Polynesian., 1844-10-05

from the SKINS OF hummlng Dlrus. Ahe
diamond shops have some fine gems, but
none Of great value are kept in sight.
The population Of Rio is now estimated at
900, 900. OF this number there are said to
be 5000 French. The slave population APP
pears to be the predominating one, and
colors vary from the ebony hue, which is
very abundant, to the pure European tinge,
which is comparatively rare. The native
Brazilians, such as one sees in the streets,
are a diminutive, dark looking race, with but
little that is prepossessing in their counte-
nances. Both male and female arc OBJ
n~oxious to this remark. But the better
classes-particularly the females-are not
much to be seen abroad. Brazilian jeal-
ousy and inhospitality are proverbial, but
becoming less as refinement and education
increase. A hostile feeling exists between
the native Brazilians and Portuguese, owing
doubtless to the e%moluments and monopolies
formerly enjoyed by the latter, when Brazil
was dependant upon Portugal. The foreign
American society is very limited, but as
everywhere else is hospitable to the fullest
extent.
The streets Of Rio are lighted to the dis
lance Of several miles into the country
The neighboring rides are delightful. That
to the Emperor's garden is one much fire.
quented. Carriages are exceedingly expen-
sive. The turn-outs, however, arc gay, and
the steeds good. Parties generally take a
four-horsc barouche. The drivers put their
horses at a rapid gallop through the narrow
streets, dashing over the rough %pavements
with a velocity that threatens momentarily
to wreck the establishment and jcopardise
those on foot. But it is the custom, and the
people have from long practice become quite
expert in clearing the way. A naval friend
Of mine, however, who was on horseback in
one Of the narrow streets, unexpectedly met
the Emperor and his suite; a detachment
Of lancers were charging in front at full
speed. They were too quick for him to run
from them, and to avoid being overthrown
he dashed into the open door of a store kept
by a French modiste, who was equally
astonished and alarmed at the sudden APP
!, pcarance Of horse and rider amid her wares.
The galloping by Of the suite explained the
r matter, and with the native politeness Of her
race, she readily p%ardoncd the intrusion.
The gardens, which are six miles from
!, town, arc much visited. They are laid out
with much taste and elegance. Amid the
profuse richness Of the vegetable kingdom
Of Brazil are to be seen the rarest flowers,
e shrubs and trees of the East, and other
. climes. The spices Of India emit their fra
, GRANGE, and the tea of China grows with all
the vigor of its native soil. Several acres
arc devoted to the culture Of this plant
Ponds, fountains, cascades, waterfalls, par
~tcrres, hedges of roses, and the most beau.
tifal flowers, and labyrinths Of walks with
, rustic seats are so arranged as to afford ths
= greatest qualification to the eye. In one
portion Of the garden, the visiter come:
J suddenly upon a house composed entirely
Of trees, which have been guided and trim.
med so as to form a perfect building, with
i doors, windows, sc. 1t is situated upon
mound, and commands from it's windows
$ view Of the best portion of the garden
i Slaves are in attendance, and for Il trih,
c supply visitors with choice boquets.
: There is a museum at Rio open once
= week to the public. 1t contains a large col
q lection of Brazilian minerals. including dia
@ monds and the precious ores. 1t is ais,