ARRIVAL AT RIO DE JANEIRO. 7 only sense which is delighted at Rio; there is a balmy sort of influence in the atmosphere which soon saps all industrious intentions, and induces a procrastinating disposition which is difficult to overcome. Every one seems rather disposed to indulge in the quiet animal enjoyments of eating, drinking, smoking, lounging, and sleeping, leaving to slaves all kinds of manual labour, and hence the embonpoint amongst women and obesity amongst men of the Creole and Portuguese residents. By the 3rd of July the ship had been refitted, and to reciprocate civilities which had been extended to us, the officers of the ward-room, on the 6th, gave an entertainment on board. As is usual on such occasions the decks were dressed with bunting, flags, flowers, and lights, supported and reflected by bright bayonets, cutlasses, and pikes, disposed in the form of chandeliers. Music was obtained on shore, and suited well both feet and ears. About 8 o'clock P. M., the company assembled, danced, walked, talked, ate, and congéed at three in the morning. People of several nations and sorts were present, civil and military, in black and in embroidered coats. The beauty of many of the ladies might be praised; but there was one, a Brazilian, scarcely sixteen and already married, whose charms were declared beyond eulogy, by |