To give a still greater effect to all these various charms, a peculiar look of stupidity is spread over the whole face, and is more especially to be attributed to the way in which their mouths are always kept opened.
Most of them, both men and women, were tattooed with a reddish or blue colour, though only round the mouth, in the form of a moustache.

Both sexes are passionately fond of smoking, and prefer brandy to everything.

Their dress was composed of a few rags, which they had fastened round their loins.
I had already heard, in Novo Friburgo, a few interesting particulars concerning the Puris, which I will here relate.
The number of the Brazilian Indians at the present time is calculated at about 500,000, who live scattered about the forests in the heart of the country.

Not more than six or seven families ever settle on the same spot, which they leave as soon as the game in the neighbourhood has been killed, and all the fruit and roots consumed.
A large number of these Indians have been christened.

They are always ready, for a little brandy or tobacco, to undergo the ceremony at the shortest notice, and only regret that it cannot be repeated more frequently, as it is soon over.