54 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[October, 
Whatever may be the condition of the slaves in' the interior 
provinces of Brazil, they do not seem in general to be cruelly 
treated in Rio, and we saw but few instances in which they seemed 
to be overworked. In fact, from our own observations we are 
inclined to believe, that the Brazilian slaves, generally speaking, 
need not wish to exchange places with those of any other country 
in the world. The master requires of them only four days' labour 
in the week ; on the other two workingdays they must labour 
for themselves, to earn their own food and raiment for the week ; 
and so little do the latter cost, that in the course of a few years 
they frequently lay by a sufficient sum to purchase their own 
freedom. The human frame feels fewer wants, and consequently 
is not exposed to so many evils, in a warm as in a cold climate. 
The general abundance of fruits within the tropics, and the 
limited necessity for clothes and winter quarters, tend greatly to 
ameliorate the condition of slaves in warm countries like Brazil. 
In and about Rio, they appear to be cheerful and happy. 
Previous to taking leave of Brazil for the present (as our 
second visit to Rio will be found in a subsequent part of this nar- 
rative), it may be expected that we should say something of the 
natural productions of this part of South America. In doing so, 
we shall at this time confine ourselves to such only as came under 
our own immediate observation. Almost every traveller has so 
enlarged upon this theme, that there is little of novelty to be ex- 
hibited. 
Among the most useful vegetable productions which a benefi- 
cent Providence has wisely caused to abound in every tropical 
region, are the banana, the plantain, the cocoanut, and the bread- 
fruit-tree. The three last named are, perhaps, more peculiar to 
the islands of the Pacific than to either continent ; but the first is 
unquestionably the mc it useful and important production of 
Brazil. A single banana daily, has been known to sustain the 
life of an individual for months. The fruit is from ten to twelve 
inches in length, ana ' about two in diameter ; at first green, and 
afterward of a pale yellow. They are generally cut, for use 
before they are fully ripe ; the green envelope is then peeled off, 
and the fruit roasted, forming an excellent substitute for bread. 
The negroes live almost entirely upon them, and they likewise 
serve to fatten all domestic animals. Every part of the tree, 
