These lands lie in juxtaposition to each other, so that they would together form a fine large plantation, and one good settlement, or perhaps more could be secured. The average of the whole makes the price one dollar and twenty cents per acre, and I have seen no body of land presenting such favorable conditions for a fazenda, though not adapted to a number of small settlements.
This territory lies eight miles south of Araraquara, and a considerable proportion of the two last-named tracts have been at one time cleared and under cultivation. But it is evident that it was not materially impaired, and it is again covered with a growth of taquara (a species of cane) and small trees of various kinds, which would be much more readily cleared off than the original forest.
This land is said to have been planted seven years ago in corn and beans, for the purpose of fattening hogs to be driven to market; but this trade being no longer profitable, it was abandoned, and the land allowed to grow up as stated.
The altitude of this region renders it very pleasant for a residence, and yet its exemption from frost enables the coffee to be cultivated successfully.
Dom Barros has already a portion of land adjoining these lands planted in coffee, which looks to be thriving well, though not old enough to bear fruit. I saw upon his place corn-stalks, that indicated its adaptation to this important crop, and pumpkins of good size were also seen in the field amongst the corn. He cultivates the sugar-cane very successfully, and has a large mill, in which he is constantly working it, with a firm yield of sugar and rum. The molasses is very little made anywhere I have been, and yet when produced is of the very finest quality. It is not used as we use it, in connection with the substantials of a meal, but is confined to use with the dessert, and is a most delicious syrup.
If the water-power upon the Chimbarro can be secured, in connection with these lands, it then becomes a very desirable investment, and as Dom Barros brings the water for his machinery from this stream, through a race two miles long, it may be that a privilege could be had from the owner, though he may not sell the land.
After an excellent dinner, at which Senorha presided, much after the style of our southern ladies, we were supplied with a guide by Dom Barros, and came to the villa of Araraquara. Having a letter to Senor Manuel Francisco de Oliveira, we were kindly received and well provided for at his house. I was informed that a letter had been addressed to me by the municipal authorities of this place, inviting me to visit the district, and that the people throughout the country were very desirous that we should select a location amongst them. Several gentlemen called upon us, and among them the municipal Judge, to whom I had a letter of introduction—Senor Dom Andre Dias de Aguiar. This gentleman impressed me very favorably by his courteous manner and his intelligent expression of countenance, while he manifested quite an interest in the objects of my visit, and my personal gratification.
The villa of Araraquara is located upon a plateau, which affords ample scope for extension of the town; and there is a clear bold brook running on one side of it, which affords fine water for domestic purposes and for the use of all kinds of stock. The streets are laid off at right angles, with a church and an open space in front of it in the centre of the population. I observed that there was a jail opposite the church, and yet I was informed that it was not much in demand for criminals. The style of architecture is similar to the mud-built houses seen elsewhere, being nearly all of a single story, and consequently spread over a large area, when any considerable house-room is secured. The drinking water here is superior, and the climate very pleasant.
Saturday, October 21, 1865.
Senor Candido Mariano Barba, the government agent at this place, called upon us early this morning, and manifested a desire to aid me in any way it might be practicable.[[18]]