It was commonly reported that Indian spices were indigenous in _Brazil_, and that their culture had been prohibited by the Government, lest it should interfere with the Indian trade. Whether this were so or not, an order was given by Joam IV. that every ship touching at _Brazil_ on its way from India should bring with it spice plants. These were placed in the garden of the Jesuits at _Bahia_, and two persons were brought from _Goa_ who understood the management of cinnamon and pepper plants. But, although the attempt promised success, it was not persevered in; and the subsequent discovery of mines diverted attention from this possible source of wealth. Previously to the finding of the precious metals, the production of sugar was the main object of the inhabitants of the coast. A sugar-producing _engenho_ implied the presence of various artisans, necessary for the continuous work of the machinery belonging to it. That is to say, it was a village-community in itself, more populous than many of the towns so-called then existing. It comprised in general an area of some eight square miles, the condition attached to the holding of this land being settlement and the cultivation of the necessary canes, which were to be sold at a fair price. From fifty to a hundred negroes were employed in each _engenho_; a circumstance which, owing to the great cultivation of sugar in the province, had a marked influence on the population of _Bahia_. A French traveller[9] estimated the proportion of negroes to the white population as twenty to one; but this is probably the highest proportion which it assumed in _Brazil_. The negroes, according to his account, were exposed to purchase, exactly like beasts at our own cattle fairs, being entirely naked, being handled, as animals are, to test their muscle, and being obliged to show their paces.