( 355 ) 



APPENDIX, (C.) 



In page 260 of this work, I have stated, that it was my intention to enquire 

 into, and to make some observations on the present regulations relative to diamonds. 

 These beautiful gems have been found in such abundance in Brazil, as to supply 

 not only Europe, but Asia ; as those of India were scarce, and frequently with- 

 held from sale, diamonds from Brazil were sent thither, and usurped their name. 

 The question we are at present about to examine is, how far it would be consistent with 

 the interest of the Portuguese Government, to permit the searching for diamonds, in 

 the same way as for gold, under peculiar laws. The monopoly is ineffectual, be- 

 cause the diamonds are found in so many parts widely distant from each other, that 

 it is impossible to prevent the searching for them clandestinely. The attempt to 

 preserve grounds known to contain these gems, by forming a distacamento, has 

 never produced any good effect ; and it is by no means improbable, that the best 

 of these (supposed) preserved lands are already worked, therefore the soldiers are 

 guarding the chest after the treasure has been taken away. How many places might 

 be mentioned out of the district of Cerro do Frio, where troops of negroes daily 

 work ! It has been stated, that Government probably receive little more than a 

 moiety of the gems found at their expence ; if so, it is certainly time to abandon 

 so bad a trade, or change the system altogether. Is it the interest of Brazil to 

 keep her sons in continual torture and fear respecting these precious gifts, which 

 the bounteous hand of Providence has placed there ? But this monopoly is in a 

 fair way to destroy itself, and must, of course, soon give way from necessity, for 

 there are not at this moment purchasers for the treasury diamonds ; they may re- 

 main year after year, until the interest outvalues the capital. How happens it, 

 that diamonds, in the hands of individuals, meet a ready sale ? First, Because 

 they are better stones, and are offered in quantities more convenient for the pur- 

 chasers ; Secondly, They are frequently bought at a less price than that paid by 

 Government for those procured from their own establishments. If they were sub^ 

 ject to pay a fifth. Government would have such power as to enable them to com- 

 mand the market ; and if they should become cheaper in Europe, the demand for 

 them would become more general, therefore their price would not be likely to fall in 

 Brazil 5 and, even if it did, is it not the blindest policy for the court to put such 

 a yoke round the neck of her excellent subjects, who venture their lives in tracks 



z z 2 



