The wind falling light they propel their canoes by paddle or long pole
with equal facility. The occupants standing, in the smaller ones, force
them along at a great speed. The larger ones, when the wind does not
serve, are pulled by banks of oars which are fastened to stout pegs in
the gunwail with grummits, that fit loosely over the oars so as to allow
them free play in the hand of the waterman.
Curling the water with fine, shapely prows as they dart over the smooth
waters of the bays and rivers, these canoes present a picture of
unrivalled skill and grace.
I find the following entry in my diary made near the close of
transactions at Guarakasava which in the truthful word of an historian I
am bound to record, if only to show my prevailing high opinion of the
natives while I was among them:--
GUARAKASAVA, Dec. 20th.
Heretofore I have doted on native Brazilian honesty as well as
national seamanship and skill in canoes but my dream of a perfect
paradise is now unsettled forever. I find, alas! that even here the
fall of Adam is felt: Taking in some long poles to-day the negro
tallyman persisted in counting twice the same pole.
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