There is, likewise, another place immediately upon the river some fifteen miles above this fazenda, where cattle are at present reared, and, though not in cultivation, presents an elevated regular outline with indications of fertility. This tract of land has a front on the water of perhaps three-fourths of a mile, and a depth of two miles, yet the exact measurements of this, as most of the land in this region of country, have not been as yet ascertained. If Ponto-Grosso should be sold this would likewise be disposed of, but not otherwise, as it is a stopping place in passing from Caiacauga to the above-named fazenda.
As there are no cotton-gins introduced along this river, and a considerable amount of cotton now planted, Ponto-Grosso would be a favorable location for an extensive ginning establishment, or even for a cotton factory.
Saturday, January 20, 1866.
My friends of Caiacauga having treated me throughout my sojourn here with the greatest possible kindness, Senor Miguel and his very accomplished wife, Donna Maria, walked with me to the canoe-landing this morning, to give me their best wishes upon leaving their house. The noble hospitality of these people exceeds any thing I ever expected to realize among strangers, and, apart from any interested motive, I believe it affords them a satisfaction to contribute to the enjoyment of a guest.
It being arranged that my young friend, Senor Guilherme, would accompany me, we embarked at 11 o’clock A. M. with two sturdy negro fellows to paddle us down the river; and making a pleasant voyage, we reached Ponto-Grosso at 6½ o’clock P. M.
An ample stock of provisions had been supplied by my hostess for the entire trip to Ignape, consisting of chickens, fried fish, boiled rice, excellent bread, farina, bananas, figs, and pine-apples. In addition to these, we were supplied with a kind of beefsteak, enveloped in eggs and fried, so as to afford a most palatable dish. Having partaken freely of our stores on the way, a cup of coffee was all that I cared to take upon arrival, though Senor Guilherme insisted upon having a warm supper prepared.
Previous to visiting this region of country, nothing could be learned definitely in regard to its adaptation to the growth of the staple commodities, corn, cotton, and coffee; but my observations lead to the conclusion that each of them may be produced here advantageously.
Corn has been heretofore one of the principal articles of export to Santos and Rio de Janeiro; and, in the form of big hominy, is used to a considerable extent in the country. But corn bread is not known here, though the farina is frequently made when that of the mandioca is not at hand. The white flint corn is the only kind which is planted, and though the ears are not large, it seems to be a sound, good grain.
The common white corn is said to be much more liable to injury from weevils than this hard variety; and the yellow or red corn is not found so marketable in the form of big hominy, which is dried and shipped in large quantities. A change of seed and improved culture would doubtless secure better results in the growth of corn.
Cotton has been grown in this region by a few persons for several years, with results that are conclusive as to the favorable yield, and yet systematic culture is requisite to test fully the quality and quantity that may be produced in these river lands. Should the improved appliances and the skilled labor of the Southern States be applied to the culture of cotton here, I am satisfied the yield will exceed that of the lands in the United States; and it is likely that the amount of cotton grown in Brazil within a few years will affect very much the markets of the world. The labor of production is materially lessened by its continuous growth from the same stalk, which is annually cut off and yields again full crops.