NOTES ON BRAZII-. 



when preserved, especially peaches and pears, are well received in more 

 refined places. The viands found in the more considerable towns are 

 thus abundant and various ; nor does the country go without its share, 

 though it may be a small one, of its own produce. Even the lower classes 

 are not ill fed on beef, pulse, pumpkins, a preparation of a harmless 

 species of Mandioca, and Milho boiled then dried, pounded, made into 

 a paste with milk, and finally baked, thus forming no despicable sub- 

 stitute for bread. The peach-tree is so common as to furnish in 

 some places, the chief material for fuel ; but it does not flourish North 

 of Porto Alegro. 



The hope of the Farmer is often rendered, in a great measure, vain 

 by Ants ; and a species of Locust, abounding chiefly in the neighbour- 

 hood of Corrientes, is to be found throughout the country. The Ounce, 

 here called the Jagud,r, and others of the feline tribe, infest the whole 

 district, and sometimes enter the towns. Cotias and Agoutis abound in 

 the woods, Antas are found near the upper streams, and in the lower 

 grounds are Deer, Pacas, Rabbits, Hares of an uncommon sort and a 

 large size, Armadillos, and Wild Dogs. Around the marshes are thou- 

 sands of water birds ; among them some whose skins are covered with a 

 fine down, collected on that account, and exported under the name of 

 Swanskins. The Heron too, frequents such spots, from the diminutive 

 bird which picks up the worm in a shallow pool, to the giant which 

 overlooks an ox, and whose expanded wings when rising from the ground 

 seem to hide a meadow. Here is also the Swan with a black neck, and 

 a brown diving bird, much like a Puffin. Young Emus are sometimes 

 kept in the house, for the purpose of catching flies and other insects, 

 and follow their vocation with the most persevering and successful 

 earnestness. 



In the low grounds there is little Stone of any kind ; in the upper, 

 grey granite and gneise abound. A stone of the latter sort, brought 

 from Rio Pardo, was full of small green crystals, looking like emeralds, 

 but of no value, unless as a matter of curiosity. Chalk and Lime-stone 

 are said to exist here, though none fell under my observation. Gold 



