Page:The naturalist on the River Amazons 1863 v1.djvu/312

 now a distinguished citizen of the new Province of the Amazons, having been elected, several times in succession, President of the Provincial Chamber. Together with many other natives of the Amazons region, he affords a proof that an equatorial climate in the new world has not necessarily a deteriorating effect on the white race. He is a well-built man: above the middle height, with handsome features, and a fine, healthy, ruddy complexion. He is a most lively and energetic fellow. When we first landed at Villa Nova, in 1849, the church was being repaired, and as carpenters were scarce, he had buckled to the work himself, and I found him, with sleeves turned up, sawing and planing as though he was well used to the trade. Next to Padre Torquato, Senhor Meirelles, well deserves mention; a more sensible, intelligent and kind-hearted man I never met with in Brazil. He also held some appointment under Government, but his time was chiefly taken up with the management of his plantations situated three miles below the village. Both these worthy men were fond of reading, and subscribed regularly to Rio Janeiro daily newspapers. Senhor Meirelles spent a deal of money on dear books, which he sent for by a parcel at a time from the metropolis, 2000 miles off. Some of these were Portuguese periodicals, on the plan of the English Penny Magazine; most of them, however, were translations of romances chiefly French. They circulated freely amongst the many readers at Villa Nova. At the time of my visit "Uncle Tom's Cabin," translated into Portuguese, was a great favourite. I found a love of reading not at all uncommon amongst