1831.] 
RIO DE JANEIRO. 
55 
which grows to the height of from fifteen to twenty feet, is converted 
to some useful purpose ; fans, for instance, being made of the 
leaves. There are two kinds of this fruit cultivated at Rio ; one 
, Small and sweet, the other somewhat larger, and of coarser 
grains. The tree bears in a few months after being planted ; 
and, as before intimated, the quantity of nutriment in the fruit is 
very considerable. 
Next to this, in quality, quantity, and importance, is the 
Brazilian orange, of v^hich there are several varieties ; and the 
orchards or groves in which they are cultivated are replete with 
beauty and redolent of fragrance. Pineapples, in their season, 
are extremely plentiful. The custard-apple, the guava, the fruit 
of the passion-flower, and the rich pulpy tamarind, are also very 
abundant, and of delicious flavour. The cashewnut, so well 
known in Jamaica and Barbadoes, abounds in Brazil, and yields 
a juice w^hich is easily converted into a pleasant v^ine. The 
cocoanut-tree, which flourishes luxuriantly on the very margin of 
the sea, often exceeds the height of fifty feet, with leaves or 
branches from twelve to fourteen feet in length. Its fruit is de- 
licious, and too well known to require a description. Besides 
these just enumerated, are melons of all kinds, mangoes, and 
many different species of northern fruits, which are cultivated 
with much success. Cabbages, yams, sweet potatoes, brinjals, 
peas, and cucumbers, are plentiful, and grow very rapidly. 
In addition to these, wheat, barley, guinea-corn, millet, rice, 
coffee, sugar, manhiot, pepper, honey, wax, tobacco, cotton, and 
hemp, may be raised in any quantity, and of superior quality. 
Of die-stuffs, there are logwood, redwood, fustic, indigo, cochin- 
eal, and a variety of others ; and of di'ugs, Peruvian bark, jalap, 
ipecacuanha, the Palma Christi, &c. In short, medical and 
odoriferous shrubs are without number. Timber of the finest 
quality, suitable for civil or naval architecture, is apparently inex- 
haustible. Satinwood, rosewood, and several other precious 
sorts, suitable for ornamental cabinet-work, are found in all the 
forests. Flov^rers of the most beautiful teints and delicious fra- 
grance, surround the traveller on every side, whether he be on the 
open plain or the mountain — in the secluded vale, or beneath the 
umbrageous canopy of the forest. In one word, the vegetable 
riches of Brazil are, perhaps, unequalled in any section of the 
