Travels in the Brazils, ' 67 

 the Guarani; another proof of the affinity of this nation with 

 the race of the east coast. Idols are no where seen among the 

 Tapuyas, and it is only on the river Amazon, that certain ima- 

 ges have been found, which seem to have a connexion with 

 the religious creed of the inhabitants. The greater part of 

 the Indians of South America have an obscure idea of a great 

 deluge, and various traditions of this event, current among 

 them are collected in Simam de Vasconcellios, JSoticias ciiriosas 

 do Brasil, 



We did not accept the invitation of our kind host to remain 

 all night, but returned to S, Fidelis, where, finding the Indians 

 greatly displeased, because we had given so much to the Puris 

 and nothing to them, we bought from them, by way of satis- 

 faction, some more bows and arrows. We then visited Pater 

 Jodo, before the Vindow of whose house flows the beautiful 

 Paraiba, of which there is here a most noble prospect. It is 

 the most considerable river in the Capitania of Rio Janeirio, 

 containing before its debouchement, near 5. Fidelis, 72 islands. 

 The stream was at this time at its least height, but in the 

 rainy season, December and January, it overflows its banks. 



From this place there are two roads, one to Minas Geraes, 

 the other to Canta Gallo, This latter place derived its origin 

 from some gold searchers, and remaining long concealed in 

 the great forest, received its name from being at length dis 

 covered by the crowing of a cock.* When the Jesuits esta- 

 blished themselves in the country around Canta Gallo, it was 

 inhabited by a very white race of Indians. The first settlers 

 obtained gold sand, brought in proper cases to the Paraiba by 

 the Indians, in exchange for trifling articles. 



Having again left S, Fidelis we returned to the house of the 

 Furriel, whither the purchased boy was also brought, to see 

 what effect it would have upon his relations; but, to our great 

 surprise, no notice was taken on either side, and such com- 

 plete indifference maintained as I never witnessed in any other 

 tribe. They are not however deficient in affection to their 

 younger children ; but the son being deemed his father's pro- 

 perty till he can provide for himself, the latter pays little regard 

 to him after that period. 



Taking leave of our host and the Indians, we rode down the 

 left bank of the Paraiba, in order to gain a knowledge like- 

 wise of ^this side, which is indeed as well cultivated and diver- 

 sified as the right. We saw great faxendas surrounded by 

 noble trees, among which, we found the Sapucaya, with its 



* Mawe's Travels; Cap. IX. p. 120, 



