^518 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[April, 
splendid, imperial ball was given by the members of a society* 
who commemorate the. day, ostensibly in anticipation of the cor- 
onation of the young emperor ; but, in fact, to keep alive the spirit 
of hostility to his father and the mother country. His young 
imperial majesty and his august sisters, -together with thcregency, 
ministers, and diplomatic corps, attended, as usual,, this annual 
gala. 
To be relieved from the bustle of the ship, we embraced an 
opportunity of visiting the upper part of the bay, in one of the 
fine ferry-boats which ply between Rio and Praya Grande. Mag- 
nificent as is the harbour at the city, no one can form any con- 
ception of its extent and beauty, unless by taking a wider excur- 
sion for that purpose. Starting early in the morning, the land- 
breeze compelled us to stand over to the opposite side, arid make 
our way to the southeast shore. As one advances, numerous 
islands are scattered along at intervals, thickly clothed with orange 
and coffee-trees, with here and there a neat little hut or cot, peer- 
ing above the shrubbery, with gardens attached, filled with the 
richest flowers, and breathing the most delicious odours. 
At about ten miles from the city is the Island of Paqueta, one 
of the largest and most important in the bay. "Here are to be 
seen elegant country-seats, and quite a dense population. The 
soil is very rich, producing the sugarcane, plantain, orange, choco- 
late, coffee, and lime-trees, all huddled together ; and sometimes 
apparently from spontaneous growth. 
From this point you have the view of other islands, and the still 
vast expansion of the bay. What a delightful spot — clothed with 
the richest verdure, with various walks among the trees of delicious 
fruits, and flowers of the most delicate and richest hues. No 
noise — no tumult. We had almost said, no motion ! Quiet still- 
ness reigned undisturbed. After having been so long confined to 
the ship, tossed and bufi'eted about in doubling the stormy Cape, 
and tired with the noise of sailors, and still more with the songs 
and din of the narrow streets of Rio— what a relief — what sweet 
repose ! 
Yes — and then a night away from the dull, but deafening tattoo 
—the sharp discharge of the evening and morning gun — the 
change of watch— the passing of lanterns- — the hum of partially- 
* Called the " Defenders of the National Liberty and Independence." 
