SOUTH AMERICA. - 175 



Spanish adventurers, they gave the name of Rio de 

 La Plata, to the river in which it discharges itself. 

 Considering the connexion which no doubt exists be- 

 tween the mountains of Brazil and those of Peru, it is 

 somewhat strange, that this metal has not been met 

 with in greater abundance. Brazil, however, possesses 

 great quantities of iron ore, which is said to be equal 

 to any in the world. To make a rough estimate, I 

 should say that the exports of the whole of Brazil, 

 exceed twenty millions of dollars. 



The amount of imports, T presume, is about equal to 

 the exports. They consist chiefly in English manufac- 

 tured goods of every kind; but the balance is consider- 

 ably against Portugal, which for a century past has 

 been thrown into the back ground by the advantages 

 which the English have gained in the trade with the 

 colonies. On the opening of the trade with Bra?^^l, 

 the market was immediately glutted, as well as inju- 

 diciously supplied with articles not suited to it. The 

 losses experienced by the British merchants, was a 

 subject of serious complaint, but was doubtless ulti- 

 mately beneficial, from its tendency to increase the de- 

 mand and consumption. The Brazils afford a grow- 

 ing market of vast importance to England. The 

 trade of the United States with this country, is compa^ 

 ratively inconsiderable,* but will gradually increase. 

 We already supply them with heavy articles of manu» 

 facture, such as household furniture, carriages, &c. 

 to a considerable amount; but our principal articles of 

 export to this country, are flour, salt provisions, tar, 



*The following is the number of vessels which entered Bahia, 

 in 1817. British vessels, sixtj^nine; American, thirty; French] 

 twelve; other foreigners, eight. Total one hundred and nineteen. 



