They seldom have floors, and never glazed windows; but are generally pretty well roofed.

Universally the front part is open, forming a kind of verandah, in which tables and benches are placed.

The bedrooms join on each side, and here the passenger may sleep as comfortably as he can, on a wooden platform covered by a thin straw mat.

The venda stands in a courtyard, where the horses are fed.

On first arriving, it was our custom to unsaddle the horses and give them their Indian corn; then, with a low bow, to ask the senhor to do us the favour to give us something to eat.