Hunting a home in Brazil

by James McFadden Gaston

He accompanied Dr. Vaz, Dr. Warne, and myself to his city residence, for the purpose of eating jaboticabas; and while I enjoyed the fruit, I was much more favorably impressed with his bearing than previously. We saw there, also, a specimen of the small stingless bee of this country, which makes its receptacle for the honey in the hollow of a tree or the crevice of a wall, and affords the most delicious article that is ever made by any of the bee class.

There was a variety of fruit trees in the garden of this gentleman, and among them a specimen of the peach; which was, however, of inferior quality, as are all seen in any part of the country.

A large company was invited to join us at dinner to-day, and the entertainment was most sumptuous; with a fine turkey in addition to a fine old ham, and other meats, and as a compliment to the dessert, a plum pudding held a conspicuous place. This last delicacy was dressed in a way that I have not been accustomed to see; loaf sugar being placed over it, and then Cognac brandy poured upon this, and set on fire by a strip of paper which accompanied the lighted candle. I confess in this matter to have shown my greenness, as I really did not understand the programme until it was explained to me; and this account of the after dinner scene may enable some other person to avoid showing their ignorance. This dish is called here by its English name, plum pudding; and in like manner, roast beef is known by this name among the best families.

I was quite surprised when asked by the lady of the house, “Quere plum pudding?” and upon inquiry I was informed that when this article was imported the name was imported with it.

While we were yet engaged with the meats, Dr. Vaz arose, and representing our host, made a short speech of welcome to us, and closed with a sentiment embodying all by name. To show his appreciation of the compliment, the General made rather a lengthy address for a dinner table, and toasted the Emperor of Brazil and the province of São Paulo.

With a few preliminary remarks, I gave the sentiment that Settequéda and São Lorenço would long be remembered as the homesteads of our best friends. Dr. Warne premising some remarks, toasted our host and hostess.

General Wood not being well, begged to be excused, and retired to his room before the exercises were concluded, when Dr. Vaz went out to minister to him. Commendador Egydio and Senor Dom Pinto made addresses complimentary to our people, and calculated to encourage our movement to this country.

The remarks on this occasion were interpreted by Mr. Bennaton, as each speaker proceeded, and quite an awkward scene occurred from the deafness of Dom Pinto, who had not perceived that the remarks were interpreted; and when he rose to speak, afforded no opportunity for the interpreter to repeat his words; who consequently had to abandon the undertaking and leave the Dom to proceed without any prospect of being understood by our party.

After dinner I went with Dr. Reinhardt to his house and received much information as to the country and the medical profession of the city. He tells me that the physicians here realize from $5,000 to $7,000 per annum, and that the plantations of coffee around the place afford a considerable share of the business. He thinks of coming to the United States after a few years for the purpose of educating his children, having married and raised a family in Brazil.

The most attractive feature of the hospitalities of Senor Joaquim Bonifacio was the party given in the evening, at which there were present many of the elite, with several very pretty and sprightly young ladies. The daughters and wife of Dr. Vaz were introduced to me and others of our party by himself; and these fine-looking and elegantly-dressed young ladies were the stars of the evening, though there were others who were much admired by the gentlemen of our party. General Wood having recovered from his indisposition, danced with several of the ladies, and appeared the gayest among the gay. Dr. Warne also danced several rounds, and even enjoyed the intimate relations of a waltz with the younger daughter of Dr. Vaz. The older daughter had the lower part of her fine skirt torn in the dance, and in assisting her to pin it up, I made a blunder, by saying “sua vestida muito ruim.”