After this process is completed, the mass is removed to the open chamber of the building, and parcel by parcel is sprinkled with water and placed in a pile, which developes warmth so great that the hand cannot bear it, thus producing the lime in ordinary use under the name of slacked lime. It presents a fine aspect, with all the other indications of a good quality of this article. There is no limestone near this place, and hence the shell is made available for lime.
We also visited the tannery located in the suburbs of the city near the margin of the coast on the north. It is by no means so neat as the one described in Rio de Janeiro, and the want of any systematic disposition of the refuse parts of the hides leaves them to create a stench about the place which attracts a number of buzzards.
The articles used chiefly for astringents in the tanning process are the same as observed in Rio; the leaf and bark of the manque manse and the manque bravo, which grow promiscuously over the extensive tidewater lowlands near this city. There is in connection with this tannery a rude lime-factory, which produces from the burning of shell the lime required for use at this place.
In examining the specimens of sole leather that were piled up under an open shed, the process of tanning seemed to be very thorough; and though there is not that care and attention bestowed which would insure the best results, yet this business has proved profitable to the proprietor. He has a small steamboat which is used for bringing in his materials for tanning, his raw-hides from the city, and in delivering his leather for shipment, or any other service connected with his operations. This diminutive craft makes regular trips also to Cubitão, connecting with the diligence line to São Paulo; and is frequently hired for excursions, thus making a nice little income, besides serving all the purposes of transportation for the tannery.
Mr. Wright tried to procure this small steamer for our party to visit Perique to-morrow, but found that it was engaged, and that it could not take us until Sunday.
Dr. Shaw and Major Meriwether were invited by Mr. Wright to dine at his house to-day, it being the birthday of his elder son, Billy. His father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law were also present on the occasion; and we were all favorably impressed and very much pleased with the performance on the piano by Mrs. Wright and her sister. Most of our Southern songs are played by Mrs. Wright, but really there are so few of them in keeping with the result of our struggle, that we feel but little interest in hearing them now.
In going out upon the street after dark with Mr. Wright, we observed there were some exercises at the Roman Catholic church; and upon entering, we found that a number of persons, principally females, were kneeling for mass; while vocal and instrumental music added interest to the scene. It was a day of some festival.
As we returned we met on the pavement at the entrance of a house Senor Manoel Pinto Soares; and soon afterwards his wife Donna Flora came down prepared for a walk. As they were going in the same direction with us, Mr. Wright devolved it upon me to escort the lady, and upon going forward with her, Senor Manoel suggested that she take my arm, whereupon I tendered her this assistance, which was accepted by her.
Though I could command but a meagre supply of the Portuguese language for conversation, I arranged my words so as to be understood, and her remarks were also comprehended, so that there was but little embarrassment. My observation has now satisfied me that ladies in refined society receive the same kind of attention from gentlemen as is customary with us.
Saturday, December 9, 1865.