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We remained two days at Santa Rita and its vicinity, and on the 

 third, set out on our return, taking the same route by which we came. 

 In some parts we observed numerous flocks of birdsj particularly 

 parrots, and a few fine wild-hens of the wood, and these were the 

 only objects that engaged our attention. We reached Canta Gallo 

 without having met with any monstrous serpents, or any other un- 

 common sights which travellers usually see or fancy in a strange 

 country. 



After a few days' rest, I set out, accompanied by a guide, to the 

 supposed silver-mine, notice having previously been sent to the men 

 to prepare them for my coming. We travelled for about two miles 

 through a deep valley, and arrived at a rapid stream called Macdca, 

 which runs between two almost perpendicular mountains of very in- 

 considerable height, along one of which the road leads for about a 

 mile and a half. Having passed this gloomy and dangerous ravine, 

 we proceeded half a league farther, and halted at a neat farm-house 

 called Machada, with a portion of good and well-cultivated land 

 around it, which looked like a garden in the wilderness. The owner, 

 a native of the Azores, received us very politely, and introduced us 

 to his lady, who, with her blooming family of daughters, was engaged 

 in needle-work on materials of their own spinning. The neatness of 

 their dress, and the general air of propriety and comfort in the apart- 

 ment where they sat, strongly reminded me of my country ; and 

 when they regaled us with liquor made from the fruits of their own 

 farm, the image of our domestic scenes in rural life was complete : I 

 could almost have fancied myself transported from the rugged wilds 

 of Brazil to the smiling vales of England. 



We left this peaceful abode ; and, advancing for six miles through 

 thickets and forests, and over some plain land, we reached a farm 

 called St. Antonio, belonging to a widow named Dona Ana, who is 

 noted throughout the country for making excellent butter and cheese. 

 The dwelling is of two stories, and neat, but very inconvenient- Th^ 



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