Upon descending further, the Laguary, a larger stream on the left, was passed, and I was told that canoes ascend it to a considerable distance.
Below this is the island of Bananal Grande.
My sturdy negro boatman did not seem inclined to expend much his energies upon his paddle, and I endeavored to stimulate him by offering a reward for a quick trip. But he subsequently sat down to paddle, and actually went to sleep. I then said that he must be very tired, and proposed to relieve him for a time, but he insisted there was no need of my doing so, and seemed to turn over the paddle to me reluctantly. My progress was not the most satisfactory, and getting into a swift place, the canoe made headway towards a point of land which I had to turn. The negro, perceiving my inability to manage his craft, again took the paddle, and after this there was no more sitting down to sleep. These fellows stand up in using the paddle or pole, and it is surprising how long they can continue this severe labor without intermission. This canoe was a regular dug-out, as are all on this river. It measured about twenty (20) feet in length, two (2) feet across the mouth, and eighteen (18) inches deep. The general thickness did not exceed one inch, with a belt of increased thickness in the middle, and with somewhat more substance in the bottom.
The negro informed me that such a canoe could be bought for six dollars ($6.00) at Iporanga.
Reaching Xiririca shortly after 6 o’clock P. M., I went immediately to the house of Senor Miguel Antonio Jorgi, and upon presenting the letters I bore from various parties, he proposed that I should proceed with him and his family down the river to his situ. To this I cordially assented, saying, “En eston as suas ordens.” His wife was introduced to me, and having learned that she spoke English, I forthwith propounded the interrogatory, “Falla Inglez, Senhora?” But I was answered, “Não, Senhor. Esquece toda lingua Ingleza.” She had spoken English when she was first married, but having no one to converse with for eight years, it had been forgotten, and I was left to my small acquirements in Portuguese as the only means of communication with this family. Senor Guilherme, a son of Senor Miguel, was also presented to me, and a number of other gentlemen who happened to be at the house when I entered. I escorted Senhora to the canoe-landing, giving her my arm, as I had learned this act of civility was viewed much in the same light as with us. All that was said by either was mutually understood, and my prospect for getting on in my communications with intelligent, educated people, is far more encouraging than in my intercourse with the caipiras with whom I have been for several days past in coming across the country.
I was accommodated in the huge family canoe, which had a covering of raw-hide, and all were comfortably protected for the voyage of ten miles.
The negro with the other canoe, in charge of my baggage, was directed by Senor Miguel to follow us.
Monday, January 8, 1866.
Requesting Senor Guilherme to write a note of thanks for me to Senor Manoel Joaquim da Rocha, for the service rendered by the man and the canoe in bringing me down the river, they were dismissed this morning at an early hour to return to Iporanga.
Having learned definitely that Senor Street has left this section, I am thrown upon my own resources in making any exploration of the lands, and, as Senor Miguel seems very kindly disposed, I have accepted his invitation to remain a few days for the purpose of looking around the country.