Chapter IV: Alagoas and the Rio San Francisco

The Author’s Motive for this Excursion—Voyage to the
Southward—Description of the Coast and Observations on the
great Restinga—Reaches Barra de S. Antonio Grande—Arrives at
Maceio—Description of the Town and surrounding Country—Resolves
to visit the Rio San Francisco—Embarks in a Jangada and
coasts to the Southward—Batel—Lands at Peba—Journey thence
to Piassabassú on the Rio San Francisco—Ascends the River to
Penêdo—The Town described—Productions of the District—Its
Population—Voyage up the River—Mode of Navigation—Arrives at
Propihà—Vegetation of the Country—Description of a Market
Fair—Dress of the People—Voyage continued to Traipú—Passes the
Ilha dos Prazeres—Barra de Panêma—Abundance of Fish of the
Salmon Tribe—Village of Lagoa Funda—Island of S. Pedro—Its
Indian Population described—Continues the Voyage—Fearful
Storm—Return to S. Pedro, serious Illness and detention
there—Scarcity of Food—Renounces in consequence all intention
of proceeding further—Returns to Penêdo—Scheme for Navigating
the Rio San Francisco—Reason why it will never succeed—Arrives
again at Maceio—Visits Alagoas—That City described—Leaves
Maceio—Coasting Voyage—Singular Mode of catching Fish—Return to
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