RIO DE JANEIRO

RIO DE JANEIRO is the capital city of the state of Rio de Janeiro, and chief seaport of Brazil, charmingly situated on the E. coast of Brazil, on the W. shore of a spacious and beautiful bay, 15 m. long, which forms one of the finest natural harbours in the world; stretches some 10 m. along the seaside, and is hemmed in by richly clad hills.

It possesses a large hospital, a big public library, botanical gardens, arsenal, school of medicine, &c.; has
extensive docks, and transacts half the commerce of Brazil; coffee is the chief export; manufactures cotton, jute, silk, tobacco, &c. Great heat prevails in the summer, and yellow fever is common.