This district, which is larger than the preceding one, and is bounded by it on the south, has on the west the same limits as the province; on the east the districts of Rio das Velhas and Parannan; and on the north the district of Nova Beira, from which it is separated in part by the Estrondo serra and the river Tabocas.
The nation from which the province borrowed its name was not the only one that ruled here; to the north of it there lived a tribe called Crixas, whose name was given to the river that traverses their territory.
Amongst other mountains, generally of moderate elevation, may be enumerated the serra Doirada, not far distant from the capital, to the southward, which extends itself for a considerable space to the west. The serra Escalvada, lying further to the south, and running in the same direction as the preceding one; the serra Santa Martha, to the south-west of the last; and the Sentinilla, which prolongs itself for a great distance with the river Claro.
The said river Claro, the Vermelho, the Tizoiras, and the Crixa, are the principal streams of this district. The second is small on passing the capital, but soon afterwards becomes more considerable by the addition of various small rivers, which render it navigable. Amongst those which join it by the left margin are the Indios, the Tacoaral, the Tigres, and the Cachoeira, all issuing from the Doirada serra. The Bugres is the first abundant stream which unites itself with it by the right bank, and the Ferreiro the second. The Peixe is an arm of the Tizoiras, and navigable.
In the northern part of the district is to be noted the river Caldas, which is of short extent; it issues from a lake of the same name, and discharges itself into the Maranham, fifty miles above the Paratininga.
The Santa Thereza, and the Cannabrava, enter the Tucantines by one common embouchure, under the name of the first, which is the most voluminous.
The principal povoaçoes are, Villa Boa, Crixa, and Pilar.
Villa Boa, at its commencement denominated the arraial of St. Anna, was raised into a town in the year 1739, and is large, populous, and flourishing. It is the residence of the governor, at present Senhor Fernando Delgado, of the prelate, who is a bishop in partibus, and also of the ouvidor of the comarca, who fills other situations as well as that of crown judge. The senate is presided by a Juiz de Fora, who besides holds the appointment of attorney-general.
This town occupies a flat situation upon the margins of the Vermelho, which divides it into two unequal portions, communicating by three bridges. It is in the centre of the Brazil. Its edifices are neither large, elegant, nor substantial: the principal are the mother church, dedicated to St. Anna, five chapels to the Lady of Boa Morte, Rozario, Carmo, Abbadia, and Lapa; another of St. Francisco; the palace of the governor; the Caza da Camara, (or town house); the Caza da Contadoria, (exchequer); and the Caza da Fundicao do Oiro, (smelting house.) It has a fort, with two pieces of artillery to fire salutations upon occasions of solemnities, a fountain, and a public walk. The heat is intense during the dry season; night breezes, however, are usual, and exceedingly grateful.
This town has a tribunal which decides upon the affairs of the province, denominated the Junta de Real Fazenda, a council consisting of five deputies, including the governor, who is the president, the judge, the attorney-general, a treasurer, and an escrivao. It is situated in 16° 20′ of southern latitude.