whether sleeping or waking, —and afford them, perhaps, in greater number and variety of species than any other known people.)
But before the picture is complete, we must be indulged in a brief sketch of their kitchen economy.
Knives, forks, spoons, and plates, seldom grace the board of a Mexican in common circumstances. A single pot of earth, a knife, two or three trenchers, and as many water-gourds, constitute almost the entire kitchen furniture of the lower classes;—a kind of gruel (tolle) made by stirring a few handfuls of flour into boiling water or milk, is their principal subsistence.
Meat finds no place upon their larder, —it being an article too costly for ordinary food, as the sheep and cattle of the country are owned by the wealthy, and by their exorbitant demands placed beyond the means of the commoner. Wood too, being two rials (25 cents) per mule-load, is seldom used in the large towns for other than culinary purposes.
During the winter months, these filthy wretches are seen, day after day, basking at the sunny side of their huts, and bestowing upon each other certain friendly offices connected with the head, wherein the swarming populace of the pericranium are had in alternate requisition. The entire business of the country is in the hands of the rich, upon whom the laboring classes are mainly dependant for support; and, as a natural consequence, the rich know no end to their treasures, nor the poor to their poverty.
The common laborer obtains only from four to six dollars per month, out of which he must feed and clothe himself. In case he runs in debt beyond his means, he is necessitated by law to serve for the required amount, at two dollars per month; —thus, once in debt, it is almost impossible ever to extricate himself.
But a thing adding still further to his load of misfortunes is the high price set upon the necessaries and comforts of life. This ranges as follows: coffee, from 37 1/2 to 50 cts. per lb.; sugar, from 18 to 25 cts. per do.; calico, from 25 cts. to $1 per yd.; domestic, 25 to 50 cts.; broadcloths, from $10 to $20, and every thing else in proportion.
Under such circumstances, it is scarcely marvellous that we find the Mexican in his present low state of degradation.
Having faintly depicted the real condition of a large majority of the degenerate inhabitants of New Mexico, it will be expected of me to say something of their intelligence and morality; and here a still more revolting task awaits my effort.
Intelligence is confined almost exclusively to the higher classes, and the poor "palavro" comes in for a very diminutive share.
Education is entirely controlled by the priests, who make use of their utmost endeavors to entangle the minds of their pupils in the meshes of superstition and bigotry. The result of this may be plainly stated in a few words:
Superstition and bigotry are universal,— all, both old and young, being tied down to the disgusting formalities of a religion that manifests itself in little else than senseless parade and unmeaning ceremony, —while a large majority can neither read nor write.
