PREFACE. This work makes no pretentions to literary merit, but, as its title indicates, is simply a narrative descriptive of the progress of the countries specially referred to, which, though England has long maintained intimate commercial relations with them, are still but very imperfectly known to the British public. In the Old World generations follow each other without any very perceptible alteration being observable in the characteristic surroundings, but in the New World, as America is still termed, a few years often effect changes of the most important and striking description. This is notably the case as respects Brazil and the River Plate, the growth of which has been very remarkable. Since the year 1854, when my former work was published, a large amount of English capital has been invested in various enterprises connected with Brazil and the River Plate, and particularly for the construction of railways, the formation of banks, and the promotion of steam navigation on the great Rivers communicating with the interior. If the results have not, in several instances, proved wholly satisfactory as regards the distribution of dividends, the fact is in a considerable degree, if not entirely, owing to mismanagement of some kind or other; and I think there can be no doubt that a prosperous future yet lies before all the companies in question. On the other hand, large gains have been secured, showing that those regions present a profitable and wide field for the further employment of our surplus capital. The commercial tendencies of Brazil and the Platine States are most liberal, and their policy is the very opposite of that pursued under the exclusive domination of Portugal and Spain. The Empire, not long since, received the approval of all civilised nations for its decree opening up the waters of the noble Amazon to free commerce, and the unrestricted navigation of the upper riverine streams will be one of the chief advantages the victory of the allies in the present war will confer upon mankind. The extent of territory embraced within the limits of Brazil, and what are commonly called the Platine States, cannot easily be realised by those who have never travelled out of Europe; and it is equally difficult to convey any adequate idea of their wonderful fertility and productiveness. Nature has blessed them with her choicest gifts, and, to take the highest rank amongst the nations, their sole want is increased population; and this is precisely what overcrowded Europe can very well spare. I am glad to be able to state that the respective Governments are fully impressed with the necessity of adopting comprehensive and effective measures with a view to attracting emigrants to their shores.