PERNAMBITCO, or BECIF'E, the most eastern sea-port of Brazil, stands at the mouths of the Biberibe and Capeberibe, in lat. 8° s., long. 34° 52' NV., SO m. s. of Parahiba. It is the greatest sugar-mart in Brazil, and is the third in commercial importance of the cities of the empire. It consists of 3 portions, connected by roads and bridges.—Recile proper' the chief seat of on a peninsula; S. Antonio, the middle district, on an island between the peninsula and the mainland.; and Boa Vista, on the mainland. The inner harbor, which has a depth of from 10 to 30 ft., is formed by a reef which extends along the coast at a distance of from a quarter to half a mile from the coast. This reef serves the purposes of a breakwater. Opposite:. the northern extremity of the city there is an opening in the reef, resembling an artificial cut, and forming a passage of sufficient width to admit of the entrance of vessels drawing 16 ft. of water. No port is more easily accessible than the outer harbor of Pernambuco. There is a light-house
in the harbor, and it is defended by several forts. Formerly the city was extremely dirty, the streets unpaved, and much inconvenience was suffered from want of a proper supply of water. Of late years, however, many improvements have been introduced; water-works have been erected, extensive and spacious quays formed along the margins of the rivers, and the streets have, in most instances, been paved and lighted. Numerous co/k9ius and other educational institutions have been established, and the growing wealth and commercial Prosperity of the city has been accompanied by an increasing degree of comfort and refinement. The principal exports are sugar, cotton, rum, hides, and dye woods; value of exports in 1873-74, £2,546,234. The imports are woolen and cotton goials, hardware, silks, wines, flour, etc.; value in 1873-74, £2,317,438. Pop. 120,000.