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had means to furnish. As a more soHd proof of their attachment 

 and regard, they unanimously voted to subscribe a sum equal to half 

 a million sterling to build a palace for the royal family, if the Prince 

 would condescend to reside among them. 



The climate is always warm, but is refreshed by the sea-breeze, 

 and is in some degree tempered by the long absence of the sun, the 

 nights being of almost uniform length throughout the year. Though 

 hotter than Rio de Janeiro, Bahia is considered much more health- 

 ful, having a more airy situation, and being better supphed with 

 water. The practice of bathing is very general, and most of the 

 houses have conveniences for this purpose. 



Bahia is plentifully supplied with provisions. Beef and pork are 

 in abundance ; the former is decidedly bad, the latter tolerable. 

 Fish are in great plenty and variety, and form a principal article in 

 the diet of the inhabitants. Cold fish, with sallad, is the general sup^- 

 per of almost all ranks ; even the rich desire nothing more for this 

 repast in family. Numbers of retail shopkeepers, who sell wine, 

 cheese, groceries, &c., buy fish and fry it, and afterwards retail it in 

 small quantities. Poultry is in plenty, but not cheap ; vegetables, 

 and pulse of every description, are in very great profusion. The mar- 

 kets are well supplied with all the tropical fruits, many of which are 

 said to be in great perfection, particularly the pine, the mango, and 

 the banana; the latter is esteemed the best in America. Preserved 

 fruits are in great abundance, owing to the cheapness of sugar ; great 

 varieties of them are sold in the streets, and two or three preserved 

 limes in a cup of syrup may be bought for a penny. Even the lower 

 orders conclude the meanest dinner with this delicious delicacy. 



The inns, and houses for the accommodation of strangers, are as 

 bad, if not worse, here than in any other part of Brazil. The owners 

 are indifferent to the comfort of their guests, and, indeed, have no 

 motive to be otherwise ; for the Portugueze pay very poorly for bare 

 necessaries, and generally go to the place where they can obtain 

 them the cheapest. 



