The only practical distinction here is, into cooler and warmer season, but the classification is made and the months will be thus arranged into seasons:
Summer.—December, January, and February.
Autumn.—March, April, and May.
Winter.—June, July, and August.
Spring.—September, October, and November.
The highest temperature is about 90°, and the lowest is about 60° Fahrenheit.
The summer months constitute the rainy season, and the winter months the driest part of the year in most of the territory of Brazil.
The government of Brazil consists of the Emperor and his Council, the Senate, and House of Deputies, acting under the constitution.
The cabinet is formed as that of Great Britain; one man being commissioned by the Emperor, selects his portfolio and colleagues, he becoming president or premier of the council. The members are ministers of the empire, of foreign affairs, of finance, of war, of the navy, of justice; and under one head, of commerce, agriculture, with public works; making seven departments.
Senators are balloted for by electors, the three highest being forwarded to the Emperor, who selects one to fill the office, which is held for life. It is not requisite that he shall be a resident of the province for which he is chosen. Deputies are chosen every four years by electors. The Emperor can dissolve any congress and call for a new election as in Great Britain.