The Bay of All Saints in Brazil is 50 or 60 leagues broad, situate in the altitude of 13 degrees from the equinoctial toward the south. In this bay are many little islands; among others, one they call l'Isle des François, because the French were the first to discover Brazil, and here they retired for security from the ambuscades of the savages.

Into this bay fall many fine rivers, which are navigable far inland for boats and barques, and serve to supply the country with commodities.

The city of St. Salvador is high—pitched on the summit of a mountain of difficult ascent, which on the seaside is sheer. Everything brought to the town or exported in gross has to be raised or lowered by a certain engine. No wagons are used, because it were too troublesome and expensive, whereas by this machine the cost is slight.

At the foot of this mountain, for more than a quarter of a league, are well-built houses on both hands, forming a long and handsome street, well crowded with all manner of merchants, craftsmen, and artisans. There also are the cellars and warehouses for the receipt and despatch of merchandise, whether of the king or of private persons. And by this engine whereof I have spoken the merchandise is raised up into the town, according as it is sold for distribution.