9.56 



XOTES ON BRAZIL. 



adding much to the interest of the picture. On the largest of them is a 

 strong building used as a powder-magazinej^qj^d a residence for a few 

 soldiers who guard it. On the East of the rock the water is nearly a 

 hundred feet deep, and is the rfesort of many porpoises ; on the West 

 it is shallow, and forms the beautifid bay of St. Christophe. In the 

 midst of this expanse, which is about two miles broad, is a small island, 

 so singularly picturesque, that no one can behold it from the surrounding 

 heights without admiration, and few, I believe, ever saw a picture of 

 the bay, from such a station, Avithout supposing that the artist had 

 indulged a happy fancy, instead of copying the scene as it lay before 

 him. Of late the effect has been partly spoiled by the erection of a large 

 warehouse upon it; the reflection that beauty has been sacrificed to 

 utility, hardly consoles the observer. 



Near the Southern shore are two islands remarkable for their 

 symmetry, and still rich, even though partly stripped of their verdure. 

 On the larger of them I enjoyed, together with a few Brazilian families, 

 what bore some resemblance to their former common parties of pleasure. 

 A short account of the fete may serv^e as a specimen of social manners at 

 this period of my residence. 



Joining the party on the beach, I was introduced to the servants, 

 by an acquaintance, who said to them, — " this is my friend, if he steal 

 any thing I am accountable for it." To an English ear such an introduc- 

 tion sounded grating ; but to a Brazilian, instead of intimating that 

 the person in question is in the least addicted to pilfering, it is equivalent 

 to declaring, that his character for rectitude and propriety of conduct is 

 so established, that no one will believe another who attempts to slander 

 him. This is the sense in which the negroes universally understand the 

 phrase ; and such distorted modes of expression are so common here, 

 with persons of all ranks, as to form a very observable feature in a 

 portrait of the country. 



The party left the city by water about four o'clock in the morning 

 of a Dia santo, carrying provisions and the most essential articles of 

 table furniture. Having landed the servants and baggage, my friends 



