( 57 ) 



its population is small, compared with its extent ; a circumstance 

 rather surprising, since every necessary of life is here so cheap and 

 in such great plenty. Its distance from the coast and from the 

 chief towns, and the hitherto bad road, may have contributed tcr 

 deter settlers ; it is principally occupied as a breeding district, and 

 supports no more inhabitants than what are barely competent to 

 manage and tend the cattle, which are chiefly purchased by private 

 dealers, and sometimes by commissioners from government, who 

 come hither occasionally for the purpose. The road from hence 

 to the city of St. Paul's, distant about 80 leagues, is tolerably 

 inhabited, especially in the vicinity of Sorricaba, something more 

 than half way, which is a great mart for mules and horses. Near 

 this place is a well- wooded country called Gorosuava, abound- 

 ing with fine limestone, where a considerable quantity of rich iron . 

 ore is found. How deplorable is it that the people should yet have 

 to learn the application of such valuable resources ! 



The neighbourhood of Corritiva is watered by fine rivers, which 

 flow into the Parana. Many of the streams produce gold, par- 

 ticularly the Rio Verde ; and one called the Tibigi is rich in dia- 

 monds, as the few good families in its vicinity have reason to remem- 

 ber with gratitude. More to the westward it is dangerous to travel, 

 since in that direction live the Anthropophagi, who were driven from 

 these boundaries a few years ago. The country to the north is very 

 full of wood. 



The cattle at Corritiva sell at various prices ; oxen, much fatter 

 and 'in better condition than those of Rio de la Plata or of Rio 

 Grande de St. Pedro, may be bought for about 12s. or 15s. a head. 

 The horses are in general finer than those of Spanish America ; 

 mules for the pack-saddle sell at about 40s., and those for riding at 

 from three to six pounds. There is, however, great fluctuation in 

 the prices, owing to the occasional scarcity as well as the occasional 

 abundance of money. 



J 



