498 



NOTES ON BliAZIL. 



I never yet saw the latter in a perfect state, but almost invariably fractured 

 at one end, frequently at both. Of the stones sent to Europe, under 

 dazzling names, particularly as Topazes, Agoa-Marinas, and Amethysts, 

 many are nothing more than pieces of spar found in the beds of rivers, 

 and affected by the common attrition of streams. This paragij#ph will 

 answer its purpose if such impositions are in any degree prevented. 

 Knowledge and fair dealing must lie at the foundation of solid pros- 

 perity ; and the age of mystery, it is to be hoped, is for ever passed away. 



The Mine of Chapon is nothing more than an open quarry, and is 

 wrought as such. It contains a great quantity of Cascalho, imbedded 

 in clay and sand, the face of which, as shown on the sides of the pit, is 

 irregularly patched with red, grey, and white. From this Cascalho 

 Gold is collected in the usual way, but Topazes lie in nests among the 

 common earth. They vary considerably in colour, from a pine white, 

 through all the shades of yellow, to a dark brown ; most of them having 

 also a reddish cast. In the same mine are found stones inchning to 

 green, which I suspect to be the origin of, or connected with, those 

 which are sold under the name of Agoa-marinas. Along the ridge in 

 this neighbourhood, a species of common flexible stone is said to be found, 

 but I saw none of it. 



About two miles from Boa-Vista, and three from Villa Rica, com- 

 mences the dell, through which lies the road to the latter place. It runs 

 East and West, having on its Northern side a bold, naked hill, with an 

 even outline ; on the South, a broken country, which seems to be full 

 of narrow and steep ravines. The stream, by the side of which the 

 road proceeds, is rapid and powerful ; it gives motion to a set of flour 

 mills, and cheers with its waters some pleasant gardens, which unite with 

 Avhitened houses to adorn its banks. 



The first view of Villa Rica, or Ouro Preto, that rs Black Gold, 

 as it was formerly called, is very attractive. It looks like an as- 

 semblage of well-built white villages, perched upon salient points of 

 the Northern hill. On a nearer approach, it is discovered that these 



