Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/44

Rh Considerable quantities of goods were remaining in it, waiting for mules to be forwarded over the mountains. Besides the requisite articles of furniture it contained a thermometer, a French writing desk, and about thirty volumes of books neatly bound, chiefly translations from the French, one or two of Mad. Genlis' novels, and a life of Napoleon.

About 6 o'clock every evening the drum beats to call out the military force of Yzabal, which is composed of about twenty men, not only out of uniform, but almost without dress, one wanting a hat, a second a coat, and all without shoes or stockings. These armed with rusty muskets and old swords, and totally without discipline, are its only defence.

The people are excessively indolent, sleeping the greater part of the day on mats stretched upon the floor, and lying on the ground at their house doors, talking with each other during the night. The heat is considerable, varying during the hottest months from 90 to 100° Fahrenheit, in the shade; and to Europeans the climate is very dangerous.

Our mules having at length arrived, we prepared to set out over the mountain the following morning at day break. The bustle of preparation, saddling and loading of cargo being over, we started in good spirits and good temper, one