanty. 



When travelling in this direction it is usual to leave St. Pedro at its 

 Eastern end, in order the sooner to reach the grassy plain, which borders 

 the Bay of Mangueira. After proceeding about three miles, we come to 

 the scite of the old town, which stood near the head of the bay, on a 

 bank about twenty feet high, and was surrounded with a parapet of sods 

 as a barrier against the encroaching sand. Yet by a slow, but sure 

 progress, it appears to have so gained ground as to have almost over- 

 whelmed the town, and to have occasioned the removal of the inhabitants 

 about the year 1750. Notwithstanding the buried state of the few ruins 

 which remain, its form and extent may be made out. It was small, and 

 the buildings slightly constructed ; and its want of importance may be 

 concluded from the probability that it had no church, as not the smallest 

 traces of such an edifice are to be discovered. 



Beyond this point the country is sandy and trackless ; on the few 

 firmer parts are scattered miserable huts, the lazy occupiers of which 

 obtain an easy subsistence by planting a small quantity of Abobaras, 

 robbing the nests of the Emu, and carrying off' cattle from the 

 plains. The nearer we approach the Lake Mirim the land becomes more 

 solid and verdant, and even presents some respectable farms. Farther on, 

 in addition to increased breadth and solidity, some hilly and woody 

 spots make their appearance : and though sand still predominates in the 

 soil, it seems by no means unproductive. Grazing appears to be the 



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