S76 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



into this singular apartment. In another corner were placed such small 

 and light things as were most liable to be either lost or stolen. On the 

 outside of our temporary walls, at a little distance from them, the pack- 

 saddles were placed upon each other in the most exact order ; the wanties 

 were hung together upon one of the beams which form the roof, the 

 halters and the hides were duly arranged ; in short, every thing was so 

 disposed as to be immediately found when wanted ; beyond the range 

 of pack-saddles a fire was kindled upon the ground for cooking, and our 

 temporary kitchen established there. 



When dinner was ready, which consisted only of Carne-secca and 

 Farinha, a table was formed, within the area, by two square packages, 

 laid one upon the other ; our cloth was spread over them, and the plates 

 arranged upon it in the neatest order, accompanied by knives and forks, 

 with other things requisite for a comfortable meal ; another package, 

 or a barrel, served each of us for a seat. Without being delicate in my 

 appetite, or scrupulous in my choice of food, 1 sat down to this meal 

 with some degree of disappointment, for it had been reported to me 

 that, along the principal road in Brazil, poultry or pigs, at least, could 

 be purchased at every station. 



From the ceremonies used before meat, I discovered that my Guide 

 was a religious and devout man. So also was his assistant, the chief 

 Muleteer, whom, by inquiring whether they did not usually dine 

 together, and begging that my presence might make no difference in 

 their ordinary modes, I introduced to our dinner party. The circum- 

 stance gave pleasure to each, and to me afforded a new opportunity for 

 the observation of character. The countenance of this attendant strongly 

 expressed a want of cultivated intellect, a great degree of pertinacity, 

 and a small portion of mind. He was almost as ignorant as a human 

 being, not absolutely an idiot, could possibly be ; and was superstitious 

 in the extreme. He was afflicted with a violent liver complaint, and to 

 effect his cure, carried in his hand a small white flag, on which was 

 painted a figure of the Holy Ghost. Of this treasure he was exceedingly 

 careful, and as he passed along was frequently requested by strangers 



