( m ) 



of English authors on science. Adjoining to it is a fine garden of 

 nearly three acres in extent, planted chiefly with grass. It was for- 

 merly a washing, and consequently presented a surface of only refuse 

 stones ; but the present proprietor levelled it, brought a little soil 

 from various parts, and planted a peculiar variety of grass, which he 

 keeps in cutting for his mules. This was the commencement of the 

 fruit season ; the peaches, with which the trees were loaded, were 

 nearly ripe. The asparagus, and vegetables of every description, 

 were very fine. The climate appeared to be mild and genial ; the 

 thermometer was generally at 62° at sun-rise, and at mid-day, in a 

 room rather exposed to the sun, rose to 74°. 



Tejuco being situated in a sterile district, which produces nothing 

 for the maintenance of its inhabitants, in number about six thousand, 

 depends, for a supply of provisions, on farms situated several leagues 

 distant. The bread of the country was at this time extremely dear ; 

 Indian corn, from which it is made, being from 5s. 6d. to 6s. the 

 bushel ; beans and other pulse in proportion. Beef was very indif- 

 ferent, this being the dry season ; pork and poultry were rather 

 plentiful. At no place do I recollect to have seen a greater propor- 

 tion of indigent people, particularly of females. Full a hundred and 

 fifty of these unhappy persons came weekly to receive portions of 

 flour Avhich the governor was pleased to allow them. They are 

 totally without occupation, here being neither agriculture nor manu- 

 factures to afibrd them any ; yet both these main supports of the 

 population might be introduced, if a proper spirit of industry pre- 

 vailed among the inhabitants. The land would, with little trouble, 

 yield excellent crops, were any kind of inclosures made, which, it 

 must be allowed, is an undertaking attended with some diflSculties, 

 yet not of such magnitude as to render it hopeless. With respect 

 to manufactures, a most valuable material is at hand, as cotton from 

 Minas Novas, distant only from sixty to one hundred miles, passes 

 through this place to the capital. 



