Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre, capital of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, stands at the north-west extremity of the Lagôa dos Patos, by means of which it communicates with the sea. It was founded in 1742, is well built, and has about 35,000 inhabitants. It contains a cathedral, an arsenal, military and normal schools, an episcopal seminary, and a German club. Most of the wholesale trade is in the hands of the Germans, who number some 3000. Railways bring the produce of the interior down to the port, which, however, can only be entered by ships drawing 8½ feet. There are manufactories of pianos, furniture, brandy, and beer.