In all the rivers of this province there is a species of fish resembling a skate, with a spur upon the tail, the painful sting of which, when it does not produce death, leaves the patient with a terrible wound: the only remedy known is burning with a hot iron or caustic, when the artery is not affected. The Author of Nature has beneficently ordained that they confine themselves to the bottom of dead water, and do no harm to those who bathe in running streams.

The lake of Velho is to the right of the Jaguaribe, with which it communicates by two channels in the parish of St. Joam, many leagues distant from the town of Aricaty. The lake of Jaguaracu lies between the rivers Cioppe and Siara, thirty-five miles from the sea, and the lake Camurupim, a short way from the eastern margin of the river Camucim, are the most considerable. Other periodical lakes are to be remarked, of little depth and considerable diameter, which only exist whilst it rains, and whose waters, on the return of heat and dry winds, crystallize into a white and excellent salt.

Islands, Capes, and Ports.—On the extensive coast of this province there are no promontories or remarkable capes, no ports for the reception of large vessels, nor islands, except in the embouchures or beds of the rivers. The shore in some parts is steep, in others flat and sandy, covered with mangroves, and having in some situations fine cocoa-nut trees.

The bay of Titoya, with seven miles of mouth and two of depth, is surrounded by handsome mangroves, full of divers species of crab-fish, and is situated between the mouth of the Camucim and the limit of the province. The bay of Jericoacoara, considerable, and pointed out by the morro of the same name, and the bay of Iguape, surrounded by high barriers, contracted into a point by a mount on the eastern side, are the only openings in the land meriting that denomination.

A line drawn north and south, from the river Curu to the southern limit, divides this province into two parts almost equal.

In the eastern part are the following towns:—

In the western division:—

Nossa Senhora d’Assumpçao, otherwise Villa do Forte, so named in consequence of a fort which defended it, but more commonly called Siara, is a very middling town, and the residence of the governor; the chapel, dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, was the origin of its present name. It is the capital of the province, and has a church of St. Joze de Ribamar. It is situated near the beach, is surrounded with a sandy soil, and about seven miles to the north-west of the embouchure of the river Siara, where it was first commenced at the place now called Villavelha. It is the most ancient town in the province, and the reputed city of Siara of Vosgien, possessing however no advantages that would warrant the expectation of any great improvement of its present condition. The pine, or atta, is here very large, and its fruit delicious. In 1808 it received a Juiz de Fora, who is judge of all civil and criminal causes, also auditor of war, judge of the custom-house, attorney-general, and deputy of the junta of the treasury, which does not differ in its jurisdiction from any of the others. The governor of this province touched at Pernambuco during my stay there; the term of his government had expired, and he was on his way to Rio de Janeiro. This province cannot boast of any foreign commerce; the principal part of its produce has hitherto been sent by coasting vessels principally to Maranham; and in like manner its internal demands have been supplied. A respectable house of London have it in contemplation to form an establishment here: this house has had for many years establishments at Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Pernambuco.