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i-equisite iron-work prepared in Rio de Janeiro, (if necessary,) and 

 admitted into the mining country, free of duty, there would probably 

 be such an increase of gold obtained by it, that the proportionate 

 augmentation of the royal fifths would amply repay the expence of 

 introducing the improvement. 



Paracatu is the principal village or town of a district of the same 

 name, which lies about ninet}' leagues north-west of Tejuco, border- 

 ing on the Capitania of Goyazes, from which it is separated by a 

 chain of high mountains that take a northerly direction. The nu- 

 merous rivers which rise on the eastern side of the mountains, and 

 flow into the great river St. Francisco, are rich in gold. The popu- 

 lation of the village is estimated at above a thousand souls, and will 

 shortly be more numerous, as the reputed richness of some late dis- 

 coveries has tempted many families to migrate thither. It has all 

 the advantages of a high and healthy situation, in the midst of a 

 most fertile country, and has considerable intercourse with Sahara 

 and Villa Rica, where the gold procured in its vicinity is permuted. 

 It is governed by a Captain Mor, who is subordinate to the governor 

 of the latter place, to whom all disputes of consequence are referred. 

 To the southward is the rich distacamento of Rio Plata, a river that 

 yields fine diamonds, and has been much frequented by many ad- 

 venturers, who, when discovered and seized, are called smugglers. 

 A strong guard of soldiers is stationed here to prevent the precious 

 stones from being sought for clandestinely. 



A few leagues to the north of the Rio Plata is the rivulet named 

 Abaitfe, celebrated for having produced the largest diamond in the 

 Prince's possession, which was found about twelve years ago. 

 Though this circumstance has been already briefly stated, it may be 

 allowed me in this place to relate the particulars as they were de- 

 tailed to me during my stay at Tejuco. Three men, having been 

 found guilty of high crimes, were banished into the interior, and 

 ordered not to approach any of the capital towns, or to remain in 

 civihzed society, on pain of perpetual imprisonment. Driven by this 



