484 



BRAZIL. 



veidure which never fades. Towards the interior; 

 height of 6,000 feet above the level of the sea. 

 with an impenetrable forest. 



the land rises by gentle gradations, to the 

 A large part of the interior is overspread 



POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



1. Divisions. Brazil is divided into 18 provinces,* including those on the north side of the 

 Maranon. 



2. Towns. Rio Janeiro, the metropolis of Brazil, stands on a plain on the west side of 



a bay close to the sea. It extends 

 about 2 miles from east to west, and 

 its northern side is enclosed by a 

 chain of mountains, which merely 

 leave space for a single street be- 

 tween their eastern base and the ocean. 

 It has one of the finest harbors in 

 America, and the city is handsomely 

 built, and conveniently laid out, with 

 broad, straight, and well-paved streets. 

 The imperial and episcopal palaces, 

 the mint, arsenals, cathedral, several 

 of the churches, the theatre, sever- 

 al convents, and a splendid aqueduct, 

 are among the principal ornaments 



Rio Janeiro. 



of the city, 

 fine squares 



which contams some 

 and fountains. The 



commerce of Rio is flourishing and extensive, and is chiefly carried on by foreigners. There 

 are several Hterary and scientific institutions and societies here. The environs are re- 

 markable for beauty of scenery, fertility of soil, and for their delicious climate. Population 

 of the city about 150,000, two thirds of which are colored persons ; among the whites 

 are French, Germans, English, Dutch, and Anglo-Americans. The houses are chiefly built 

 of stone, and consist only of one story, with balconies. Many of the churches are hand 

 some ; and the interiors are generally decorated with ornaments of gold and diamonds. Wa 

 ter is brought from the neighboring hills by aqueducts, but in dry weather the supply is some 

 what scanty. The harbor of Rio is formed by a narrow opening, about half a mile wide, in 

 the ledge of rocks, which walls all this part of the coast. No sooner has the mariner entered 

 through this strait than he is struck with one of the grandest spectacles in nature, a most 

 magnificent bay, 100 miles in compass, surrounded with a vast ampitheatre of mountains, ris- 

 ing in every varied form, and covered with eternal verdure. 



Bahia, or San Salvador, situated on the coast, stands on the beautiful Bay of All Saints, 

 and has a harbor not inferior to that of Rio, which city it surpasses in the number and beauty of 

 its public buildings. It is built on uneven ground, and is divided into the Upper and Lower City ; 

 the streets of the latter are irregular, narrow, and crooked, but those of the former are broad 

 and handsome. The cathedral, governor's palace, archiepiscopal palace, several churches and 

 convents, the exchange, &c., are the principal edifices. In commerce it is the rival of Rio, 

 and in population it is little inferior, having about 120,000 inhabitants. The vicinity is the 

 most populous and best cultivated part of Brazil. 



Pernambuco, or Recife, is built partly upon an island, and partly upon the continent. Its 

 harbor is convenient, and renders it an important commercial place. The literary institu- 

 tions and the cathedral are at Olinda, a few miles distant, while the theatre, custom-house, 

 navy-yard, &c., are at Recife. Population of the latter, 60,000 ; of Olinda, 7,000. 



Maranham, situated on an island of the same name. Is a pretty town, with a good harbor, 

 and a flourishing commerce. There are several pubhc buildings and literary institutions here 

 Population, 28,000. 



Para 



Maranham 

 Siara 



Rio Grande 

 Paraiba 



Pernambuco 



Seregipe del Rey 



Bahia 



Espirito 



Rio de .Taneiro 



St. Paulo 

 St. Catharina 

 Matto Grosso 

 Piauhy 

 Minas Geraes 



Goyas 

 Alagoas 

 San Pedro 



