Large masses of limestone are also present in several places. In one place, iron ore was likewise observed, which is doubtless connected with an extensive deposit. I was particularly struck with collections of superior red chalk, which would be well adapted for red pencils, as well as the ordinary marking purposes of chalk, while it might also serve as a pigment when ground. There is said also to be a deposit of coal in the range of hills next to Iporanga, but this may be a misapprehension of inexperienced persons. Should there prove to be coal-mines here, the value of the whole assemblage of mineralogical specimens would be immensely enhanced.
All these treasures might be made available which are located upon slopes of the serra looking towards Iporanga, but on the other side the difficulties of transportation are almost insurmountable.
Upon the top of the serra, between two ridges, there is a farm, upon which corn was growing most luxuriantly. Bananas and coffee trees were also seen at another place, looking very well.
An exceeding fine black bull was observed all alone far up on the ridge, and his appearance indicated fine stock. Other cattle in excellent condition were seen elsewhere, and in one group there were four bulls, two of which were very large.[[29]]
Saturday, January 6, 1866.
We reposed last night at an old site of a fazenda, belonging to the estate of Senor Rafael, who died about a year since leaving a large property. A negro woman, having charge of the house, gave it up to our possession, and assisted us some in our culinary arrangements, for which she was rewarded by taking breakfast with these camaradas, after I had eaten my frugal meal. The farina was made into mush this morning, and thus furnished something of a variety in our fare.
Having now descended from the elevated land, we proceeded along a stream, called the Ribeirão de Camarga, which was crossed no less than nine times within a few miles; and after leaving it, three other smaller streams were crossed within as many hundred yards, all converging to empty into one channel that was subsequently passed, as it made its way into the great receptacle of these waters, the Ribeira de Ignape.
Within six miles we reached the village of Iporanga, and ascertaining that Senor João Paulo Dias, to whom I bore a letter, was not in town, I called at his house, and found Senor Joaquim José Vieyra da Rocha in possession, who treated me very kindly. He provided a very good meal for me, and yet having no knife on the table, left me to manage with a fork and a spoon. Upon intimating my wish to arrange for proceeding upon my journey, he went and brought Senor Manoel Joquim da Rocha, who advised me to proceed to Xiririca in a canoe, and arrange there for farther progress.
To this I acceded, and requested him to make all the requisite arrangements for the trip on the water, and let me know what was to be paid. He stated that it would be better for me to go this afternoon, some eight miles down the river to the situ of Senor João Paulo, to whom I had brought the letter, and spending the night with him, I could resume my voyage to-morrow morning. All being in readiness, he went with me to the point of embarkation, and upon my proposing to pay, he said all was settled in advance, and that I had nothing to pay. Besides this, he gave me two letters to parties in Xiririca, to facilitate my progress from there. This gentleman being an entire stranger, and having no personal interest whatever in serving me, I appreciated most gratefully his kindness in this matter.
I learned from Senor Manoel that Senor Street had been here some days ago, but had returned to Cananea, and perhaps to São Paulo; yet it was my expectation that he might still be found at the former place, and my wish was to communicate with him if possible in this region.