2 
EIO DE JANEIRO. 
beries, which, though hotter than the temperature on 
board ship, were exquisitely refreshing and delightful. 
Here, for some days, dances, picnics, rides, walks about 
the picturesque ravines, and cricket-matches, formed 
the chief occupation. A farewell waltz was danced on 
board ship, and the deck was like a brilliant May-day, 
crowded with ladies wearing gay sashes inscribed with 
the name of our good ship Forte. Our next fete 
was m the Queen's birthday, when the poop was grace- 
fully hung round with large silken colours, and the 
Admiral gave a bountiful entertainment. The cross- 
ing of the Line was duly commemorated in the old 
nautical style, with douche baths, and effective appli- 
cations of steam -hose in the hands of joyous young 
middies. 
The lottery as to the hour of arrival at Eio de 
Janeiro was won by the only lady on board ; and on 
entering the magnificent bay — a most lovely sight — 
we were saluted by a perfect storm of cannon and 
music from the Brazilian, French, and American men- 
of-war lying off the town. On landing, the mule 
carriages, the dingy sallow look of the people, the 
dazzling displays of jewellery, and the artificial flowers 
made from the feathers of gaily-plumaged birds, par- 
ticularly struck us ; and a drive to the botanical gar- 
dens to see the avenue of betel-palms, and a walk to 
the neighbouring woods, deepened the interest of Eio. 
As cholera raged in the town, several parties took 
steamer to the head of the bay, passing richly-foliaged 
islands in their course. Hence, forty miles of rail, 
through swamp and forest, brought us to the foot of 
mountains, which we ascended in omnibuses drawn 
by four mules, passing on the way others, handsome 
DS! 
