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though sometimes they occur perfectly crystallized, in the same form 

 as the yellow topaz. Blue topazes and agua-marinas are also found 

 here ; some of the former are of a singular variety, being in one 

 part blue, and in the other, clear and pellucid. This neighbourhood 

 is also noted for producing the beautiful chryso-beryl, which is much 

 esteemed by the higher orders of society in Brazil, and in great 

 request among the jewellers of Rio de Janeiro. These gems rarely 

 occur crystallized ; they sell at considerable prices in their rough 

 state, and are much more valued in America than in England, 

 where, indeed, they are little known, or they would be more highly 

 appreciated, being, when polished, of great brilliancy and very 

 beautiful. 



To the westward of the river Jigitonhonha, and opposite the vil- 

 lage of Bom Successo, is the Cerro of Sant Antonio, a place much 

 famed for diamonds, which are said to be of an indifferent quality. 

 There are, also, other parts, well known to many of the inhabitants 

 of the district as being rich in these treasures. 



The country is veiy fertile, and produces a great variety of the 

 finest Avoods for cabinet-works ; also numerous fruits, and most ex- 

 quisite vanilla, which grows spontaneously. The land, being less 

 elevated* than Cerro do Frio, is said to be much warmer, and is highly 

 favourable to the growth of sugar and coffee. The plantations are 

 chiefly of cotton, which is reputed to be equal in colour and quality 

 to that of Pernambuco. It is transported to Rio de Janeiro on 

 mules, and many hundreds of those useful animals are continually 

 employed in this commerce. A troop of loaded mules are full three 



* In some of the low swampy tracts large serpents are notuncommon. AtTejuco I was 

 shewn the skin of a young one, said to be of the Boa Constrictor genus. It was twenty-four 

 feet in length, and about twenty inches in circumference. To relate the stories told of 

 these reptiles, — of their catching bullocks, and afterwards swallowing them, — would 

 ill-become a work of veracity ; the horned cattle of Minas Novas being as large, though 

 not so full of flesh, as ours in England. 



