The island of Marajo, in consequence of its proximity, may be considered as forming a part of this district. Its principal povoaçoes are the following:—
Monforte, ci-devant Villa de Joannes, a middling town, and well situated upon the bay of Marajo, has a church of Nossa Senhora do Rozario, and is nearly fifty miles north of Para. A Juiz de Fora presides over the senate, and it may be regarded as the capital of the island.
Moncaraz, originally Cayha, is a small town, with a church of St. Francisco d’Assiz, and ten miles south of Monforte, at the embouchure of a small river in front of Collares.
Salvaterra is an insignificant place, but well situated upon the southern angle of the month of the Mondin, eight miles north of Monforte, and has a church of the Lady of Conceiçao.
Soyre, a villota, or small village, is situated upon the northern batik of the Mondin, a few miles above Salvaterra, with a church of Menino Deus.
Chaves is a small town upon the northern coast, fronting Robordello, and flourished whilst a fishery existed, which was there established by a company from Para.
To the west of Chaves is the parish of Condexa, also a maritime povoaçao, refreshed with fine breezes, but possessing nothing remarkable.
In this island are also the parishes of Porto Salvo, at the mouth of the river Marajo Assu, in front of the town of Conde, Ponte de Pedra, more to the north, and Villar, a little further in the same direction. They are inhabited by Indians, who cultivate the provisions of the climate, and practise hunting and fishing.
District of Tapajonia.
This district is confined on the north by the Amazons; on the south by the district of Arinos; on the west by that of Mundrucania, from which it is separated by the Tapajos, the river that affords the district its name; and on the east by Xingutania. It is three hundred and fifty miles in length from north to south, and about two hundred of medium width.