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The town is tolerably defended, also the bay, as well as circum- 

 stances will permit. On the shore is a royal arsenal, and numerous 

 houses for stores, &c. The custom-house and wharfs are conveniently 

 situated. Ships of war have been built here, also many very large 

 and fine vessels for the merchant service. For these purposes a large 

 supply of fine timber was (and, I presume, continues to be) readily 

 obtained from the interior from the number of fine rivers which flow 

 into the bay. The wood holds iron better and is superior to our 

 oak. 



The manners and customs of the people differ little from those of 

 the inhabitants of the capital ; but it is said that in the best societies 

 here, more gaiety and refinement prevail, and the higher classes are 

 more sociable, than in Rio de Janeiro. A taste for music is general ; 

 there are few houses without the guitar, and all the more respects 

 able families have piano-fortes. The ladies dress in the English 

 style, and ornament themselves with gold chains : they wear very 

 few diamonds ; their favourite gem is the chrysolite. For deshabille 

 at home they wear a kind of loose dress, over which they throw a 

 veil on the entrance of strangers. They are considered as far less in- 

 dustrious than the females of the southern districts. The domestic 

 dress of the men consists of a jacket and loose trowsers, made of 

 light printed cotton. 



Religious processions take place here, as in Rio de Janeiro, on 

 great festivals and rejoicing days ; and these festive occasions are 

 distinguished by various amusements, which continue from morning 

 to night. At these times the Brazilians have a custom of covering 

 the walls and balconies of their houses with beautiful silks made and 

 ornamented for the purpose. 



One of the most memorable seasons of rejoicing of late years was 

 when the Prince touched at this city on his voyage to Rio de Ja- 

 neiro, and remained several days. The inhabitants testified their 

 loyalty and attachment to him by every public demonstration of joy, 

 and by a display of all the grandeur and magnificence which they 



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