Homer guardian., 1890-03-14
An Earnest Appeal to All to Assist in
the Cause OF Christ.
Especial Correspondence.
COLLEGIO PIRACICABANO.

Especial Correspondence.
CoLLEGIO PIRACICABAN0. !
PIRACICABA Estado de Sac Pauio, !
Brazil, $. A, Feb. Z. 1890. }
This evening there floats upon
the balmy breezes thoughts Of home,
which suggest to mind my promise
to send the readers of the GUAR
DIAN a description of our Mission
Home here in Piracicaba. Piraci-
caba, you know, is a country town
CT five Or six thousand inhabitants,
which Is situated on a picturesque
river of The same name in Southern
Brazil. In the northern outskirts
OF the town, there is a magnificent
waterfall in the river from which
the city is supplied with water by
hydraulic pressure. These falls
make q tremendous noise, which is
not unlike the mighty thundcrings
OF our own wonderful Niagara. On
quiet moonlight nights the sound of
the rushing waters together with
the romantic palcness OF the moon
has a supernatural influence over
one. 1t is my delight to walk out
about 8 O'Clock p. ia. and drink
IN, az 1t We're, the cnchantment
produced by the beautiful moon
light and the happy roaring Of the
falling waters. We're | a novelist,
fascinating romanccs could | weave
for you Of such scenes or had | the
ability OF the artist, beautiful draw
ings could pencil.
OUR MISSION HOME
is situated in the heart of the town
and is, believe, the most promi-
ncnt feSture. In The large cities Of
Brazil, magnificent residences built
upon the oriental style of architect
urc, are seen, but in the smaller
country towns, no such pleasing
sights greet the eye. The houses
here are small and crudely built.
Little attention is given to home
adornment either within or without
and less, ! am told, to comfort.
The Brazilian idea of life, which is
something to cat, something to
wear, and personal ease, i. c.
slowness in all things with little
energy or ambition to push ahead,
is well carried out here in Piraci-
caba.
Our house is q substantial two
story brick building which is alike
commodious and airy for school and
boarding purposes. The interior
Of the building. though supplied
with Brazilian furniture, presents q
foreign appearance in that Ameri-
can arrangements Of comfort and
checrfulness predominate.
Our grounds are ample and are
surrounded by a high Eric!, wall.
The whole lot looks not unlike some
CATHOLIC CONVENT
at home. We have a play ground
for TIE children, q vegetable garden,
space for flowers, and an orchard.
From the garden and orchard we
obtain eatables, which, without
them, our table would. indeed, be
scantily supplied. Most all food
stuffs are shipped to Brazil, and,
consequently very expensive. Many
of the common foods at home, we
never have. We have chickens and
largo dog for protection at night.
The black buzzard haunts our
back premises and they wage great
fights with the dog and chickens
over the table scraps. These birds
are not as repulsive looking as the
buzzard of North America. They
are natures scayengers here; so
highly are they priced that it is
contrary to law to kill one.
Our cook is a negro woman who
has been to the United States; new
ertheless she is thoroughly Brazil
ian in her entire makeup. You
would laugh to see some of her
dishes, such as cabbage, bananas,
carrots, and onions, all cooked to-
gether with beef, etc. Rice, beef,
farinha Ga kind of meal made from
a root grown here), and dark
bean known as feijao, together with
coffee, tea, sugar, fruits, and veg
are what we have to eat.
Bakers bread can be had
BUT IT rs INFERIOR.
Biscuits are rare and are considered |
q great treat. Butter is shipped |
from Europe in little tin boxes, and |
is exceedingly expensive. There is