At such times, all intercourse generally ceases, the streets are deserted, parties are put off, and even the payment of bills of exchange deferred.

It is very seldom that people will hire a carriage, for it is an absurd custom here, to pay as much for a short drive, as if the carriage were required for the whole day; in both cases the charge is six milreis (13s.) The carriages are half- covered ones, with seats for two, and are drawn by a pair of mules, on one of which the driver rides.

Carriages and horses like the English are very seldom to be met with.
As regards the arts and sciences, I may mention the Academy of Fine Arts, the Museum, Theatre, etc.

In the Academy of Fine Arts is something of everything, and not much of anything--a few figures and busts, most in plaster, a few architectural plans and pencil drawings, and a collection of very old oil paintings.

It really seemed to me as if some private picture gallery had been carefully weeded of all the rubbish in it, which had then been put here out of the way.