NOTICES or BRAZIL. 



53 



crowd, who displayed their approbation and white teeth much 

 to the annoyance and irritation of the discomfited black, who 

 was sometimes forced to move higher up the stream. This 

 scene also affords amusement to the neighbors, if we may judge 

 from the number of females, peeping and laughing from the 

 windows of the surrounding houses. 



On our return to the Praga de San Jos6 we met Brunner, 

 who insisted upon our dining with him at his country resi- 

 dence. In a very few minutes our party had increased so much, 

 that several calegas* were necessary to carry us. I was seated 

 with my friend, and we set off' at a fine trot ; as soon as we 

 got out of the city, the ride became so pleasant that I would 

 have willingly prolonged it. Chateaus and plantations lined 

 the road on both sides. An air of luxury and tranquillity per- 

 vaded most of them ; but the retreats of Englishmen could be 

 distinguished, by the great comfort and neatness that charac- 

 terize their dwellings in every part of the world, from those 

 belonging either to Brazilian or Portuguese gentlemen. The 

 air was perfumed with flowers and fruits, contrasting most de- 

 lightfully with that in the confined streets of Rio. 



An hour's drive brought us to a lane running through a cof- 

 fee plantation, and terminating at the door of Dom Bento Tro- 

 vato's house. Our reception was cordial, and we were soon 

 conversing in Spanish or in French with the daughters of our 

 worthy host. His son carried us over the magnificent dwell- 

 ing, which is not yet entirely finished. The rooms are spa- 

 cious, and adapted to the climate. The furniture is of beautiful 

 rose wood, and most of it has been made on the spot. A gar- 

 den of flowers has been commenced, and a labyrinth formed 

 in it afforded amusement to some of the party, who found them- 

 selves entangled in the mazes of its many winding paths. 



Thousands of pounds of coffee are gathered annually on this 

 plantation. On an average, each tree yields about a pound, but 

 some will yield, when taken great care of, three, four, and 

 even five pounds, but that is not usual. All that is required 

 in its cultivation is, occasionally to loosen the earth about the 



* Each calega aax)minodated but two persons. 



