Minas Geraes

Minas Geraes, a province of south Brazil, lying to the N. of Rio de Janeiro, and separated from the coast by Espirito Santo. Its surface is composed mainly of high table-land, much of which belongs to the Serra do Espinbaco and its spurs; the highest point of the range is the Pico de Itatiaiassu, over 6,000 ft. Herds of cattle graze on the wide prairies, and in the E. there are extensive coffee plantations. There are diamond, gold, iron, and other mines. The capital, Ouro Preto, was founded in 1699.