APPENDIX.
All the Species of Domestic Animals of the South of Europe here become more Prolific than in their native Country.
TheAnta, which the Aborigines callTapira, andTapijerete, is the largest of the Brazilian quadrupeds, and does not belong to any known species, constituting of itself a distinct one in the history of animals. It is the size of a small heifer, and very similar to a hog in the figure of its body as well as in the shape of the ears, which are proportioned to its size. The hair is short and sleek; the legs are very thick and short; the hind feet have three hoofs and the front feet four; the tail is of a tapering form, with little more than three inches in length; the head is large and long; the eyes small; the upper lip is a musculous appendage, which the animal extends four inches beyond the lower one, or draws it in to the same length; the mouth is furnished with eight pointed teeth in each jaw, ten grinders in the lower, and fourteen in the upper. It pastures like a horse; and, although heavy, has considerable velocity in its career. It is timid and harmless, doing no injury even to the dog which pursues it. Being amphibious, it swims and dives in an extraordinary manner, and proceeds along the bottom of deep pools for a great distance, remaining for a long time under water without respiring. Its flesh differs from that of the ox only in taste and smell, and is eaten generally. It is of all colours.
There are three sorts ofMountain Boars; some are entirely black, some have the under jaw white, others, of a small size and gray, are callCaitetus: these become domesticated so as to accompany their master through the streets, without ever leaving him. Their flesh is not of such good flavour as that of the wild boar in Europe.
TheCachoro d’Agua(Water Dog) is small and web-footed, its tail is long and flat, and its hair exceedingly smooth and fine. It is amphibious, and goes almost always in the water, where it is said to be so ferocious that it kills ounces when they are swimming across rivers. When caught, it may be domesticated; but it never ceases to utter lamentations. It is only met with in the central rivers of the Brazil.
TheCao Silvestre, orCachorro do Matto, (Wild Dog,) is small and strong, of a dark or ash colour, with a keen scent. It is a constant persecutor of the deer, and is said to be met with only in the southern parts of the river Contas.
TheCapibarahas the figure and size of a hog, short ears, the snout and teeth of a hare, thin and coarse hair, and large membranes between the hoofs. It always keeps near the water, is a great swimmer, and is mischievous: few people eat its flesh.
There are three sorts ofMountain Cats. The gray ones are denominatedmariscos, the red and spotted onesmaracaias. The latter are very large, and not always harmless.
TheCaxingleis much larger than a squirrel, with little hair upon the tail, and of a gray colour; it seldom puts its feet upon the ground, but leaps from one branch to another, and thus traverses immense woods; is harmless, and lives upon fruits.
TheCoelho, or Rabbit, differs only from that of Europe in having a shorter tail, and is not very numerous.
TheCotiais two spans in length, with long legs, small ears, the snout of a rabbit, hair strong and of a red colour, with scarcely any appearance of a tail. After being domesticated it proceeds into the fields, and returns again. Its flesh is dry and hard.
TheCuicais a species of amphibious rat, speckled with white and black, having a tail without hair. It eats fish and such birds as it can catch.
TheCuimis about the size of a leveret, has short feet, a long tail, and the snout of a squirrel. It is entirely covered with hair, and with prickles like pins, which defend it from other animals. It runs little, and lives on the ground.
TheGuarahas the figure of a wolf, and differs from it triflingly in the marks of its skin. It is only met with in the central provinces of Brazil, where it is not numerously seen nor so destructive as its species in Europe. It is, however, a great enemy to young calves: in some parts it is called a wolf; its skin and teeth are much esteemed.
TheGuaracaois a species of large and wild dog, which does not confound or mix itself with any other of its kind.
TheGuaraxaimis also a species of dog, about the size of a cat, and lives in subterraneous caverns, or burrows, which it forms expressly for its habitation. Every thing that it meets with in thecampo, (field,) although not eatable, such as a hat or a handkerchief, it will drag to the door of its dwelling.
TheGuaxinimis a species of fox, with a short and thick snout, feet rather long and open, and the breast large or full. It abounds most in the vicinity of the sea, and descends to the beach to procure crab-fish.
TheHirara, in some provinces calledPapamel, has the appearance of a monkey seen at a distance. It is three spans in length, sharp snouted, with short legs, and a long tail; of a dark colour, with an ash coloured head; but it does not retain these colours in all the provinces.
TheIaguaneis a species of small dog, marked with straight lines.
TheJaraticaca, orCangamba, as it is called in some provinces, and which some consider of a species of pole-cat, resembles thesquashof North America, and is remarkable, not only for its beautiful figure, its white and black spots, and shaggy tail, but for its singular and invincible power of defence, which it uses with facility against every enemy. This animal, on being assaulted, and sometimes before, emits a portion of urine so extraordinarily loathsome that the aggressor thinks only of the mode of deliverance from it. The dogs rub their noses in the earth, and men are earnestlydesirous to free themselves from their clothes, which retain the odious smell. Occasionally some are killed before they use this defence, or unexpectedly before they see their enemy, or at a distance when they do not anticipate the hunter. A naturalist, who dissected theJaraticaca, found near the urinal vessel a small receptacle of water, totally distinct from that of the bladder, and was persuaded that the fetid matter proceeded from thence. The fat of this animal, applied externally, is a very powerful emollient, and the flesh is said to have a good flavour when not infected with the fetid water; the skin is used for pockets: it passes for the civet-cat.
TheLontra, orOtter, is an amphibious animal, much larger than that of Europe, equally voracious and gluttonous of fish. The hair is red, short, and thick, and the skin esteemed.
TheMocodiffers only from the Rabbit in having neither ears nor tail, and is only met with where there are rocks, in the cavities of which it forms its dwelling-place. It is easily domesticated, and then it becomes daring, and will ill-treat and even make the dogs fly. It is a mortal enemy to rats, even more destructive to them than the cat. It is naturally extremely turbulent and treacherous, but without sagacity to execute its evil designs, falling a prey to its own temerity. The life of this animal is generally short.
There are numerous species of theMonkey, distinguished only by the size and colour of the hair. Those called by the BraziliansGuaribasgenerally proceed in bands, and, for the most part, along the branches of trees, where the whole body make a noise that is heard two miles off. TheSahuins, some of which are the size of a rat, are handsome, and esteemed for the white plumes or tufts that grow out of the ears. Of those calledBarbados, the male has a sort of cup, formed of bone, in the throat, which produces a loud and hoarse sound. Amongst others we may notice those that have no regular dwelling-places, and do not put their feet in water. They pass rivers, forming a chain by holding fast to each other, but if they should happen to fall into the water they can swim like other quadrupeds. When they are on an excursion to rob the corn fields of maize, one is always stationed as centinel, in a proper place to discover the approach of the hunter. They have only one at a birth, which they carry upon the back with them for some days.
TheOnca, orOunce, is a species of immense cat, of terrible aspect, with a frightful yell, or roar. The largest is about twelve feet in length.
There are five different kinds. Some of a dark colour, with small brilliant jet black spots, denominated theTiger; others spotted with black and white, or yellow, displaying much symmetry, and are properly calledOunces, or Panthers; a third, with very small speckles; a fourth with larger spots, calledCanguçus; others, of a reddish colour, are the smallest, and are calledSucuarannas; the last only attack young cattle and small animals, but the former kill a horse or an ox in a moment. A bull grown to full maturity is the only quadruped which resists and is not alarmed at this forocious animal.
The hunting of theOunceis less laborious but more dangerous than that of the Anta. The Brazilians generally hunt it in large parties, well armed with guns, lances, and pitchforks, always accompanied with dogs, and the greater the number less dangerous is the chase. Although this beast is much larger, possesses incomparably greater strength, and is infinitely swifter than the dog, for which it has a mortal hatred, on seeing one it always retires, as if having a presentiment of the approach of the hunters. It does not proceed far till it climbs a tree, or, if hard pressed, makes a terrible braying, and furiously attempts to catch some of the dogs, and if one comes within reach of its paws it has not much chance of escape. If the hunter does not take his aim well, so as to kill theOunceupon the spot, it flies directly to the place where the smoke came from, and his fateis inevitable, unless his companions destroy it with their arms, or he is prepared with a lance to despatch it when it makes the last spring. It seizes upon its prey first with the paws and then with the teeth.
ThePacais a heavy creeping quadruped, little more than two spans in length, without a tail, having small ears, the snout of a rabbit, coarse strong hair, and is of a reddish colour, with small white spots along the sides, and streaked with the same colour along the back. It is the best game of the country, and is divested of its hair and prepared for the table similarly to a sucking pig.
ThePorco-espim, orPorcupine, is of the size of a cat, with a long tail, and covered with long sharp-pointed quills, but its head has a greater resemblance to that of a dog. It is most numerous near the central rivers.
ThePreguica, orSloth, is a stout short quadruped; very lazy; covered with long thick hair; having stout legs armed with large paws; a small head, and round physiognomy, with some similarity to a monkey without ears or tail, and climbs trees. It subsists upon leaves. Its extreme slowness gives rise to its name. It is asserted in the Poem of Caramura that it possesses this tardy propensity to such a degree that in a few paces it consumes a whole day.[45]
ThePrehais of the size and colour of a leveret, with the snout more rounded; the ears are very small and membranous, and it is without a tail. It can swim small brooks and rivers, and is esteemed good eating, particularly by the negroes.
TheQuatiis very similar to a fox, at the first sight, chiefly in the head, but its ears are shorter, rounder, and less hairy. Its hair is also long, thick, and soft, like the fox, of which it has the physiognomy. The legs are short and thick, the feet long, with five toes, furnished with claws, with which it climbs trees and digs up insects. The tail is long and round, gradually growing smaller to the extremity, and varied with a succession of rings; the mouth is long, becoming smaller towards the extremity, like that of a hog; the mouth is large, with teeth similar to those of a dog; the under jaw is almost an inch and a half shorter than the upper. This animal may be so domesticated that it will accompany its master into thecamposlike a little dog; but its natural restlessness requires it generally to be confined. There are two sorts of this quadruped, differing only in size. The small class always proceed in bands, and are calledquati-monde.
TheRopoza, orFox, is less than that of Europe, equally subtle, and even more destructive in the damage it does to the cane plantations and melons. Its skin is used only for housings.
Amongst the various races ofRatsis theRato de Espinho, (the Prickly Rat,) which is large, white bellied, its upper part ash-coloured, and its sides furnished with prickles. It is agreeable to the sight, without smell, and its flesh is esteemed good.
TheSarohe, orGamba, a species of theOppossum, is as large as a middle sized cat, with the form of a rat, of a disagreeable aspect and nauseous smell; the legs are short; the feet and ears like a rat; its hair is thin, long, and sleek; the tail long, becoming small towards the end, and without hair. It has the head and snout of a pig, a large mouth, with the teeth of a dog. This animal is one of the most remarkable objects in Natural History in consequence of a second belly, or womb, which it has below the upper or natural one, with an opening, or mouth, at the fore part, within which it carries its young till they arrive at an age to procure their own subsistence. Some say that this quadrupedengenders and brings forth its young like other animals, and, after their birth puts them into this sack, where, in fact, they can only obtain suck, the mother only having teats in the upper belly. Others pretend that the young organize themselves by being attached to the dugs, from whence, at maturity, they fall into the sack. It is, however, certain that the young are found drawing nourishment from the paps of the mother, by which they are suspended and cling firmly to them, even when without hair and very small. They are great destroyers of poultry, and passionately fond of cachaca, or rum, with which they are easily caught, as they soon become intoxicated.
TheSaviais like a leveret, with hair similar to that of a hare, and a long tail; breeds in holes or pits; eats fruit; and is much esteemed for its flesh. It is thought to be a species of thecaxingle.
There are two breeds ofTamanduhas, orAnt-Bears, small and large. The larger, calledTamanduha-bandeira, is of the bigness of a middling sized hog, to which it assimilates in the body, having the bristles of a wild boar, black and thick, with gray marks on each side; the ears are round and extremely small; the snout very long and tapering, having the appearance at its termination of that of a lamb; its mouth is very small and without teeth; the tongue exceedingly long and narrow, with which it catches theCupim-ant, its only aliment; the tail is long and shaggy, and curled back towards the neck from whence its name is derived, (bandeira, flag or ensign;) it has short and very thick legs with five toes on each foot, each toe being furnished with a short and thick claw. It imprints a foot-mark like a child’s, runs little, scarcely makes any exertion to escape from its aggressor, and when irritated will advance against a man; but it is only necessary to give it a blow upon the snout and it falls dead on the ground. When it perceives itself attacked it lies on its back and waits for the enemy, which on drawing near, it instantly fastens upon, and will never leave its hold unless the tendons of its legs are cut.Ounceshave been found dead withTamanduhas, firmly fastened to each other. For hunting this animal, the flesh of which is insipid but medicinal in certain diseases, it is necessary to have a dog that will trace its track, but, in order not to run any risk, it is necessary that it should be timorous and cautious.
TheTatu, orArmadillo, of which there are various sorts, differing only in the size and the number of bands of shells which cover them, is of a wonderful figure; the head and ears are similar to those of a pig, the eyes small, the snout long and pointed, the mouth small, the tail long, somewhat similar to the tail of a rat. The legs are short, and the feet are furnished with large and strong claws, with which they can burrow a hole in the ground, for their safety, almost in an instant. This quadruped is covered with a coat of mail, which in its conformation is one of the most extraordinary phenomena in Natural History. The body is dressed in shells, disposed one over the other as in the tail of a lobster, and forms a sort of housing cloth, that conceals the belly; the whole uncovered with hair, and black. Some of the kinds, when danger is near, can roll themselves up entirely in the shell, like a hedge hog, but others not so completely. That kind denominatedTatuim, orTatuette, is small. TheVerdadeirois larger, and its flesh good,. ThePebahas a flat head. TheCanastrais of the size of a pig, and its flesh unwholesome. TheBola, (orBall,) so called in the Brazil, in consequence of concealing all its members under its shell, is of a whitish colour, and its flesh of good flavour.
There are five sorts ofDeer,Galheiros, which are large;Sucuaparas,do mato(of the woods;)Catingueiros[46]andCampeiros.[47]
The amphibious monster, with the figure of a lizard, resembling the crocodile in Africa and Asia, has, in the Brazil, the name ofJacare, orAligator, and is met with in all the lakes and rivers of tranquil current.
The plains of Brazil abound with a great number ofLand Tortoises, which never enter the water; their flesh is of fine flavour, and the liver is considered delicious.
Man has less to fear from wild beasts in the Brazil than from reptiles, the species of which are various, and some exceedingly numerous and generally venomous.
TheSucuriubaare affirmed to grow to the extraordinary length of forty feet, and are confined to lakes and pools of dead water, firmly attaching its tail to a root, or the point of a stone at the bottom of the water; it seizes all living animals that approach the margin, and swallows the whole, as a snake in Europe would a mouse or any small animal. It makes a hollow noise below the water, on hearing any sound from without: the otter is its greatest enemy.
TheSurucucu, orSurroco, seldom exceeds fifteen feet in length, is of proportionable width, and usually met with in cool and shady places. Its tail is armed with two spears, and its bite is cured with difficulty. Its skin is marked with great symmetry, and is of an ash colour, with brownish spots, and covered with scales.
In the beginning of 1819, a gentleman accompanied by six other persons arrived one evening upon the margins of a lake, near the river Pardo, in the province of St. Paulo, where they dismounted to take some repose. They perceived at a short distance what they supposed to be the trunk of a tree, which shortly afterwards began to move; the contents of a gun was immediately discharged at it, and they then despatched it with their knives. It was aSerpentof thesurucucuspecies, and the gentleman above mentioned assured me that it measured twenty-one feet in length, and four in girth. He had a variety of articles besides several pairs of boots made from its skin, in the city of St. Paulo, one pair of which I brought with me to England. The torpid state which this serpent at first exhibited, arose from its having recently gorged a young bull.
TheJiboia, which is scarcely distinguishable from the preceding serpent in size or colour, has no spears to its tail, nor does it bite. When it seizes any living creature it is always for the purpose of eating it. It never attacks its prey without first winding its tail round the trunk of a tree, in order that its prisoner may not drag it away, and, after having fatigued it by its first attack, it then draws itself so closely round the animal that it breaks its bones and kills it.
TheCobra, of Cascavel, orRattle Snake, is so called in consequence of its tail terminating with some similitude to the husks of a species of dried pulse. It has scarcely the thickness of a man’s leg, with proportionable length. It never bites without beating three times with its cascavel, or rattle, upon the ground, and its bite is almost always fatal. It is said that the number of the divisions of the tail is equal to the age in years of this snake. The snakecaninanais very long, of a slender form, black and spotted with yellow. Thejararacais a species the most numerous, and its bite is fatal. That denominated thecauda-branca(white tail) is not more than a span in length, and there is yet no known antidote against its venom. The living creature that has the misfortune to be stung by it immediately becomes convulsed, sweats blood, and expires in a short time. Thejararacucuis of a deep green colour, of considerable length, and slender. Its bite is generally mortal.
TheCobra de Coral(Coral Serpent) is small, of slender form, venomous, and beautified with rings of various colours.
Duas Cabecas, (Two Heads,) so called because all its length is of the same thickness. It is also venomous. It is said that the best antidote for its bite is to eat the liver of the said snake.
TheCobra Verde, orGreen Serpent, is of little length, and very small.
ThePapapintosis a large gray snake, said to be harmless. It is seldom met with but upon the margins or in the vicinity of lakes, where it catches toads and rats.
There is another species of serpent, called by the BraziliansCampo-limpa, (Field Cleaner,) in consequence of its cleaning the fields of the smaller snakes. It is light coloured, with a yellowish cast, ornamented with a variety of spots, and is about six feet long. Almost all these species of snakes are said to be viviparous.
The Padre Manoel Ayres de Cazal says, that in the parish of Muritiba, near Cachoeira, in the province of Bahia, a serpent was shown to him, killed within an hour, as a curiosity, in consequence of being wholly unknown to the people. It was scarcely a foot in length, but thick and round, and smooth as an eel, to which its head assimilated. The tail was short and pointed in a pyramidical form. It had four feet extremely small, without any appearance of legs.
In the Brazil there are various species ofSpiders, which furnish excellent silk.
TheCaranquejeira, so denominated in consequence of being of the size of a moderate sizedcaranguejo, or crab-fish, is covered with long hair, and is venomous.
TheCigarra, orCricket, has more of the species of beetle than the locust.
The species ofButterfliesare here very numerous, as I have before observed. A collection of sixteen hundred different sorts has already been made in the Brazil, and unquestionably there are an infinite number yet for collection to occupy the industry of the naturalist. The most beautiful are found in the vicinity of the tropic and the temperate zone.
There are also a great variety of flies and phosphoric insects, which illuminate the hedges at night by the brilliant lights they emit.
There are also a great diversity ofAnts. The most remarkable are those of Mandioca, of Correiçao, and the Cupim. The first are of a reddish colour, and a pest to agricultural productions, as well as fruit trees, such as the orange, and others equal in size or larger. It is necessary every day, in order to preserve the mandioca from the destructive attacks of this insect, to lay something for them to eat, in order that they may not devour the plantations at night or strip the trees of their foliage. It is during the night alone that they commit these depredations. They form spacious subterraneous cavities, with many entrances and outlets, distant one from the other. When it happens that they form this cavity below the foundation-wall of a house sometimes it sinks, and, during the rainy season, most probably falls to the ground. The Correiçao[48]Ant is small, and moves from one district to another in innumerable legions, covering many roods of territory in their march. No living insect can remain upon their line of march: the smaller ones are killed, and the larger obliged to fly. The Cupim is a small Ant, light coloured, and flat, subsisting upon the flour or small particles of wood, with which, and a species of glue that issues from its body, it constructs an arch or vault over the road by which it travels, in order that it may not be seen by other insects and birds which destroy it. It is very destructive to the timbers of dwelling-houses, and builds its residence in the ceilings of the same materials, in a round form full of little cells; sometimes it constructs it upon the points of branches of trees, but the greater number of Cupims erect them upon the ground, with earth, rendered solid by the admixture of the said glue, the whole of the interior being full of cells, saloons, and covered ways: their form is pyramidical, some with many feet in height, and they resist for severalwinters the tempests of rain that assail them; but the claws of the ant-bear crumble them to dust in a moment, when their inhabitants are as quickly devoured.
There are divers species of theBee, but none of them can be compared with the European bee in the utility and excellence of its honey.
That calledUrucuis the most numerous, and of a gray colour. Its hive is of wood, and the door is an orifice by which one can pass commodiously at a time, and where there is always one upon the watch, with its head out, in order to impede the entrance of small insects. This sentinel is subject to the inconvenience of drawing back upon the entrance or going out of any one of the commonwealth. Themumbucais of a blackish colour. Themandassaiais black and short. These three kinds are of the size of the European bee. Thetubimis smaller. Thetheubais also small, and of a yellow cast. Thecupimeira, so denominated because it occupies the houses deserted by the Cupim ant, makes good honey. Thetatahiraand thesaranhoare the only species that are mordacious. Thegetahiis of the size of a mosquito, and manufactures a honey of a very liquid and delicious nature. Thecaruarais a little larger than the preceding. Thepregiuçozais of the size of the getahi, and produces an insipid honey. That namedmosquitinhois very small and black, and lives on the ground. None of these species form the honey-comb like those of Europe; the combs are round, and the cells unequal, in the form of a bubble, without regularity, and the wax is more or less glutinous, and never has the whiteness of that of the old world. All the bee-hives, of whatever species of bees they are, have few inhabitants, comparatively speaking.
There are also various casts ofWasps, orMorimbondos, as they are called in the country. Theinxuyis delicate, and makes its habitation generally of a round form, plain, and of an ash colour, attached to a branch, or fastened to some plant; its combs are deep, and introduced one into the other, the orifices or cells are full of a yellow savoury honey, which ultimately becomes like refined sugar. Theinxuis large, fabricates its combs according to the method of the preceding, and fills them with most excellent honey.
If the Brazil cannot boast of so great a variety of quadrupeds as some countries, perhaps no other region of the world equals it in the innumerable species of birds which it possesses, more wonderful still in the beauty of their plumage and variety of their song.
Amongst them are those which follow, namely: —
TheAlma de Gato(Soul of a Cat) is of the size of a pigeon, the lower part ash-coloured, and the upper of a gold colour, with a long tail, short and curved beak. It has no song.
There are various kinds ofAndorinhas, orSwallows, distinguished alone by the size or the colour, being more or less black.
TheAnumis of the size of a blackbird, the whole of a brilliant and jet black, the tail long and rounded, with only eight feathers. The bill curved, thick at the root, and the upper part pointed. Its song is a kind of sad lamentation; and its flight is short. They always proceed in flocks not very numerous, and never alight upon high trees. It is said that these flocks all lay their eggs in one common nest. It is, however, certain, that if the nest of these birds is found with a great number of eggs, there are numerous compartments, and the various little nests are separated by portions of dried grass. There are other casts of the Anum, of the size of the preceding one, but of an ash-colour, with a slender beak, a little curved, and a tuft or plume of feathers, which it elevates and lowers at pleasure.
TheAraponga, orGuiraponga, is of the size of a small pigeon, white as snow, with a beak wide at the root, a portion unfeathered, and of a green colour around the eyes. This bird perches upon thetop of the highest trees in the woods, and there passes the principal part of the day in a song, which imitates well a farrier just finishing a horse’s shoe upon the anvil.
Azulaois a species of sparrow, of an indigo-colour, which, after being accustomed to the cage, imitates various other small birds.
Bemtevi, so called by the Europeans in consequence of its articulating with accuracy the words which compose its name, is the size of a lark, with a white circle around the head, a thick and pointed bill, having a yellow belly, and a gold colour above.
Bicudois a kind of sparrow, either of an agate or gold colour, sings, and has a very short thick bill.
Barbudois little less than a blackbird, also black, with a large white spot on the back, and a yellow one on the neck, a short tail and legs, a large head, with thick eyebrows, a jet black bill, a little curved and pointed, having whiskers.
Cabeca de Rubim(Head of Ruby) is a species of duck, of a green colour, with a little crimson cap, which it conceals at pleasure, as well as the feathers of its sides. The female has a larger and black cap.
Caboreis the small Spanish owl.
Caiçu, which signifies large head, is of the size of a lark, of a disagreeable aspect, with the wings and tail of a tobacco and the belly of an ash colour, having a white spot upon the neck, the upper part of the body gray and speckled with white, a thick neck and bill, the latter black pointed.
Canario(Canary) has the form, and almost the same colour, but not the song of those of the Canary islands. It is the first amongst the small birds that announces the dawn of day.
Cancaois of the size of a blackbird, the belly white, the upper part dark, with a long round tail, and white at the extremity. The fore part of the head, neck, and breast, are of a jet colour. It has a large white spot upon the back part of the head, a small black crest, a small round spot above the eyes, beginning with blue and finishing in white; the iris is yellow, which it extends and compresses, and the beak thick and short. This bird always goes near the ground, and on perceiving any living creature immediately gives a signal. It is the most choleric bird of the country, and a destroyer of the others, eating the eggs and the young ones whilst unfeathered.
Cardial(Cardinal) is a little larger than the linnet, which it resembles. It has a small crimson cap, or hood, which covers a part of the neck, and from which it derived the name: its song is loud and pleasant.
Carrica(Hedge-sparrow) differs from that of Europe only in being a little larger, and less fearful. It makes its nest, with little care, in inhabited houses or the fields.
Chama-Coelhois a little less than the blackbird, with a black head, the lower part yellow, and the upper of a tobacco colour.
Cegonha, orStork, is common, and similar to that of Europe.
Cazaca de Coirois of the size of a lark, yellow above, and gray under the belly.
Colhereira, which with justice has the pre-eminence of king amongst birds of the morasses, is the size of a large capon, without a tail, of a rose colour above, the belly white, with long legs, long white neck, the bill also long and thick at the root, square in the middle, wide and flat at the point, like aSpatula.
Colibri, orHumming-bird, and known in the Brazil only by the name ofBeija Flor, (Kiss the Flower,) is the smallest bird existing. Mr. Robert has represented it to be as small as a fly, in which he does not appear to be correct, as none so diminutive are seen in this country. Theirvarieties have been stated at six or seven, but there are a great many more: Padre Cazal has seen ten different kinds. An European would never have supposed that a bird so small as the end of one’s finger could exist, furnished as it is with a bill, feathers, wings, and intestines, similar to the larger kind, and he would be naturally disposed to consider it but a creature of imagination, until he visited its native country, and daily beheld it fluttering like a butterfly at every flower, and humming a gentle chirrup. It has long wings compared with the size of the body. The largest, of the size of a very small wren, are of an indigo colour, with a white spot upon the back. The second species differ only from the first in being smaller and not having a spot, both have a long tail much forked. The third kind and size are gray, and make their nests in inhabited houses, in the form of a little pocket, suspended from the point of a straw. The fourth variety are entirely green. The fifth are the same colour and size, with a white spot upon the breast. The sixth differs only from the preceding in having a very short tail. The seventh is of the same colour and size, with the tail yellow. The eighth is the colour of the nightingale, the breast finely speckled with white. The ninth is of a brilliant green, with the wings and tail dark, the beak short, slender, and yellow. All the others have it long, pointed, very delicate, and straight, with the exception of the gray ones and those of the nightingale colour, who have it a little curved. The tenth kind is dark, or almost black, with a short tail of the colour of fire, the bill black, and of medium length; when turned towards the spectator, the throat and breast exhibit at one instant various colours, according to the movements of the bird, at one time that of Aurora, when most bright, or like gold melted in the crucible, followed, on a sudden, sometimes by a suffusion of green, at others by blue, and by white, without ever losing an inimitable brilliancy. The head, which is black, appears ornamented with a little crest of the same colour when the bird has its side towards the observer, and when it presents the front it appears studded with sparkling rubies, or all of a brilliant scarlet, which insensibly changes to refulgent yellow. They generally have the tongue very long, the legs exceedingly short, and the eyes black; their principal aliment is the juice or honey of flowers, which they extract, not as the bee but in the same manner as the butterfly. Some of them have the tongue cleft.
Ema, orEmu, is the Ostrich of the old world, and is the largest bird of this country; its body is round, and covered with long gray feathers, standing on end; the legs thick and long, with three short and stout toes; two sort of spears are at the joints of the wings, which are not sufficient to fly with, but in the plains it surpasses the horse in swiftness, and is difficult tolaço, even when thelaçadoris mounted upon a fleet horse. It has no tail, and when it elevates its head it is the height of a man. Its feathers are esteemed for plumes, and the skin is used for shoes.
Encontrois the size of a greenfinch, long, delicate, and dark, with a yellow spot at the joint of the wing. There are two other sorts, of a jet colour, one of which has white spots, and the other red.
Feiticeirois the size of a lark, between yellow and green on the upper part, the belly ash colour, with the bill of a blackbird, eyes like rubies, and a small crest,
Galleiraois the size of a pigeon, the upper part green, and the lower purple, with a very short tail, long yellow legs, the neck slender, the head small, with a flat comb, smooth and white, the bill short and thick and the colour of red sealing wax, with the extremity yellow. It frequents the margins of lakes, and its flesh is savory. There is another species of this bird, somewhat varying from it.
Gallo do Bandois the size of a sparrow, black, with a white spot upon the back, and the top of the head green, having a long tail.Guara, one of the handsomest birds that frequent the morasses, has the body similar to a partridge, a long neck and legs, with the bill long and a little curved, and without a tail. The first feathers are white, after a short time they turn black, and finally scarlet, preserving the second colour at the extremity of the wings.
Garca, orHeron, consists of small and large white ones, and also others which are large and of an ash colour.
Gaviao, orHawk, includes various kinds, of which the Cauhan is small, and the Corocuturu gray, being four spans in length from the head to the extremity of the tail, and will seize a small monkey and fly away with it with great facility.
Grunhatais the size of a robin-red-breast, yellow below and on the front of the head, the rest of a dark colour, except some blue parts. Its song is harmonious. There are other sorts, some of them yellow, with the tail and wings green, and a black stroke the whole length of the lower part.
Jaburuis larger than the turkey-cock, without a tail, and white as snow; the neck, legs, and bill are very long; the latter is pointed.
Jacananis little less than the thrush, the breast green, the upper part of a tobacco colour, with the wings short and round, the tail very short, with eight small feathers, the eyes and legs of a rosy hue, a fine bill, and a green spot on the front part of the head. It goes always upon the ground.
Jacuis the size of a large capon, black, with the figure of a turkey-hen.
Jacutingais a little larger, with the same figure and colour, having green legs, and half of the wings white, a green bill and large black eyes, the feathers on the upper part of the head are long and white, the breast is speckled with white.
Jacu-Pembais smaller than the first, with the breast of an ash colour. Thearacuanis also a species ofjacu, the size of a pigeon, with the tail and neck long, of a dark yellowish hue. These four birds have wattles at the throat similar to a turkey-hen.
Japuis the size of a pigeon, black, with a yellow tail, the bill of the same colour, thick, long, round, and finely pointed; when it sings it suspends itself by the feet, at the same time beating with its wings.
Japueis less, and of the same colour, with a large green spot upon the back, the eyes small and the iris blue. Both construct the same kind of nests, which are remarkable for the form and for the art with which they make them at the extremity of the highest horizontal branches, in the shape of a bag or pocket, and five or six spans in length; they are of moss, woven in such a way that they move continually to and fro with the wind, without sustaining any injury. Such is their precaution to prevent their young from being injured by surrounding enemies. They destroy oranges profusely to obtain the seed.
Inhumais the size of a capon, with dark sides, the belly ash colour, and the wings of an extraordinary length, being ten spans when extended, each with two spurs of an unequal size, and a horn of a bony substance half a span in length and the thickness of a large turkey-quil, sharp pointed, and a little curved at the extremity, with a magnetic virtue, and also with the property of counter-poison. When about to drink it introduces this antidote against poison into the water, and the birds and quadrupeds near it, it is said, then only drink. Its flesh is spongy and not eaten. There are other kinds of this bird about the size of a pigeon.
Joao-de-Barrois a species of lark, yellow, with a whitish streak above the eyes, and only remarkable for the arrangement of its nest ofburro, or clay, from which its name is derived. Thenest is constructed with much art and perfection between the forked branches of a tree, and consists of a corridor, something more than a span in length, having a window at the end, between it and an apartment almost of the same length at one side, whose entrance is small, and always on that side the least exposed to the wind. This edifice withstands the winters for many years.
Joao Tolo(Foolish John) is the size of a bullfinch, of a greenish changeable colour above, the belly yellow, with a white spot upon the throat, the neck very long, the bill also long and pointed. It is tame, and without any song.
Lavandeirais small and white, with the wings black.
Amongst various sorts ofMacaricos, which inhabit the margins and lakes, there is one somewhat smaller than the thrush, ash-coloured above, and white below, with a very short tail; the legs long and green; the head large and flat, with a narrow white circle around it, which is relieved by another that is wide and black, and a collar of the same colour; the eyelids are rosy, with two ferrels or spears at the joints of the wings, which are white, with the extremities black.
There are a variety of theWild DuckandWater Fowl.
Marido-he-dia(Husband it is Day) does not differ from the female of the bird calledtendilhao(or chaffinch:) its song is its name badly articulated.
Morcegos, or Bats, are numerous everywhere, some being of the size of a pigeon; they are exceedingly prejudicial to cattle, to certain fruits, and to houses and churches, where they frequently discharge a black liquid that cannot be washed away.
Mutunis almost the size of a turkey-cock, of a beautiful jet black, very graceful, with a curled tuft or plume, quick eyes, the bill yellow, the legs green, and the thighs white. Its song is mournful; its flesh delicious. The female has the plume spotted.
There are also different sorts ofNight-crows(Noitibos) orColiangas, as they are commonly called. One kind frequents the margins of lakes during the day, and is of a beautiful and inimitable gray on the upper part, the lower part white, having a white spot in the middle of the wings, the extremities being black. The head is large and flat, with large black eyes. It has scarcely the appearance of a bill, with a crooked, and extremely large mouth; the largest toe, which is not proportioned to the smallness of the others, has a saw or comb towards the inner side. The flesh of this bird, when fat, is considered good.
Pahois the size of a pigeon, black, with the breast of a rosy hue, and the beak proportionate. Its flesh is also good when fat.
Papa-arrozis small and entirely black. It goes in bands.
There are upwards of twenty sorts ofParrots, reckoning from the smallest parroquet to thearara, or macaw. The flesh of the whole is deemed good, especially that of thejuru. Those which compose the last class are of three sorts: theArarunais entirely blue; theCaninde, also blue above, with the belly of a gold colour; and others which have the lower part and the head of a rose colour.
In lakes distant from inhabited places there are largeWild Geesesome gray, some white, and others coralline.
The bird called thePavao, orPeacock, is of the size of a lark when unfeathered; but, while feathered, is larger than a thrush. It is of a beautiful, brilliant, and changeable colour, beginning with green, and finishing with a bluish green upon the back; the belly is of a rose colour; the wings small and round, and of an exquisite gray; the lower parts of the thighs are dressed in dark feathers, covering the legs, which are very delicate and short; the tail is six inches long, the two centralfeathers are dark and of changeable colour, the four next are of a jet black, and all the six equal,—the other six have the extremities white, and gradually diminishing from the others in length: the head is rather large, covered with curled feathers, which form a little plume of dark blue; the bill is very short and a little curved, extremely wide at the root, and terminating in a point encircled with mustachoes or foretops thick and black; the eyes are large and black, with yellow eyelids.
There are five species ofPartridges, all gray, and without tails. The smallest, callednambus, have a rosy beak; those calledzabelezare a little larger than the European partridge, and have the legs yellow; theenapupezis still larger, with a long bill; those namedmacucosare more bulky, and of a dark colour, with two spurs at the joints of the wings, and a species of saw (such at least have the males) upon the hinder part of the legs; thecapueiras, which are a little larger than thenambus, go in bands: all the others disperse after the mothers leave them. The whole sit upon the ground, excepting themacuco, which always perches upon a tree at night.
Peru do Mato, (the Wood Turkey,) improperly so called, is the size of a blackbird, of a dark ash colour, well furnished with feathers, which terminate like hair, the tail jet black, the bill red, thick, and pointed; when it sings it elevates the beak perpendicularly.
Queroquero, which is almost the size of a partridge, has a white belly, with the breast and throat white, of a changeable colour above, with a white spot near the wings, which are armed with two spurs, and whose largest feathers are black, much exceeding the length of the tail, which is short, with the extremity white, the eyes are green and handsome, it has the bill similar to a pigeon, green, and the end black; the head is ornamented with a small black crest, and pointed; the legs are long, and the thighs still longer, with the lower portion unfeathered and green. Its flesh is good, and it would appear not to sleep, as its cry is heard at all hours of the night. It feeds upon the margins of lakes.
TheRola, or sort ofTurtle-Dove, is of various species: those calledjuritisare a little less than a similar kind which pass from Africa to Europe in the spring, but are not so handsome; their song, consisting of one long note, is somewhat melancholy; those calledturtles de cascavel, in consequence of the rattling of their wings when they rise, are beautified with white spots, and are somewhat larger than a sparrow, they fight with their wings, and commonly procure their sustenance in bands. The third kind, calledcoboclas, from being the colour of a brick, are the same size as the preceding. The other sorts all pass under the name ofpombas(pigeons); thecardiguerasare small; those calledaza branca(white wing) resemble thetroquazepigeon, or ring dove of Europe. The ring doves of the country are large, and have their beaks green; as have also those calledpararis.
Sabiais a kind of thrush, and the greatest singer in the Brazil; its song does not differ from the blackbird; some, but very rarely, have the feathers and the bill yellow.
TheSahysare a species of beautiful little bird, and divided into various sorts. Thesahy da seciais the size of a hedge-sparrow, having a similar beak; its sides and belly are purple, with the wings black above, and the under parts yellow, the tail black, the feet of a rose colour, the head silvery, and the eyes blue. Thesahy bicudois the size of a robin, of a green colour, with the tail and wings black, and the bill pointed. Thesahy roxo(or purplesahy) is the size of a sparrow, with the tail and wings black, the head and breast purple, and the bill short and pointed. Thesahy de colleira, has the form and size of a sparrow, with the head purple, the neck rosy, the belly green, the sides, wings, and tail, of a greenish hue, and the bill short. Thesahy-xe, has the head, wings, and tail of a greenish colour, the breast between blue and green, and black near the blade bone or shoulders and the throat, the hinder part of the back yellow, and the beak short. Thesahy papagaiois the size of a greenfinch, of a changeable colour, between blue and green, with a black tail and short bill, wide at the root and fine at the extremity.
Sanhacois a sort of greenfinch.
Seriemais a little larger than the turkey-hen; its song is simple and tender, it goes generally upon the ground, and flies little.
Serradoris a small bird of a blackish colour, with the beak similar to a sparrow, it only perches upon dry and naked branches, is like the ortolan, and is incessantly rising perpendicularly two or three spans, alighting upon the same place, and keeping in its movement the time of aserra, or saw; it has no song, nor is its plumage beautiful.
Soffrer, to which the whites have given the name, pretending that it articulates the word in its inharmonious song, is little less than the blackbird, of a gold colour, with the head, throat, tail, and wings, black, excepting a white spot in the middle of the wings; the tail is long, the bill round, long, and pointed, likewise black, with two white spots on each side of the lower part; the iris yellow.
Socois a bird comprising various kinds, the white ones are the size of a large capon, without a tail, with the legs a little long, the bill also long and blue, the fore part of the head is black, the hinder part ornamented with a long pointed crest, falling back upon the neck, which is rather long. The ash-coloured ones differ only from the preceding in colour. There is another larger than the blackbird, being two spans and a half when the wings are opened, and three from the extremity of the bill to that of the feet; it is green on the upper part, and ash-coloured below, the bill is long and pointed, the iris yellow, the neck a span in length, slightly covered with feathers, and spotted on the under side; the tail is two inches long, the head is black, with a crest.
Taperais a little larger than the blackbird, the whole of the body white, with the head, tail, and wings black, the bill stout and pointed.
Tyhe, orTapiranga, is much larger than the sparrow, the feathers of the wings large, and those of the tail black, the rest entirely crimson; the bill is thick and black, with two white spots upon the lower part. Thetyhé negro(black tyhe) is the same size, with a green spot upon the head.
Tingarais the size of atentilhao, or chaffinch, of a sea green colour, with the head green, the tail short, and the bill fine, short, and pointed.
Tucanois the size of a pullet, black, with the breast between green and yellow; the bill, a little curved, is of a thickness and length disproportionably large for the body. Thearassaryis another species oftucano, differing in the colour of the feathers; the bill is a little less and straight, its song is the name by which it is designated. Thetucanobuilds its nest in the cavities of old trunks, lays only two eggs, and its first plumage is white, it has on each side of the head a naked portion of a red colour and varnished.
Tuyuyuis much larger than the turkey-cock, white, with the legs black, is very high, with rather a long neck, the bill pointed, without a tail, and is the height of a man; it feeds at the margins of lakes, and its sustenance is fish.
Viuvais the size of a sparrow, black, with the head white, and the tail proportioned. There is another species ofviuvathe size of a red robin, also black, with the head white, and the body a little large from the feathers curling very much upon the upper part; the bill is short and delicate; it always perches upon dry branches and does not sing.
Urubuis a species of vulture, of the size of a turkey-cock, black, with the head hairy like it, the bill proportioned and curved at the upper part. There are two other sorts of theurubu, both rare, the one differs only in having a portion green, the other, which is calledurubu-rey, is of a whitish ash colour, with the tail and wings black, the neck absolutely naked and fleshy, the head imperfectly covered with a soft fur, the crop hairy, the eyelids green, the iris very white, and the bill black.and has on the upper part of the bill a caruncle, composed of various yellow globules of divers sizes, attached to a delicate pedicle.
In the interior lakes there is a species of gull, the size of a swallow, the lower part very white, and the upper of a pearl colour; the tail forked, the wings long and narrow, with the three leading feathers black, as likewise the fore part of the head; the bill is long and yellow.
Patativaof an ash colour, is less than a robin, and sings.
Rendeirais the size of a bullfinch and white, with the head, tail, and wings black, the bill and tail short.
Ticoticois of the size of a hedge-sparrow, having its colour almost upon the sides, with the belly yellow, and a white semicircle above the eyes.
Tacoarais larger than a blackbird, of a greenish colour, with the tail very long, the upper part of the head a gold colour, having a large black spot round the eyes.
Perhaps no country in the world presents such an infinite variety of vegetation as the Brazil, or so spacious a field for the labours of the botanist. It abounds in a diversity of excellent timber, dye-woods, and medicinal plants. Nature, here so spontaneous, has not, amongst its innumerable indigenous species, any plants and trees of the European world. The colonists have naturalized a great number, but they do not prosper so well as in their native soil. Those of Africa and Asia sustain no injury when planted in the same latitude. The olive-tree grows little, soon droops, and does not fructify in the torrid zone. The chestnut-tree is only known in the southern provinces, where peaches grow in perfection; also the apple, plum, and cherry trees. The pomegranite and quince also prosper in the torrid zone. The vine and fig grow generally, but more especially out of the tropic. Oranges, of which there are various kinds, grow universally. Grain does not grow in all the provinces, with the exception of rice and Indian corn. Water-melons are every where excellent; the melon is good only in a few places. The cabbage and lettuce are cultivated, together with other indigenous hortulans unknown in Europe. The pea, bean, and turnip are little cultivated; with these were also naturalized rosemary, rue, wormwood, lavender, parsley, coriander, aniseed, mint, the pink, and jasmine. The rose-tree has a great enemy in the ant: its flower is not handsome.
Amongst other trees of excellent wood for building, carpenter and joiner’s work, are theajetahypeta,buranhe, cedar,conduru,coraçao de negro, (negro’s heart,)gonçalo alves,jacaranda,jacarandatan,jacarando-mulato,jequitiba,jetahy,loiro,massaranduba,mocetahyba,mocuhyba, which is high, having a small tuft, similar to a parasol, and affords a small walnut, somewhat like an olive, with a thin and smooth rind, inclosing an oval kernel, from which is extracted an oil that is applied to various seus,brahuna, ormaria preto,olandim,bow wood,oil wood,violet wood,peguim,putumuju,oyty,oytycica,itapicuru,sapucaya,sebastiao d’arruda, male and female,sucupira,sucupirassu,vinhatica,sassafras, and many more.
Alecrim Brazilico(Brazilian Rosemary) is a shrub, only similar to that of its name in the colour of its flower, bark, and wood; the leaf resembles that of mint, but is small, with the smell of savory. There is another sort of rosemary, which differs only from the latter in its flower, which is white and formed like that of savory. Both grow best in a dry and sandy soil.Algodeira, orCotton-Tree, is a shrub which begins to ramify immediately on appearing, its leaves resembling the vine leaf. It has five large yellow petals, encircling each other; a great number of capillaments united in one column, in the centre of which a pistil arises to a greater height, of whose germ a capsule is formed more than two inches in length, triangular, and enclosing in three lodgements a great number of seed, resembling that of the pear, contiguous and in two orders, and unfolding in a white and long cotton wool, supplying the most extensive branch of commerce in the Brazil.
TheAmbuzeiro, orAmbuzo Tree, is of small size, and grows in sterile lands, not requiring any culture. It begins to have branches on issuing from the ground, and they are exceedingly intertwined with each other; the leaves are small, elliptical, and varnished on both sides; the flower is in small bunches, like the olive-tree; the fruit is similar in appearance to the sloe, between a green and white colour, having a thick skin, disagreeable to the taste, with a large round stone, never separating from the pulp, which resolves itself into a thick fluid, generally pleasant when ripe. It is much esteemed in the certams, particularly by the quadrupeds. The people of the country make of its fluid and curdled milk, well mixed together, and sweetened with sugar or honey, a beverage, which they callambuzada, and say that it might do for a royal repast. This tree produces at the root one large potatoe, and sometimes more, and also small ones of a spongy and transparent substance, which turn into cold water on being compressed, and is a great resource to caravans and travellers passing plains devoid of water.
Andirobais a plant, very similar to that of a cucumber, affording a round fruit, without smell, the size of a large apple, with eleven or twelve seeds, round and flat, disposed in three cavities or cells, from which is extracted a clear medicinal oil, being also good for lights.
Angelimis a tree of medium height, having many branches, the leaf small, the flower, with five petals in an ear, between a violet and rose-colour, having a pistil and nine capillaments; the fruit is a two-valved capsule of an ash-colour, affording an oval almond, covered with a thick membrane, and which is used in pharmacy.
Araca Mirimis a tree of considerable growth, with a small leaf; the bark is as smooth on the epidermis as the inner side.
Argueiro, orArgua-Tree, is the size of the olive-tree, its trunk and branches overspread with short prickles; the leaves, which it annually sheds, are of the shape of a heart; the flowers are in bunches, of one or two spans in length, at the extremity of the branches, disposed three and three; it has five petals of which one only unfolds itself, this is of a beautiful rose-colour, with little less than two inches of length, and more than one in width. Upon the lower part of the pistil, which is amongst ten capillaments, there is a pod, containing an indeterminate number offeijoes, or beans, entirely of a red colour, or with black spots; they are very hard, and bracelets are made of them. It is one of the most beautiful trees in the country when in flower, in which state it remains for some time.
TheArtecum, orAraticu, of which there are various kinds, is similar to theambuzoin size, in the entwining of its branches, and in having an ash-coloured rind. The leaves, which it casts off annually, are almost round, and of a beautiful green, and varnished on both sides. Its flower is like a fig, of a yellow colour, which opens in three equal portions, as if they were parted with a knife, are thick, of a reddish hue, and in the form of a shell; below each portion there is a smaller shell, not so thick, and externally white, inclosing a button in the shape of a pine, which becomes a fruit of the size and form of the largest pear; the pulp is white or yellow, soft and full of pips; few are good, but they are generally eaten.
TheBarriguda, (Big-bellied,) so called in consequence of its trunk being thicker at the middlethan at the ground, and otherwise denominatedArvore da lan, (Wool-Tree,) has the rind covered with round thorns, the leaves are almost elliptical, and from three to four inches in length. The flower begins with the figure of a little round fig, smooth, without an eye, having a short and thick pedicle; this fig has the length and form of an acorn, being always of a green colour, it opens at the extremity in three parts, from whence issues a bud similar to that of cotton, round, and two inches long, which unfolds in five petals three inches in length. It has five capillaments surrounded with a pistil, which is delicate and terminates in a little red ball, the whole six attached to a receptacle at the bottom of a cup, where a fruit is formed with some resemblance to a cucumber, which, when it opens, is full of fine white wool, which the wind blows away if not immediately taken; it cannot be spun, but it is used for stuffing beds.
There are three sorts ofBrazil Wood;—Brazil Mirim, which is the best;Brazil Assu, orRozado, so called from its trunk being higher, more upright, of less girth, and the dye which is extracted from it of less consistency and more rosy, hence arises its second name. TheBraziletodiffers little from the Assu in size, in the form of its trunk and tuft, and affords little dye. The Brazil Mirim has a larger trunk, the rind greener and finer, the thorns smaller and thicker, the leaf smaller, and the wood more of a purple hue. The bark of the whole is smooth and the thorns begin at the shoot and extend to the point of the branches. The flower of the Mirim is white and very small; the wood, immediately on being cut, if put to the tongue, is sensibly bitter, which, on becoming dry, it loses, turning to an agreeable sweetness. These trees grow on rocks as well as in plains. The wood is heavy and excellent for building; put into water it will remain sound, it is said, eternally; put into the fire it breaks in pieces, but does not produce any smoke. It is said, that the most proper periods for cutting this timber for its dye is at the time of the new moon in winter, and when in the fourth quarter in summer. A portion of vitriol and lime, or ashes thrown into the decoction of the Brazil wood forms a black dye.
Cacauzeira, orCocoa-Tree, which generally does not exceed the size of a small tree, almost always has many trunks, and extends its branches horizontally and incliningly; the leaves resemble those of the largest chestnut; its fruit, which grows only upon the trunks and thickest branches, is a large oblong capsule, in the shape of a mellon, with a very hard rind, which encloses forty to fifty almonds in a white, viscous, and sweet substance. Of these almonds chocolate is made.
Cafeeiro, orCoffee-Tree, transplanted from Arabia, and prospering admirably in the strong and fresh soils of this country, is a branchy shrub, with the leaves opposite, which are smooth, pointed at both extremities, and larger than those of the laurel; the flower is white, entire, and tubulous on the lower part, and cleft into five lancet points on the upper, with the same number of capillaments attached to the angle of the divisions, and a pistil to the receptacle. The fruit is a berry, somewhat resembling a cherry, attached to a thick and short pedicle. It is exceedingly fruitful, and grows to the greatest size when planted under the shade of large trees; but the fruit of those trees exposed to the sun is of the best quality.
Cajatyis a shrub with a very thick rind, black, and furrowed with the first bark, the leaf differs little from the laurel, and affords a yellow fruit the size of the sloe, having an agreeable taste and perfume, with seed like the orange, and attached to the extremity of the branch by a long and delicate pedicle.
Cajazeira, orCajaza-Tree, is high, with a round tuft and small leaf, its fruit is like the acorn, yellow, insipid, and with a large stone.
TheCajueira, orCajue-nut Tree, which grows in sandy soils, is a small tree with a crooked trunk,a round tuft, with the branches raised horizontally and inclined; the first rind affords a sort of black dye; the wood a yellow one; the leaves are almost round; the flower in bunches; its singular fruit is of the size and figure of a long round pepper, with a fine smooth skin, tinged with red or yellow, and sometimes with both, with a white spongy substance, half sweet, without stone or seed; the taste is not agreeable, although many persons are partial to this fruit; it has at the extremity a nut of an ash-colour, containing a white and oily substance, and not unlike the chestnut when roasted. Excellent sweetmeats are made of the fruit, and also a lemonade and even wine of its juice.
Calumby, orCalumbo-Tree, is small, with little tuft, having exceedingly small leaves, which close when the sun sets and open in the morning. There are male and female, both armed with thorns like the bramble; the male has a very small flower, resembling a paint-brush, and its wood is green, hard, compact, and very heavy, being only serviceable for joiners’ work, as scarcely one is found, even amongst the most slender, without being hollow. The female has a flower resembling the chestnut-tree, and its timber, although solid, is not so heavy, and is waved with green and white. The fruit of both are flat berries.
Candea(Lamp) is a crooked shrub, with a large stock, the leaf is generally white on the under side; the wood, when dried, affords a good light without smoke, and saving much oil to the poor of the certams, who put a fire-brand of it into the wall, where it lasts for a long time, giving a flame like a flambeau; hence comes its denomination. When put into the ground it keeps many years.
Caneleira,CanelaorCinnamon Tree, was transplanted from Asia, and was cultivated with some care at the commencement of the colonization, but was afterwards destroyed, by royal order, that it might not interfere with the oriental trade; this error was soon discovered. At present the increase of those which spring from roots is preferred; the quality of the soil in which it should be planted depends upon the vegetable. The best Asiatic cinnamon-trees grow in dry soils.
Collais a tree introduced from Africa, of medium size, with leaves rather long, pointed, and shining on both sides; the flower is white and in bunches. It fructifies in a pod.
Cutezeira, orCuteza-Tree, is small, with horizontal branches, and the leaves rather long, smooth, wide, rounded at the point, and pointed at the base; it affords a large oval fruit with a hard shell, of which, when parted, is madecuyas, or cups.
Gamelleira, orGamella-Tree, is of considerable girth, having a round and thick leaf; it extends roots from the branches to the ground; its shade is sought after.
Geremmais a small thorny tree with very small leaves, which daily close from the influence of the sun; the flower resembles that of the chestnut; of its wood charcoal is made for forges.
Goyabeira, orGoyaba-Tree, is a shrub with a smooth rind, the leaf almost round, the fruit, like a pear, is yellow and odoriferous, the pulp is rubicund, with a great quantity of small and round seed in the centre. A preserve much esteemed is made of it.
Guabirabeira, orGuabiraba-Tree, is one of the largest fruit-trees in the country; its leaf is a little less than that of the peach, and almost of the same shape; the flower is white; the fruit has the size and form of a pear, and is eaten in the same way assorvasor service-berries.