Here it was observed that the cows were very much annoyed by a fly which deposits its egg in the flesh and causes numerous points of irritation in the skin. The same result ensues when they make a deposit in the human skin.[[32]]
Wednesday, January 17, 1866.
Finding the Braço de Gado reduced again to its natural channel, we left our imprisonment, enjoying another day as bright and clear as that of yesterday, until late in the afternoon, when there was a slight shower of rain. This body of land is the possession of Senor Miguel, and we proceeded from it across the ridge towards the Ribeiro to examine another tract owned by him, of a configuration and quality that is better suited to agricultural operations than any of the territory thus far seen. There is perhaps a square league of land in this lot; and it combines original forest, secondary growth, and open cultivated fields. A large portion of the original forest is well timbered, and not so irregular as to prevent cultivation with the plough; but there is one part that assumes a mountainous character and of course precludes ordinary culture. On the crest of this elevation I was informed that crops had been grown and that the soil was good, but I did not make the ascent.
In the lands under cultivation I saw a few patches of corn, some of which was growing well, while others indicated an exhausted soil as well as deficient culture. At one small house where we stopped there were rice and peas, which the negro tenant had grown on the place; and at another there was a considerable lot of corn. There is upon this place a site where a large rice-mill was formerly in operation, and might be made available again for machinery. I found the effects of the fly upon the skin of cattle here also, and any quantity of mosquitoes in the wood.
Thursday, January 18, 1866.
After a tour of five days and a return to the comforts of home, Senor Miguel announced this as a day of rest for us; but a few points may be adverted to in connection with my past observations upon the surroundings of this place.
This section of country about Xiririca is exempt from local or epidemic diseases, and the general constitutional stamina of the population indicates vigorous health. Goitre and leprosy, which are found in most other sections, are unknown in this region. The climate is free from that oppressive heat which prevails in higher latitudes, and which is observed in less elevated localities.
The atmosphere is also free from fogs or any other undue dampness. I am here in what is known to be the rainy season of this country, and setting out from the homestead of Senor Miguel Antonio Jorge on Saturday, the 13th inst., we ascended the Ribeira de Ignape for twenty-five miles, and during the entire day the sun was shining brightly, and only a mere sprinkle late in the evening for a few moments. On the following day we crossed the range of hills at right angles from the river, proceeding some eight or ten miles, and again the sun shone brightly all the day without any thing more than a light sprinkle late in the afternoon. On the third day we traversed hills and valleys on a line parallel with the Ribeira for a distance of fifteen miles, and still the sun shone brightly throughout the day with no signs of rain until night. On the fourth day the sun beamed forth again, and the brightness of the fifth was only marred by a sprinkle in the evening.
Friday, January 19, 1866.
My friend Senor Miguel Antonio Jorge arranged that his son, Senor Guilherme, should accompany me to-day to visit the lands lying between our former route and the river. Setting out with a guide from Caiacauga, we proceeded nearly four miles upon the road by which we returned from our former tour, and then diverging to the right hand, we passed through a portion of land lying favorably, and with good soil. This is located upon a stream which forms the line of division between the territory which Senor Miguel proposes to sell and that of his home place.