Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities and has the finest harbor in the world. It is a great land-locked harbor separated from the sea by a high-ridge broken by sharp peaks. The entrance is a mile wide and free from obstructions. Just inside rises Sugar Loaf, a peak of bare granite 1212 feet high. You can see it in the view. The harbor was probably discovered by Manoel and Amerigo Vespucci. There was a settlement at Rio de Janeiro at least 50 years before New York was founded. The city stretches along the shore for miles and miles, now narrow, now wide, filling the space between the mountains and the sea. The ridges seep down and jut out into the water and the city runs back between the ridges and climbs their sides. The roofs are tiled with reds and browns, the walls are cream or rose

tinted, or dazzling white. They look very beautiful set in the brilliant green tropical foliage. Rio de Janeiro has 1,500,000 people; for cleanliness and sanitation it is unsurpassed and its poor are given medical attention free of charge. Its water supply is good; it has schools and libraries and lovely streets. The Avenue Beira is the finest bay-side drive in America following the shore for 4 1/3 miles, with beautiful gardens in the wider parts. The quay follows the shore for 2 1/2 miles with a wide avenue parallel to it. The Avenue Branco lined with magnificent buildings is the heart of the business section and the Brazilians claim that it is the loveliest street in the world. It is 1 1/8 miles long and 108 feet wide.