NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



5S9 



They were of a small species, yet larger than the green Paroquet, and 

 more delicate than the Terrivel. They invariably returned to the tree, 

 whence the discharge of my gun had driven them, as if seeking their 

 companions. I found leisure, also, for the contemplation of human 

 beings, and was gratified by the sight of uncommon industry. Two 

 women were spinning cotton on the old three-pronged distaff and spindle, 

 and said that their master would not allow them to be idle, though by 

 selling his cotton in the city, and buying his cloth there, he might save 

 more than the produce of their labour. The Tropeiros of the neighbour- 

 hood gave proofs of a willingness to accommodate for the sake of being 

 employed. They appeared to have caught the spirit of activity and 

 rivalship, the sure indications of a prosperous country. In the mainte- 

 nance of such a spirit the people must flourish and be happy, though 

 they continue, as at present, confined to one narrow spot, and absolute 

 strangers to the larger communities of men. In them, wonder ti.at I 

 should leave my home, for the mere pleasure of rambling, seemed much 

 more natural than in many, who expressed a similar feeling. 



Travelling onward in the cool of the afternoon, I received another 

 gratification in the sight of a flock of sheep, following their shepherd, 

 down the side of a hill. I also shot a Coaracy, probably the Sun-bird ; 

 and though it fell over a precipice and was lost, I could discern that it 

 was about the size of a Kite, all dark brown, except the tail, the legs, 

 and a long taper bill, which were of a bright yellow. 



Having completed about thirty miles, we arrived at the Fazenda of 

 Pedro Alves, a well-managed establishment, displaying many appear- 

 ances of wealth. It was surrounded by negro huts, among which pre- 

 vailed the utmost order and decorum, maintained by strict discipline. 

 Yet all seemed to be happy ; the children played at a little distance from 

 the house, while the aged people formed a group of observers ; the able 

 slaves were diligently occupied, and disease was unseen. Little care, 

 however, had been employed on the internal part of the house ; when 

 the door of the room, destined for my use, was opened, so offensive a 



smell issued from it, that I ventured to request a translation to some 



3 Y 2 



