( 360 ) 



occasions, they appear in all their splendour, forming as great a contrast to theic 

 domestic attire, as the gaudy butterfly does to the chrysalis from which it 

 springs. 



It might be expected, that however penuriously the general concerns of the 

 family were conducted, at least some degree of attention and expence would 

 be bestowed on the dress of the females ; for the test of civilization among all 

 nations is the regard paid to the fair sex, on whom the happiness of domestic life 

 depends. Yet the general poverty and meanness of their attire is such, that they 

 reluctantly appear before any one, except the individuals of their own family. 



In short, in all those departments of domestic economy, which to the middle 

 classes of other civilized nations are objects of expence, the Brazilians exercise the 

 most rigid parsimony. At first, I was inclined to attribute this disposition to a 

 love of money, which prompted them to avoid all extravagance ; but, on closer 

 observation, I was surprised to find that it originated in necessity. They generally 

 run in debt for the few articles they have to purchase, and sometimes find it diffi- 

 cult to maintain their negroes. If they purchase a mule, it is at one or two years' 

 credit, and, of course, at double its ordinary price. 



In fuch a family as that above defcribed, the sons, as might be expected, are 

 brought up in idleness ; they are merely taught to read and write ; rarely do they 

 attend to the mining department ; they learn no trade, nor are they instructed 

 in any useful employment ; for a miner, perhaps an ensign or a lieutenant of 

 militia, would think it a disgrace to put his son apprentice to a mechanic. 

 Suppose the father of this family to die when the sons have just attained the 

 age of puberty. They are now for the first time obliged to think of provid- 

 ing for themselves. Educated in poverty and pride, they have learned to 

 think all occupations servile, and their own is generally so poor as to be 

 hateful to them. If they agree, not to divide the negroes, it generally happens 

 that they run into debt, and continue in wretchedness ; if they divide them, 

 each takes his course, and adventures for himself, and in a short time, they 

 are generally obliged to part with their slaves, and exist in indigence. Every 

 useful pursuit and every comfort is neglected for the sake of seeking hidden 

 treasures which very rarely are found, and which when found are as rarely 

 employed to advantage, but rather serve to increase the idleness of the 

 owners. 



Few, very few of the numerous class of miners from which the above instance 

 is selected are rich, few are even comfortable j how wretched then must be 



