Page:Travels in Brazil, in the years 1817-1820 vol1.pdf/29



merica, which was unknown to us till a few centuries, has, from the time of its discovery, been the object of the admiration and the regard of Europe. The advantages of its situation, the fertility and diversified riches of its soil, held out equal attractions to the European colonist and merchant, and to the scientific inquirer. This new country was rapidly peopled, and unfolded to our view, by the active intercourse with the mother country, and by the exertions of the learned men, who, animated by a laudable emulation, VOL. I.