42 



RIO DE JANEIRO. 



and lively, I found it agreeable, in spite of the 

 torrid zone. Our rowers were nearly naked, 

 and with their backs exposed to the vertical 

 rays of a tropical sun, in a dead calm, they 

 worked at the oars for five hours, with scarcely 

 any respite for breathing, or any abatement of 

 speed. The other boat was in the service of 

 the government, and rowed by eight sailors, 

 two of whom were Indians, with long, straight 

 hair, and Calmuck-looking countenances. 



After pulling for four hours across the bay, 

 we entered a narrow river, winding between 

 sedgy muddy banks, and at last reached the 

 landing-place, from which we started imme- 

 diately for Santo Amaro's estate. A carriage 

 was in waiting to convey the ladies, whilst we 

 were supplied with horses and mules. All the 

 rest had galloped out of sight of M. de Bar- 

 bacena and myself, who rode very slowly. His 



