NOTICES OP BRAZIL. 



39 



"It is not only extensively used by the slaves and lower 

 classes of whites in Rio, but forms a standing dish on the tables 

 of the rich, made into various deserts. This Jatropha Mani- 

 hot is the great substitute for all bread stuffs. It is prepared 

 without trouble, and will keep for any length of time without 

 suffering from the attacks of insects." 



We followed the Aqueduct in its windings and ascents for 

 two miles, afid passed by a hut of reeds and mud, built on the 

 very verge of the precipice. Before the door, which faced the 

 Aqueduct, were extended on the ground, two men, resting their 

 heads on their hands, with the elbow on the earth. They 

 were listless, drowsy, lazy. Beside them were two or three 

 hounds, their long Spanish or Portuguese fowling pieces and 

 knives. A third man was leaning against the hut, sustaining 

 a pipe with his left hand, while his right was applied across 

 his breast to support his left elbow. His eyes were fixed upon 

 the ground. A little beyond the hut were two slaves, chained 

 together by the ankles, sweeping the path ; they were entirely 

 naked, with the exception of the loins, which were girded with 

 a piece of blue cotton stuff. Their masters wore large trowsers 

 of no definite color, with shirts which had once been white^ 

 but from negligent ablution, or no ablution, now appeared of 

 a smoky yellow. They had neither caps nor shoes ; one of the 

 recumbents, however, held his toes in a pair of slippers. 



When we came up, the dogs commenced growling and mut- 

 tering, and rolling their eyes upon us, but without raising their 

 long noses from the ground. The man lying nearest the path, 

 laid his hand upon the collar of one of them, and they all be- 

 came quiet. When we were near enough to have trodden on 

 the fellow, he slowly drew up his legs, and made an effort to 

 fish with his toe one of the slippers, which was dropped in the 

 movement; but he failed, and assuming a look of resignation, 

 permitted it to remain at the risk of being walked over. The 

 one leaning against the house raised his eyes, and scowling 

 upon us from under a profusion of black, uncombed hair, mut- 

 tered a sort of salutation, but without moving a muscle — the 

 very smoke escaped from his mouth without receiving an im- 

 pulse. 



