Chapter XII: San Romão to the Diamond District

Leaves San Romão—Passes Guaribas—Passagem—Geräes
Velhas—Espigão—Caisára—Cabeceira—Arrives at the Villa
de Formigas—Town described—Account of the impostor
Douville—Country around rich in Botanical products—Passes
Viados—Arrives at the Arraial de Bomfim—Reaches San
Elo—Sitio—Comes to a Gold Working called Lavrinha—Crosses
the River Inhacica—Reaches As Vargems—Registo do Rio
Inhahy—Bassoras on the River Jiquitinhonha—Examines a Diamond
Mine—Formation in which the Diamond is found—Mode of working
it—Arrives at the Arraial de Mendanha—Town described—Ascends
the Serra de Mendanha—Reaches Duas Pontes—Arrives at the
Cidade Diamantina, formerly the Arraial de Tijuco, the
Capital of the Diamond District—Town situated on side of
hill—Description of its Population—Their mode of Dress—Its
cold Temperature—Productions of its Neighbourhood—Mining
for Diamonds, formerly a privileged Monopoly, now open to
all—Character of Miners—Extent of Diamond Mines—Privilege
of Slaves there employed—Climate very healthy—Women very
handsome—Complaints incident to its Climate—Loyalty shown by
its Inhabitants—Fatality among Horses 320