day; we had also all the advantage
to be derived from the warm rays of the sun, as we did not start till
near eight o'clock. In the course of our journey this forenoon, we met a
horse dealer with a train of horses, on his way to Rio, when Mr. Sharpe
took a fancy to one, and purchased it for thirty-six milreas, in silver,
something less than five pounds sterling. From being purchased in this
accidental way, I suggested that the animal ought to be named "Chance,"
to which his master assented. In consequence of our wishing to avoid a
disagreeable old fellow, who kept a venda on the road side, we proceeded
a short distance beyond his domicile, and having previously provided our
refreshment, we sat down near the bank of a river to partake of it, at
about two o'clock in the afternoon.

On our journey afterwards, my poor mule was so thirsty, that he ran to a
little stream by the road-side, to drink, but as he could not
conveniently reach it standing, he very quietly went down on his knees,
upon which hint, I, of course, dismounted, until he had finished his
draught. This mule was the most docile, intelligent animal I ever rode,
and it was a knowledge of these good qualities, that induced Captain
Lyon to appropriate him to my use; I was frequently considerably in
advance of the party, without feeling any apprehension about my safety,
from the perfect confidence I reposed in the mule's sagacity. About five
in the afternoon, we arrived at the town of Qualos, where we were well
lodged, had good fare, and where the excellence of the bread was quite
remarkable, being superior to any I had tasted in the Brazils. This town
gives the title to a Marquess, but it is not of any importance in other
respects.

_Sunday, 10_.--We started long before daylight, and for two or three
hours rode through a mist, as cold and dense as a November one in
England, but after the sun had gained sufficient power to disperse it,
the day was proportionably hot. We this forenoon passed the first
gold-washing place of any consideration, which has, however, long since
been abandoned for others more profitable. About eleven, we arrived at
the village of Ora Branca, so called from the light colour of the gold
procured here, the gravel or sand of every stream, henceforward,
produces a greater or lesser proportion of gold.

The owner of the house where we refreshed, had a collection of
mineralogical specimens, which interested Captain Lyon very much, he
being hi