Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-06-18
The Customs of Brazil.

The Customs of Brazil.
There has been much written about
this tropical land, yet people appear to
have but vague idea of the manners
and customs of the inhabitants. After
short sojourn there, gained by per-
sonal observation little information
which l gladly give, hoping it may
benefit my friends. In the first place,
the country is not a paradise, as many
represent it; the climate is enervatiug,
and the air, heavy with its superabun-
dance of vegetation, causes a lassitude
more easily felt than explained. Along
the coast, the sea breezes make it more
endurable; but the heat in most places
is oppressive, owing to the scorching
rays OF the sun. The inhabitants lux
ariate as much as possible in the open
air. Their dwellings are not comfort
able, those of the rich being mostly
built of brick, with tile frouts,
clay frents, plenty of space, doors and
windows; they are damp and chilly
during the rainy season, not being
heated, no fire beisg used except little
for cooking purposes; the result is,
they have close, mouldy smell, which,
if healthy, is certainly most uucomfort-
able. The vault. like air is depressing,
and the dark, mouldy. covered walls OF
gateways and outbuildings are most
distressing in appearance to foreigners.
Sleeping III an apartment at Para, at
one of the best hotels, found no means
OF ventilating my room except round
hole over the door. Furniture is
looked upon as an ornament; it is made
of strong wood, with cane. seated sofas
and chains; carpets are only used in the
parlors or drawing-rooms of the most
wealthy; bedsteads and beds arc merely
ornamental, hammooks being greatly
preferred; these are hung in places to
suit the within of the sleeper; they are
most suitable for the country, as it is
almost impossible to prevent q mattress
from being eaten up by the vermin. A
person is obliged to practice consider.
able art in the use of hammock. !
was much amused by gentleman from
New York, while he was relating his
experience in one. He had blown out
his light and retired; he was annoyed
by lizard running over his feet, and,
not enjoying such company, sprang out
and lighted his candle to wage war upon
the intruder; upon getting III again. lie
turned complete somersa,t. - MS
head upon the floor; he assured lne that
henceforth he would prefer o mat or
some banana leaves on the earthen floor,
such as the poor enjoy, to such bat
tered head.
The cooking in Brazil in very differ
emit from ours; for instance, any amount
of meat is used, with a scarcity Of veg
etagles, being dressed with onions, or
Gil and rice. The coffee is most de-
icious. being made on the Turkish
plan. Upon rising in the morning the
custom is to take strong cup of coffee
and biscuit or piece of bread. At
eleven o'clock breakfast is served, and
dinner between six and seven.
The Brazilians observe strict etiquette
at their meals, course after course be-
ing served principally of different kinds
Of meat and fish, and desert OF docie, or
preserves and cheese, the latter being
imported, and considered q luxury.
Following this comes wines and LIQUORS.
The native whisky or rum is made
from the sugar cane, and considered
very excellent. But little water is
used. Ice is now being used in the
principal cities, being manufactured;
the natives care little fer it. 1 was
amused at gentleman from Para, who
mentioned the case OF q man who tried
to introduce an ice-cream garden in
that tropical city; he said that the na-
tive gentlemen would come in parties
with ladies, order one small plate for q
company of five or six, and ask for
several spoons to eat out OF one dish.
This was not done for economy, but be-
cause little satisfies them. OF coursc
the enterprise was no. pecuniarily o
success.
Our Americans are generally wise to
push their improvements into Brazil as
much as possible for the cake of foreign
trade; but at present it is rather a poor
place, money being very scarce. To sue
coed in venture of this kind, it is
necessary to provide responsible rep.
rescntative, as all business interests re.
qulre the utmost care, or else failures
follow. Some have called upon the
consuls to act, but no consul receiving
above certain salary is allowed by the
United States government to engage in
any but consular business. 1t is a good
place for canned butter, in "a business
point OF view, as milk is q luxury sell
dom used. The grass Is not suitable
Tor cattle, therefore cows are fed princi
paily upon American hay; SO that
northern butter would probably have a
good sale.