This retired spot has been selected by the authorities for a collection of rare specimens of trees, fruits and flowers, being hence styled the Botanical Garden. If any one desires to study in a small compass, many varieties of rarities, it may be done here advantageously, without a guide, as the names of most of the unusual fruits are attached to the trees by a metal card. The almond, the clove and the cinnamon tree are among this interesting assortment.
The greatest taste has been displayed in laying out these extensive grounds, and they have been most elaborately supplied with attractions, making it quite a recreation to stroll leisurely and quietly through the extended walks. No one should go to Rio without visiting this place, and a hack takes persons from Rua Direita directly to the gate.
Upon our return we stopped with Senor Mello, and found his mother and three sisters presenting more of the characteristics of our people than is usual among the ladies of this country. Though none of them spoke English, I found that my small acquisition in Portuguese availed to communicate with them to a limited extent, and the kind disposition manifested compensated for the lack of language to express their good will towards us.
Another brother of the young ladies was also present who speaks English, and with the aid of the two as interpreters, all got on very pleasantly with our party during the call.
A nice repast, with beer, wine and brandy, was served in the dining-room, and none of us having any difficulty in comprehending this phase of the entertainment, all were prepared to appreciate it. With the best wishes of the old lady, we took our leave of the household.
Thursday, November 30, 1865.
Going this morning to the office of Mr. C. Nathan for some letters he proposed to furnish for our visit to Ignape and Cananea, he sent a young man with us to the post-office to assist in examining the lists, and to make inquiries for letters. None however were found, and I must be resigned to the failure of letters by the last packet from the United States.
Upon returning, Lieutenant Fiske, formerly connected with the Confederate Navy, called to learn something of my observations upon the country, and finding that he had concluded to return to the United States, I presented no consideration calculated to change his determination, nor did I feel disposed to develop my plans to him.
Mr. Malone came in for a short conference, in which he expressed his decision to remain in the country with his family. He and his lady had at one time a female school in Memphis, Tennessee, and they will make a pleasant addition to the group of settlers wherever they may locate.
Shortly after these gentlemen left, Senor Street entered and informed me that he was authorized by the Minister of Agriculture to accompany myself, Dr. Shaw, and Major Meriwether to Conceicão and Cananea, and that all would be arranged for us to go aboard of the Santa Maria to-morrow.