RIO DE JANEIRO, an important province of Brazil, is bounded on the N. by Espírito Santo, from which it is separated by the River Capabuan, and by Minas Geraes, from which it is divided by the rivers Preto and Parahiba, and in part by the Serra da Mantiqueira; on the W. it borders on San Paulo; and the Atlantic Ocean washes it on the S. and E. It lies between S. Lat. 21. 23. and 32. 20., W. Long. 40. 53. and 44. 40. Its area is estimated at 18,226 square miles. This province is distinguished for its romantic beauty and great fertility, notwithstanding its being very mountainous. From S.W. to N.E. run the Serra dos Orgaos, or Organ Mountains, and this chain divides it into two nearly equal portions; the northern half sloping gradually to the Parahiba, and the southern to the sea-coast. The Organ Mountains derive their appellation from the appearance of the pyramidal heads of granite which bristle up along the horizon, and bear a fanciful resemblance to organ-pipes in a vast cathedral. The whole province is well watered by a number of streams, the most considerable being the Parahiba. This river originates in a small lake in the southern part of the Serra da Bocania, a continuation of the Organ Mountains, in the province of San Paulo; and after a long and winding course it enters that of Rio de Janeiro, and falls into the Atlantic in its N.E. part. Many streams discharge themselves into the bay of Rio towards its upper end, several of them being navigable to some distance. The country is also watered by the affluents of the Parahiba, and by many rivers which flow into the Atlantic. There are many lakes and lagoons, especially in the N.E., where the coast is low and monotonous. Towards the S., and especially near the capital, the scenery is of a very different and more picturesque character.
The principal bays by which the coast is indented are the bay of Rio de Janeiro, and Angra dos Reys, or King's Bay. The bay of Rio is stated to be no less than 32 miles in circumference, and on its shores are numerous smaller inlets, which may be termed sub-bays. All travellers agree in praising the surpassing grandeur and beauty of this majestic inlet of the sea. The capacious basin is embosomed among elevated mountains, which have conical summits, and, being well wooded, have a romantic and picturesque beauty. Some of these advance a considerable distance into the bay, whilst others retire as far inland, leaving between them deep recesses and glens. The entrance of the bay is narrow, being only about a mile in breadth; and its granite barriers are so bold, causing it to resemble a gap or chasm in the mountain ridge, that doubtless it was often passed by early navigators without their apprehending the existence of such an immense salt-water lake within. Being completely land-locked, and protected from gales on every side, it is perfectly secure, even for boats, at all seasons of the year; from which circumstance, as well as from many other advantages which it possesses, it has been pronounced the finest harbour in the world. It is so well defended by strong forts that it seems completely closed against a hostile force. The bay
is studded with about a hundred islands, on many of which are forts. That of Ilha dos Cobras, or Snake Island, is of great strength, and constitutes one of the most commanding points for the defence of the city. In short, the Brazilians and early subjugators of the country have carefully availed themselves of every advantage presented by nature for rendering their capital unassailable by a maritime force. On either side the shores of the bay, lined at the water's edge with cottages and hamlets of fishermen, sweep widely round; while behind, hills in the richest state of cultivation, studded with farm-houses and villas, and crowned with churches and monasteries, all of purest white, rise abruptly on every side, till, a few miles inland, they terminate in the bold, beautiful, and picturesque ranges of the Organ Mountains.
With the exception of the capital, there are few places in the province of Rio which require particular notice, Canto Gallo is the capital of a district of amazing fertility, and carries on considerable trade with Rio in the productions of the soil. Porto d'Estrella and Mage are the names of other towns which have much traffic with the capital. The productions of this province comprise almost everything for which Brazil is celebrated; diamonds and precious stones, sugar, coffee, cotton, and, in short, all fruits peculiar to the tropics, are here produced in the richest abundance, and of the most excellent quality. The forests yield great quantities of timber, used for various purposes; gums, balsams, and medicinal herbs are not wanting. Gardening is much attended to; and the extension of cultivation is gradually clearing the land of the wild beasts that still haunt the forests. Cattle and horses are bred in great numbers. The province is divided into eight comarcas. Its provincial assembly of 36 members meets at Niterohi, opposite Rio de Janeiro. It is represented in the legislature of Brazil by 6 senators and 12 deputies. Pop. (1856) 1,200,000.