Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-03-05

BRAZIL AND THE BRAzILIANs, PORTRAYED in
Historical aud Descriptive Sketches by Rev. D.
P. kidder and Rev. J G. Fletcher Illustrated
by $50 Engrayings. Philadelphia: Childs &
Peterson. Boston Phillips, sampson. & Co.
Since the publication of Dr. Kane's Arctic Ex-
ptorations there has been no narrative or descrip-
tive work that has been received and read with
such universal appreciation and pleasure, as the
one of which the title is given above A resi-
! dence of many years amongst the scenes which
they attempt to describe, and careful study of
the people amongst whom they dwelt, must have
fitted Messrs Kidder and Fletcher for the task
OF faithfully portray ing the manners and customs
OF the Brazilians. 1t has been the mistake of
not few travellers, glancing at "life in BRAZIL
from short visit to the country, to be struck by
the preponderance Of priests and ceremonies, and
devote their chapters 10 the zodiac of Catholic
rites, and this, too to the exclusion of other val
liable information, thereby distorting the real
features of the picture. Messrs. Kidder and
Fletcher DO not overlook the prevalence of priest
ly ideas in almost every act of South American
life, whether political or social; still they possess
that discriminating power which enables them to
separate thing spiritual and temporal and to look
at the general life in this colossal region apart
from this powerful influence. They look at a
Brazilian also under the influence of commerce,
Of politics, of scientific pursuits, of trade and
agriculture; examine into the resources of the
country, the workings of the present systems
which control the mercantile and manufacturing
community of Brazil; depict the spirit which an
mates the various political parties Of the empire
an assist the naturalist in arriving at accurate
knowledge Of the floral beauties and geological
and mineral wealth of this colossal kingdom.
The London Spectator, at the close of very
elaborate commekdatory criticism upon the book
says
"The most interesting and valuable sections
are the southern voyage, for its freshness; and
those expositiOns which relate to the social, DO
litical, and industrial position of the country.
If these last are accurate-and We see no reason
TO doubt it-Brazil has greater importance than
is generally believed, and is entitltd TO more d
plomahc attention. or rather e'vility, than it is
in the habit of receiving from this country, at
least. Her available power, especially in waging
war. may not be great, but she has a considerable
and growing commerce; many of her sons are
very enlightened and enterprising men-active in
reforming abuses, and advancing the country in
education, science. and industry. The Emperor
is not only remarkable among sovereigns, but
even among men, for his liberal views and his
various requirements, chiefly Of a scientific and
practical kind. The constitution is liberal the
government quite as liberal the peoples and
though much has yet to be done in removing
the evils which Romanism and the old Portu-
guese Jstem of rule entailed upon the country,
good deal has been done, and more 10 in pro-
gress."
The numerous and delighted audience who lis
tened to the interesting lecture at Mechanics
Hail. last winter, from one of the authors Rev.
Mr.. Fletcher, will need no urging from US, to re-
new and enlarge their acquaintance with the
man, and the country he so eloquently describes,
through the pages of this highly interesting work
For sale by Fred. NJ. Peck, 299 Main street.