Mountains.—The serra of Almas for a considerable space divides the province from that of Minas Geraes.
The serra of Villavelha, near the town of Rio de Contas and the Pinga, a few leagues to the west of the latter, the highest portion of which, denominated the Morro das Almas, is seen from a considerable distance, and is frequently covered with fogs. Various torrents, which take different courses, have their origin in it.
The serra of Catulez, commencing a few leagues to the north of the Pinga, extends forty miles to the north-west, and terminates within twenty of the town of Urubu.
The serra of Montes Altos, (High Mountains,) which abounds with saltpetre, is prolonged from north to south, at a distance of about thirty-five miles from the river St. Francisco.
The serra of Cincura, which is a branch of the Aimores, extends almost to the northern extremity of the province, discontinuing entirely in various parts, and serving as a limit to the winter of the sea-coast, when it is there rainy.
In the district of Jacobina, is the Morro do Chapéo, (or Hat Rock,) so called from its similitude to a hat.
The serra of Thiuba, which possesses gold, and upon whose summit cold is sensibly felt, is in some parts covered with rocks, in others with woods; has many dwellers, and a hermitage of St. Gonçalo d’Amarante.
The serra of Paulista commands the view of a plain extending far to the eastward.
The serra of Borracha, otherwise Muribeca, is said to have abundance of brass, also some silver, and is not far distant from the celebrated fall of Paulo Affonso.
The serra of Riachinho is a portion of that of Cincura; those who come from the river St. Francisco, by the road of Joazeiro in the summer, passing this mountain soon find pasturage for their animals, on its eastern side.