Almeyda, situated on elevated ground, near the embouchure of the Reys Magos, from whence a great extent of ocean is discovered, was founded by the Jesuits, who had a hospicio here, whither they repaired from the college of the capital to learn the Tupininquin language. This edifice has been for a long time the residence of the vicars, and its handsome chapel, dedicated to Reys Magos, has always served for the mother church. It has a considerable piece of ground attached to it, in the form of a square. In no other parish of the bishopric have the number of native Indians increased so much as here; with them are intermixed some whites and mesticos. The whole pursue fishing, and are farmers of the first necessaries. They export some earthenware and timber.
Five miles to the north of Almeyda is the Aldeia Velha, (the Old Aldeia,) inhabited by Christianized Indians. It has commodious anchorage for sumacas at the mouth of a small river.
Further on there is another aldeia of Goytacaze Indians, also Christians. The whole cultivate the necessaries of life, practise fishing, and many pursue the manufacture of earthenware. Orange trees are remarkably abundant, and the fruit excellent. A considerable quantity of gamellas (wooden bowls) are exported.
Itapemirim stands on the southern margin, and two miles above the mouth of the river of the same name. It has a parish church of Our Lady of Amparo. A considerable augmentation of this place is anticipated. Its inhabitants drink the waters of the river, cultivate plantations of the sugar cane, and the cotton tree, rice, Indian corn, &c. and cut timber; all these are articles of exportation.
On the margin of the river Piuma there is an aldeia of the same name, whose inhabitants cultivate the necessaries of life peculiar to the country, and cut much timber from the neighbouring woods. Vessels of a small size can be constructed here.
On the margin of the river Doce, two miles below the mouth of the Mandu, there is a prezidio, with the name of Souza, in order to impede the smuggling of gold from Minas Geraes, and which may become in time a considerable povoaçao. The surrounding territory is highly fertile. One quart of the seed of feijao will generally produce ninety Winchester bushels; and lower down, upon an island in the same river, the same quantity of seed has rendered one hundred and fifteen Winchester bushels, which is nearly four hundred for one. A quart of Indian corn commonly produces one hundred and fifteen bushels. A shrub grows here, the bruised leaves of which afford a liquor by infusion, which will dye a fast purple colour.
Near the river Jecu, at a great distance above its mouth, in a fertile district, is beginning to flourish the arraial of the same name, inhabited by white agriculturists, and abounding with game.
In the latitude of 20°, and upwards of five hundred miles distant from the coast of this province, is the small and rocky island of Ascension, also called Trinidade. It has good water; but having no good anchorage place, and little of its surface being susceptible of cultivation, it is uninhabited.
CHAP. XIV.
PROVINCE OF PORTO SEGURO.
Boundaries—Prosperity of its first Donatory—Reversion to the Crown in a bad State—Present partial Cultivation—Indians—Mountains—Mineralogy—Zoology—Phytology—Rivers, Lakes, and Ports—Povoações—Abrolhos.