A considerable part of the extraordinarily rapid increase of the sugar and coffee cultivation in Brazil must be ascribed to the facility with which slaves have recently been imported; and it is possible that the cessation of their importation, supposing the convention to that effect to be executed, may check, for a while, the extension of cultivation in Brazil. We have derived the following statements, as to the trade of Brazil, from the highest mercantile authority. Of their accuracy there can be no more question than of their interest and importance:"Unfortunately, the government of Brazil does not publish any official statements of the trade of the different ports, not even of the amount of exports or imports, so that information on these points can only be drawn from private sources. "Estimated Amount of Brazilian Exports, with their Values at the Port of Shipment. PARAIBA.-Cotton RIO GRANDE OF THE SOUTH.-Hides and tallow, (chiefly coastwise to other ports, but) foreign export about SANTOS.-Sugar, rice, and coffee, (much direct to Rio, but) foreign export bags, 20,000 cases, 5,000 Southern Provinces. 500 per bag 100,000 10 0 0 per case 50,000 150,000 2,420,000 100,000 100,000 200,000 5,500,000 "The imports are chiefly from Great Britain, consisting principally of our cotton, linen, woollen, hardware, and other manufactures, amounting annually to about 4,000,000l. The remainder of the imports consist of wines, brandies, &c. from Portugal and the Mediterranean; flour from the United States; cod fish from ditto and Newfoundland; with a comparatively small amount of French, German, Swiss, and Indian manufactures, and tea; the latter chiefly through the United States. "The duties on all imports, without exception, are 15 per cent. on the tariff value, which averages about 20 per cent. on the real value of British goods: those on exports vary at the different ports, and on every description of produce. On coffee they amount to about 10 per cent. ; on sugar, 12 per cent. (being paid by the planter). The export duty on cotton has lately been reduced from 20 to about 3 per cent. "There are no commercial or discount banks in any part of Brazil; but at Rio there is one of issue, the whole of its transactions being with the government. "The usual mode of selling goods in Brazil is on an open credit of 4 to 8 months, and sometimes even 12 months, the parties paying by weekly or monthly instalments, as they effect sales, generally exceeding the stipulated credit, by 2, 3, and even 6 months, according to the state of the markets, without allowing any charge for interest. On the other hand, all produce is bought by the foreign merchants for cash down, or, if any credit be given, the usual extra charge is 1 per cent. per month; in fact, the whole commerce of the country is on British capital. "The usual commissions are, 5 per cent. on the sale of goods; 24 ditto for guarantee; with 2 per cent. for the purchase and shipment of produce in return; 5 per cent. when purchased by credits on London: the usance being 60 days after sight. "The currency of Brazil is chiefly paper and copper, of a very depreciated and base kind, and varying in almost every province. The par of exchange, when the silver currency was maintained, was 67 d. and the current rate always above it, say from 70d. to 72d.; but now, owing to the introduction of paper and copper, the exchange has fallen at Rio, to 36d., Bahia 32d., Pernambuco 38d., and Maranham 40d.; and, at one period, the exchange at Rio fell as low as 20d., owing to the extensive issue of paper by the bank. "The great difficulties under which our trade with Brazil labours are,-1st, The prohibitory duties chargeable on sugar and coffee, the chief productions of the country; which admit to consumption † Case of sugar about 15 cwt. *Bag of coffee about 1 cwt. 1 qr. 14 lbs. VOL. II.-2 M 52 only cottons and hides, the latter not being wanted; so that, with an export of nearly 4,000,000Z., we have no direct means of return for 1-4th the amount, the other 3-4ths being forced into the hands of the Americans, Germans, Swedes, &c. who thus get employment for their shipping, and carry on an extensive commerce, entirely on British capital, whilst the British merchant is compelled to transfer his property into their hands for 5 or 6 months, as the only means of getting payment for the manufactures he has exported; at the same time that the British consumer at home is compelled to pay, exclusive of the heavy duties, a decidedly higher price for sugar and coffee than is paid by the consumers of any other European state. "The 2d grievance is the wretched state of the currency in Brazil, which occasions fluctuations in the exchange of from 10 to 20 per cent. in 2 or 3 months, and even 50 per cent. in the course of the year; so that the actual proceeds, in sterling, of any goods sold on credit can never be guessed at till the money is received; there being no discount banks or means of realisation, till the expiration of the credit. "The Brazilian Regency have at length recommended their currency to the immediate attention of the Assembly;' but it may be doubted whether they have either courage or honesty to take any effectual means to eradicate the evil; this can only be done by a return to a gold and silver standard, and a new coinage, calling in the old, one-half of which is debased."-(13th of August, 1833.) Account of the Trade of Great Britain with Brazil, for the Six Years ending with 1831, according to the Official Returns and Values. Account of the Quantity and Declared Value of the principal Articles of British Produce and Manufacture exported to Brazil in 1833. In order still better to illustrate the trade of Brazil, we take leave to subjoin the following details from Mr. Caldcleugh's Travels in South America. They are neither, however, so recent, nor of such authority, as those already laid before the reader:-"The colonial system, which was strictly preserved until the arrival of the court, kept the country in a state of ignorance of many of those beautiful articles of English manufacture, now so greedily purchased by all. The Brazil trade may be considered as entirely in the hands of the British, as if an exclusive monopoly existed in their favour. Brazil takes from us every thing she requires, excepting wine from Portugal; and the importance of this trade to England may be well conceived, when it is mentioned that, after the East and West Indies and the United States, it forms the greatest mart for our fabrics, and one that is most rapidly increasing. "In 1820, the imports of British manufactures amounted to 1,860,0007.; in 1821, to 2,230,0001. The exports of 1820 were 950,000l.; in 1821, 1,300,000l.; showing a great and progressive increase. Of the amount of imports, about three fifths are brought to the capital, owing to the greater consumption, and from its being in communication with the mines, the most inhabited districts of the interior. "The other nations trading to Brazil exhibit a poor figure after Great Britain. By far the most ac tive of them-the United States-exported to Brazil only to the amount of 320,000l., chiefly in flour, fish, and minor articles. It is impossible to say what may happen, but at present it does not appear that England has much to fear in this quarter. The immense command of capital which our mer chants possess strikes all foreigners with astonishment, and forces them to abandon all idea of competition. The trade carried on by the rest of the world amounts, in the aggregate, to little that of France being chiefly confined to articles of dress and fashion; and of Sweden, to a few ship loads of iron annually. "The trade expressly confined to Brazilian vessels is the coasting and African. This latter traffic, it is well known, is now restricted, by treaty, to that part of Africa south of the line, which comprehends, in fact, almost the whole of the Portuguese possessions. The importation of negroes varies in amount; but of late years it cannot be estimated, on an average, at less than 21,000 into Rio de Janeiro only. It affords too great a return of gain to be easily abandoned; more especially when, strange to say, patriotic feelings are considered, in this instance, to go hand in hand with profit; and when it is imagined, that the moment the trade is prohibited, the prosperity of the country must decay. When it is considered that this number is annually received into the capital, and that there are 3 other ports trading to the same extent, and that scarcely of the negroes taken from the coast live to be landed, the number of negroes carried away by this outlet only in the course of the year appears prodigious. Many years since, a considerable capital was employed in the whale fishery. The black whale was extremely common near the mouth of the harbour; but an increasing traffic has driven this animal to the southward, and the only establishments at present are in the province of St. Catharine's. It forms another of the royal monopolies; and, in 1820, was farmed by some Frenchmen. "The other trade carried on in Brazilian bottoms is very much confined to that with the mother country; its dependencies, as Madeira; and its possessions in Africa and the East. The traffic with China is still continued, but no longer in that way which made Portugal at one time the envy of all maritime nations. "The internal trade is very much confined to the products of the district of the mines; and is carried on by means of large troops of mules, some of which, from the western provinces of Gozas and Matto Grosso, are 4 months on the journey. It is not easy to learn with accuracy the produce of the diamond mines; as they are worked by government, and strictly monopolized: much smuggling consequently prevails. In some years, the quantity recovered by government has amounted to as much as 4,000 octavas of 18 carats; but these are years of rare occurrence: taking the average, however, of some years, the number of octavas would come to near 1,200. In this quantity there would be, of course, many of large size, adding immensely to their value. It is calculated that about the same quantity is smuggled; and there are strong reasons to suppose, that if no difficulties were thrown in the way, owing to the facility with which they are obtained, the produce of Brazil diamonds, in every way as fine as the Oriental, would have considerable effect on the demand. "With respect to the quantity of gold which comes from the mines, it is immersed in a certain degree of obscurity. The 1-5th due to government is the principal cause that I could never ascertain, in any mine which I visited, its exact produce. I shall have another opportunity of saying more on this head, and explaining why the produce of gold mines is on the decrease, which I certainly conceive to be the case. "No silver is produced in Brazil. As there is lead, it would be too much to affirm that none exists; but probably the quantity would be trifling. The silver coin is mostly Spanish dollars, restamped into 3-patac pieces, by which a considerable profit is obtained on each. "The quantity of precious stones shipped is now very considerable. In most cases they are sent to a losing market; being, in fact, more valuable in Brazil than in London or Paris. Aquamarines-(see BERYL)-of a very large size have been found. In January, 1811, one was found in the Riberao das Americanas, near the diamond district, which weighed 15 lbs.; and in the same place, in the October following, one was discovered weighing 4 lbs. Topazes of fine quality, but seldom large, amethysts, and chrysolites, are also articles of exportation; and at times some fine specimens of these gems are to be met with in the jewellers' shops. "Correctly speaking, there are no trading companies in Rio de Janeiro: there is a society for effecting maritime assurances, but no other. "The Bank of Brazil has had very extensive concessions made in its favour, and ought to be in a flourishing state. It has the power of issuing notes; and all disputed monies and property of the deceased and absent (mortes e auzentes) must be placed in its hands, and 2 per cent. per annum charged for the care and trouble. This, in addition to the interest which might be obtained for the deposit, would alone, in an active mercantile country, form no inconsiderable revenue. Specie is prohibited from being carried coastwise: merchants who wish to deposit cash in one of the northern ports, where the largest purchases are made, are therefore forced to take hand bills, and pay a premium for them, varying from 3 to 5 per cent. "Some enormous capitals have been amassed; but generally the speculations of the native merchants are conducted on a very limited scale. "The legal rate of interest is 6 per cent.; but money can seldom be obtained under 12."-(Caldcleugh's Travels in South America, vol. i. pp. 53-59.) Population of Brazil.-The magnitude of the population of Brazil is involved in great uncertainty. One of the latest estimates is as follows:- Portuguese and creoles, 900,000: free mestizos, 600,000; enslaved mestizos, 250,000; free negroes, 180,000; enslaved negroes, 2,900,000; Indians, 450,000; making in all, 5,230,000.-(Weimar Almanac, for 1832.) But we incline to think that this estimate is rather beyond the mark. Port Regulations.-The captain of every ship entering Rio, or any other port of Brazil, is ordered, 1. To go directly with his vessel from the entrance of the harbour to the anchorage ground in Franquia; and if, on account of the tide, contrary wind, or any other just cause, he should be compelled to come to anchor, and shall remain anchored for twelve hours after Gaid hinderances are removed (except in case of being quarantined), he shall pay a fine of 100,000 reis, and shall be compe led, by the fort, or by a government vessel of war, (whichever may be nearest,) to proceed immediately to the Franquia anchoring ground. He shall not suffer any kind of vessel to board him, nor any per 134,912 522 139,743 146,393 629 140.214 son to come on board, or to leave his vessel, before he has been visited from the custom-house, excepting only the pilot, health officer, the bead officer at the entrance, when there is one, and in the case of a shipwreck, or for the saving of lives. 3. Even after the custoni-house visit on arrival, and until the ves sel is discharged, he shall allow no person to come on board without a written permission from the inspector of the customs; and this permission shall only be given in the following cases, viz. : A. To allow the buyers of goods to go on board to examine the cargo they wish to purchase, when sufficient specimens cannot be seen on shore, B. To workmen or labourers necessary to put the cargo in order, taking care to have then examined when they go on bord and return. In case of the infraction of the above regulations, a fine shall De imposed on him from 100,000 to 200,000 reis for every vessel he allows to board him, and of 500,000 for each person who shall enter or leave his vessel without licence, unless he be a passenger, or belonging to the crew; and every other person who goes on board or leaves the vessel, shall pay 100,000 reis fine, and be kept in custody until payment is made. The one third part of these fines shall be divided amongst the watchmen or military who shall have taken up the offender. 4. He shall deliver to the guarda-mor (chief customs-officer), when he makes his visit on arrival, his passport and cargo book. 5. He shall deliver to the commander of the guar-boat without the port, if he be there, or at the Franquia, if he be there, the manifest as described below. 6. He shall enter at the custom-house, within 24 hours after the guarda-mor has been on board, not counting the days on which the custom-house is shut, and present himself to the inspector, and swear, or affirm, that he has not on board of his vessel any merchandise other than what is described in the manifest he has delivered, and that he has no further declaration to make; and if he do not enter within the 24 hours. he shall pay 100,000 reis for each day's delay additional. 7. If he shall detain his vessel at either of the anchorages more than 24 hours, when he shall be directed by the guarda nior, or his representative, to remove thence, he shall pay 100,000 reis for every day he delays. 8. He shall discharge no part of his cargo but by an order in writ ing from the inspector; and if he land any without such order, he shall pay 100,000 reis for each package so landed. 9. He shall give notice to the officer attending the discharge of the vessel, as soon as his cargo is discharged, that he has nothing remaining on board. If he omit to do this on the same day, so that the vessel may be immediately examined, he shail be fined 100.000 reis. 10. The master of every vessel going with a cargo to any part of the empire, inust have two manifests of the cargo, exact copies of each other, exhibiting the name, class, and tonnage, of the vessel; the name of the captain, whose signature must follow the date; the name of the port where the articles stated in the manifest were taken on board; the name of the port or ports for which the vessel is destined; the marks or counter marks and numbers of the packages, and their description, as bales, cases, pipes, half pipes, barrels. &c; a declaration of the quantity a. d quality of the nierchandise of each package, or several similar ones of the same mark, and also of what is on board in bulk; the names of the consignees, or to order; all to be written at length, except the numbers of the packages. 11. When the vessel has taken in her cargo at more than one port, there must be two manifests from each port. 12. At the end of the manifest, the captain shall declare the num. ber of passengers, whether cabin or steerage, and the baggage for the use of each, and in addition any declaration necessary for his security; and in good faith he shall declare whether he has any package to add to the manifest, or whether any are deficient, with the cause of it, as no after declaration will relieve him from responsibility, for he will not be exempted upon the vague declarations frequently made, which do not account for deficiencies or differences. 13. The captain of any vessel bound to Brazil, when he has com. pleted his cargo in the port or ports from which he is to sail, and made the mani ests, as required in the 9th article, shall present his documents to the Brazilian consul residing in the port, who shall examine them, and if agreeable to these regulations, certify them. 14. In those ports where there is no Braz lian consul or substitute, the manifests shall be certified by two Brazilian resident merchants; or if there be none, by two merchants of the place: in either case, the signatures to be authenticated by legl authority. 15. Should any greater quantity of goods be found on board than are stated in the manifest or the declaration of the captain, the overplus shall be seized and divided amongst those who seize them, af er paying the duties, and the captain shall pay a fine of half the value of the goods. 16. If there are any goods missing of those stated in the manifest or declaration of the captain, they shall be reputed to be concealed or smuggled, and he shall pay the value thereof to those who have dis covered the deficiency, and half the value to the national treasury. These condemnations shall take place on the simple fact of there being an overplus or deficiency of goods, without further proof being required. 17. For each difference in the quality or mark of the package, the captain shall pay 2,000 reis, although in every other respect the goods discharged may agree with the manifest. 18. The captain whose manifests are not conformable to these ré gulations, shall be fined from 00,000 reis to one conto de reis, at the will of the collector, according to the degree ot culpability that shall appear, and he cannot discharge until the fine is paid. 19. In case the captain brings no manifest, he may still be allowed to discharge, by paying 5 per cent. on the value of the cargo, in addition to the usual duties. Franquia.-Vessels proceeding to Brazil, and when it is wished to dispose of their cargoes at different ports, must clear out for "Brazil and other ports," or for Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and other ports. They are then entitied to the privilege of Franquia, and may land a part of their cargoes at one port, paying duties only on the goods so landed, and proceed with the remainder to other ports. But if they clear out for one port only, they are compelled to make a complete entry, and discharge the whole of the cargo. In proceeding from one Brazil an port to another, it is necessary that a bill of health should be taken from the local authorities, of each port; and where any part of the cargo is landed, the same must be noted on the original manifest by the customs officer of the port. Anchorage.-Foreign vessels pay, in all ports of the empire, 10 reis per ton per day, from the 5th day after their entry. Light-house-The light house duty, 100 reis per ton, for all vessels over 40 tons departing from ports where there is a light-house. Vessels under U tons are exempted from this dury. Port duty. On all vessels not crossing the bar at the harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the following charges are levied, viz., of three masts, 12,800 reis; of two masts, 9,600 reis; and of one mast, 6,400 reis. Seal. The duty is 40 reis for every written half-sheet. Health.-Visit of the physician is fixed at 8,200 reis, but in case the vessel is made to perform quarantine, then another sum of 8,200 reis is payable on the admission of the vessel to free pratique. Hospitals.-A vessel of three miasts pays 6,000 leis; brigs, corvettes, nd yachts, 4,000; pinnaces, 2,560; barks, 1,280. Each one of the ship's company of vessels sailing from a foreign port pays 400 reis. Usages of Merchants.-It is customary that the expense of landing and shipping a cargo on freight should be paid by the vessel, unless the contrary be stipulated in the bills of lading. When hard Spanish dollars are bargained for, in contracts of freight, they should be so expressed in the instrument of contract, to prevent dispute. Purchases of produce are paid for in cash, and sales are made on stipulated credits, but nominally for cash. If bills on London are sent out for the purchase of produce in Bra zil, the credit must have the confirmation of the London house. Rates of Commission charged at Rio. 5 per cent. on sales of merchandise. 2 1-2 per cent on purchase of merchandise, with funds in hand, on amount of cost and charges. 2 1-2 per cent. guaranty on amount of sales on credit. 2 1-2 per cent on disbursements of vessels in common cases, with funds in hand. 5 per cent. on disbursements of vessels when funds are advanced, or in case of condemination, or in vessels entering for repairs only. 1 per cent. on receiving and forwarding goods; and 2 1-2 per cent. on amount of responsibilities incurred thereon. 1 per cent, on receiving and paying money on which no other com. mission is derived. 1-2 per cent. on purchase or sale of specie. 1-2 per cent. for effecting marine insurance on the amount insured; and when the premium exceeds 10 per cent., 5 per cent. on the amount of premium. 1-2 per cent, on remittances on bills not indorsed. On consignments of merchandise withdrawn or reshipped, full commission to be charged to the extent of advances or responsibilities incurred, and half commission on the residue of the value. 1 per cent. per month on all cash advanced. No interest allowed on money on deposite. 1 per cent, storage on all dry goods. In the case of di-charging and reshipping the cargoes of vessels in distress, on the invoice amount, 2 1-2 per cent. 2 1-2 per cent., or half the commission charged on sales of merchan dise, will be returned to supercargoes, but nothing on investments or other business.-Sup.) [The commerce of the United States with Brazil is important; nearly one-third of the coffee, and a large portion of the sugar and hides, of foreign importations, is from Brazil. Our exports of flour, provisions, and the various articles of domestic manufactures, amounted last year, (1838,) closing with 30th September, to $2,094,957. To show the importance of our commerce, we subjoin the imports and exports of a few leading articles for the last five years; and thereto attach an article from a late Rio Circular, which we think will be found useful to some of our commercial men who have a direct intercourse with the Brazilian provinces, and particularly with Rio Janeiro. The Importations into the United States from Brazil for the five preceding years, ending 20th September, were as follow: Year. 1834 Am. vessels. D. 4,547,119 For. vessels. D. 182.850 20,517 657,004 1,051,924 74,395 Total imp. D. 4,729, 69 5,574.466 7,210,190 4,991.983 3,191,238 Of the domestic exports noticed above, the following will show how far Flour and Bread, Cotton Manufactures, a: d Spirits from Grain, contributed to make up the list, to say nothing of provisions oil, sperm candles, household furniture, and other manufactures of the United States. Spirits D. 19,986 266.916 16.640 200.994 6,058 303,102 8302 536,513 12,641 Of the above, besides the value of the hides imported each year, the following shows the value of the coffee for each consecutive year, which was D.2,819 038; D.3,602,000; D.4,623,3-5; D.3.254,965; D.2,323,205, and of the brown sugar in like manner: D.356,965; D.395,083; D.1,579,596; D.199,387; D.429.853. ears. Coffee. Brown sugar. Lus. 6, 16,156 7,069,883 27,849,654 3.2.401 7,885,067 884,126 615,6-0 1,0-6,033 The Exports from Rio Janeiro for the month of June last (1839), compared with those in the same period of the two preceding years, were as follow: Hides in val. D.1,093,131 1,150,691 679,634 In 1939 Hides. No. of 62, 88 1,544 17,756 60,603 1,585 6,241 22,577 Exported from the United States to Brazil within the above specited time, of foreign and domestic articles, the following amount: The Export of Sugar during the first six months of 1:39 was 1838 1537 The exports from Santos, 1838-1839, were 400,000 arrobas, against 294.000 in 1837-1838. The stock of Hides on hand at Rio Janeiro, at the close of June last, was about 20,000, nearly all heavy weights. Summary of the principal articles imported from Foreign Ports during June, 1:39. Olives, 13 barrels; Steel, 50 packages; Tar, 131 barrels; Arms, of 180 medidas to the misericordia hospital, and 200 rs. per pipe of N. B. Wines and spirituous liquors, pay further 1,500 rs. per pipe any size, town dues. Exportation.-Prior to the first of July, coffee from the serraabaixo (low country) paid 11 per cent, and from the serra acima (upper country) 10 per cent. if of the province of Rio Janeiro; but if from any other, on presentation of the requisite certificate of oriof June, the distinction between from the seria-abaixo and serra-acima is done away with, both paying alike, namely, 11 per cent. if from that of Minas, only 7 per cent. Tobacco pays 12 per cent., it from the province of St. Paul's; but Maize, rice, and pulse, if of the province of Rio Janeiro, pays 12 per cent., if any other, 7 per cent. Indigo, tapioca, and any articles not otherwise specified, pay 7 per duty, which is likely to fall on the exporter. cent. Sugar pays since 1st July, 2 per cent. additional provincial 108 cases; Brandy, 12 pipes, 500 demijohns; Oil (olive), 27 pipes, 146 barrels, 23 boxes; Oil (fish), 3,300 casks; Codfish, 2,040 barrels ; Whalebone, 1,200 ibs.; Rosin. 394 barrels. Provisions-beef, 20 barrels; pork, 42 barrels; jerked beef, 16,649 quintals. Coal, 523 tons; Wax, 230 packages; Ale, 1,307 barrels; Tea, 1,204 chests; Copper, 38 boxes, 142 sheets; Lead. 270 bars, 15 rolls; Bran, 700 bags; Flour, American, 10,918 barrels; do. European, 220 barrels ; Cotton goods, 2,627 packages; Linen do. 435 do.; Woollen do. 225, only 7 per cent. However, by the Provincial Budget of the 10th do.; Silk do. 44 do.; Iron, 66 bars, 256 bundles, 9 tons; Tin, 70 boxes; Hardware, 267 packages; Nankeens, 12 bales; Ice, 260 tons; Gin, 18 pipes, 94 barrels, 359 barrels with bottles, 1,10 demijohns, 200 jars; Earthenware, 300 packages; Butter, 472 barrels; Ammunition, 1,314 barrels; Macaroni, 500 boxes; Deals, 803 boards, 50,715 feet; Pitch, 240 barrels; Paper, 257 bales; Cheese, 928 pack ages; Soap, 2,677 boxes; Salt, 25,448 alqueires; Tallow, 1,490 ar Tobas; Paints, 3,539 barrels; Furniture, I packages; Candles (tallow), 380 boxes; Vinegar, 34 pipes, 31 barrels; Whies, Portuguese, 701 pipes, 1,081 barrels, 6 cases; Do. other parts, 1,714 do. 105 do. 644 do.; Salampores, 19 bales. Remarks on the Import and Export Duties, Port charges, &c. in A direct trade with foreign countries is only permitted in such ports of the empire of Brazil, where there are custom-houses established; they are the following: Para, Maranham, Parnahiba, Fortaleza (Ceara), Aracaty (Ceara), Rio Grande North, Parahiba, Pernam. buco, Maceyo (Alagoas), Larangeiras (Sergipe), Bahin, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranagna, St. Catharine, Rio Grande, Sao Borja (R. G seth), Porto Alegre (R. G. S.). Import Duties.-All foreign merchandise is subject to an import duty of 15 per cent., except tea, which pays 30 per cent., and gunpowder, as also wines and spirituous liquors, (the production of countries which have no commercial treaty with Brazil) paying 50 per cent. on valuations fixed by a tariff, (which is the same throughout the empire) and articles not specified in such tariff, pay duty on a value declared by the importer, the custom house officers having the right to take the goods at such value, and 10 per cent. thereon. The countries having treaties with Brazil, and the dates when they expire, according to the intimation sent from the foreign office to the custom house, are as follows: Prussia, 25th November, 1839; Hansetowns, do.; Denmark, 7th March, 1840; United States of North America, 17th November, 1811; Holland and Belgiun, 18th April, 1841; Great Britain, 15th November, 1812. Since the 1st of July, 1839, wines, spirituous liquors, and flour, are subject to a special weekly tariff. A committee has been appointed by the government to revise the general tariff; considerable progress has been already made in its revision. Besides the aforementioned duties, goods (excepting linen cambrics, lace of thread or silk, manufactures of gold or silver, and precious stones, which pay only 1 1-2 per cent. expediente) are subject to a charge of 5 per cent, on the like valuations for clearance charges and storage rent (expediente and armazenagem), dry goods are, however, permitted to remain in the custom-house warehouses without any further additional charge, for a period not exceeding four months; after the expiration of which they incur a charge of 1-4 per cent. per The above duties are levied upon valuations fixed by a weekly tariff. Precious metals in coin or bars, and gold dust, whether foreign or national, are subject to an export duty of 2 per cent. ad valorem. Custom house Tares and Allowances-On goods imported in packages and cleared by weight, the real tares are allowed; on li quors there is allowed for leakage and breakage in glass bottles 5 per cent., stone do. 3 per cent., and in casks or demijohus 2 per cent., and on glass and earthenware 5 per cent. Re-exportation and Transhipment.-Goods re-exported or transhipped pay 2 per cent., and when for the coast of Africa, 13 per cent. additional. Franquia.-Vessels may enter in Franquia. 1st, when bringing no cargo for the pert; 2d, when bringing only part cargo for the port, and the remainder for another destination; 3d, when putting in to learn the state of the market, or for refreshments or repairs. Manifests. Every commander of a vessel is required to bring a very exact manifest of her cargo in duplicate, signed by the Brazilian Consul, resident at the loading port. At ports where no such Consul resides, the said manifest must be signed by two Brazilian merchants, or if there be none such, then by two native merchants, the signatures in either case being certified by the competent local authority. Noncompliance with this regulation, or inaccuracies in the manifests, as also irregularities in discharging or loading, subject vessels to heavy fines. Port Charges.-All foreign vessels, as also national vessels trading with foreign parts, pay 30 reis per diem anchorage, for each ton of Brazilian admeasurement (which proves generally about the true burthen), calculated for 50 days from the date of each entry into the port, but all vessels are exempt from this due that introduce 100 white colonists into any port of Brazil. The remaining port charges do not exceed from 30 to 40 milreas for each vessel, according to her size. Pilotage.-There are no pilots for the port of Rio de Janeiro, nor are any necessary for entering that noble harbour, as there are no hidden dangers of any kind. Sale of Vessels.-A duty of 5 per cent ad valorem is payable upon the sale of all vessels, whether foreign or national, and of 15 per cent. upon foreign vessels being naturalized.-Lyford's Price Current. Am. Ed.] ROADS, pathways formed through the country with more or less art and care, for facilitating the transit of individuals, carriages, &c. between different places. They are of every variety of form-from rude, narrow, rugged, and unformed paths, carried over mountains, interrupted by every petty rivulet, and almost impracticable to any but foot passengers, to smooth, broad, and level ways, formed of solid materials, winding round or cut through mountains, and carried over swamps and rivers at an immense expense, and admitting of the easy passage of carriages and of all sorts of goods. The laying out of improved roads, and their construction, forms an important part of what is denominated the science of civil engineering. But as it would be quite foreign to our purpose to enter into any details as to the formation of roads, we shall satisfy ourselves with laying before the reader the following statements as to their importance in a commercial point of view. Importance and Utility of Improved Roads.-Next to the introduction of money, and weights and measures, the formation of good roads and bridges gives the greatest facility to commerce, and contributes more powerfully, perhaps, than any thing else to the progress of improvement. They have been denominated national veins and arteries; and the latter are not more indispensable to the existence of individuals, than improved communications are to a healthy state of the public economy. It were vain to attempt to point out in detail the various advantages derived from the easy means of communication that exist in Great Britain. There is not a single district that is not indebted to others for a large part of its supplies, even of some of the bulkiest commodities. Besides the coal, metals, minerals, timber, corn, &c. conveyed from one part of the empire to another by sea, immense quantities are conveyed from place to place in the interior, by roads and canals; and every improvement effected in the means of conveyance has obviously the same effect upon the cost of commodities that have to be conveyed, as an improvement in the methods by which they are raised or manufactured. Wherever the means of internal communication are deficient in a country, the inhabitants must unavoidably disperse themselves over the surface. Cities were originally founded by individuals congregating more, perhaps, for the purpose of national defence and protection, than for any other cause. But in countries where good government is established, and property is secure, men resort to cities only from a sense of the advantages they afford. The |