Their houses are of considerable length, and are formed by two ranges of an equal number of poles, the flexibility of which admits of their junction at the centre, and being intertwined with twigs, constitute a simple structure, which is finished by the _guaricanga_ (a species of palm tree) as its ultimate covering, with a narrow entrance at one extremity. Fires are made in file along the middle of the building, the inhabitants sleeping upon the ground with their feet extended towards them, and many families constituting the inmates of one dwelling. Their instruments of agriculture are rudely constructed of wood, with tools of stones; and they make certain vessels for the fermentation of inebriating beverages, which they frequently partake of to excess. They domesticate some indigenous animals, such as the _quaty_ and _cotia_; and of European quadrupeds only the dog for hunting. They prefer the flesh of the horse and mule to that of the ox. On all occasions where any friendly intercourse obtains between them and the Paulistas, they appear to regard iron alone as an article of any value. Their natural ferocity has prevented the Portuguese from extending themselves or cultivation to the westward. Amongst other numerous species of birds, remarkable for their size, plumage, and rarity, are the emu ostrich, _colhereira_, _caroe_, _tabuyaya_, _tayuyu_, _jacu_, _mutun_, macuco partridge, _tucano_, parrot, _araponga_, _guraputepoca_, the troquaze dove, _rola_, heron, _inhuma_, white _urubu_, _soco_, wild goose, &c. The Paulistas (inhabitants of St. Paulo) are at present esteemed the best people of the state, although various accounts would warrant the belief of their being formerly of a very different character; but these representations must be received with caution. It is evident that their valour and enterprise have, on many occasions, been very conspicuous. Vosgien, the most moderate of all the writers against them, says, that the city of St. Paulo was a species of republic, independent of the Portuguese, and formed of bands from different nations, the whole ill regulated, and consisting of freebooters and thieves, who paid a tribute of gold to the King of Portugal, till they were subjugated by that crown. This is in opposition to the Portuguese authorities, who affirm that they were always faithful subjects of Portugal, from the foundation of the capitania.