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the Stem, which frequently grows from four to seven feet high. They 

 are laid upon the ground, or, in preference, upon any support which 

 will preserve them from absorbing moisture, and admit a free circula- 

 tion of air underneath. When they become in a slight degree 

 withered, they are twisted with a strong winch, the end of one leaf 

 uniting with the other, and the twist is coiled into a roll weighing 

 from thirty to forty pounds. By this operation the juice of the leaf 

 is expressed, which is viscid, and when oxidated becomes of a black 

 colour, like molasses. The tobacco, after this last operation, is fit 

 for commerce. 



It is an object highly worthy the attention of the Portugueze go- 

 vernment, to introduce other modes of curing tobacco. There can 

 be no doubt that the soil and climate are congenial to it, and, were 

 it properly prepared, it would probably equal any in Virginia, and 

 become as great an article of commerce among the northern nations. 

 Should such a measure be pursued, how many cargoes of this com- 

 modity alone would arrive in our ports, and from thence be distri- 

 buted to the different markets of Europe ! 



Cotton has of late been grown here in considerable quantities, and 

 has been sent to England at nearly the same price with that grown 

 in Pernambuco, and its plantations are daily increasing. 



Coffee is grown in great quantities, but is not esteemed so fine as 

 that from Rio de Janeiro. Rice is produced in tolerable quantity, 

 and its quality is superior : but the husk is so difficult to separate 

 .from the grain, that a great part is bruised in the operation, and is 

 thus rendered of little value. The only method of cleansing it that 

 has hitherto been practised, is by wooden pestles worked in wooden 

 mortars, either by hand or machinery. 



The beautiful dye-wood, called Brazil-wood, is shipped from this 

 port and Pernambuco, of a quality much superior to that of Rio de 

 Janeiro. This is one of the articles prohibited from general com- 

 merce, being the property of the royal household. Fustic in small 

 quantities is brought from the interior. 



