“ The population of the Pernambuco sertāo has always been noted for its turbulent, lawless character, due partly to distance from the coast where the bulk of the population is concentrated, partly to difficult means of communication, and partly to the fact that this remote region has long been the refuge of criminals from the coast towns. ”

“ The capital of the state is Recife, commonly known among foreigners as Pernambuco. There are a number of large towns in the state, but the census returns include their populations in those of the municipios (communes) to which they belong. ”

“ The capitania of Pernambuco was ably governed and took an active part in the expulsion of the French from the trading posts established along the coast northward to Maranhāo, and in establishing Portuguese colonies in their places. In 1630 Pernambuco was occupied by the Dutch and continued under their rule until 1654. Although an active guerrilla warfare was waged against the Dutch during a large part of that period, they did much to promote the agricultural and commercial interests of the colony, especially under the wise administration of Maurice of Nassau. ”