Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/88

Rh, about a century ago. The uncarpeted floor, the heavy clumsy furniture, the well supplied wardrobe, the stock of china, carefully exhibited, are all characteristics of those days; while the rigid habits of economy, the unbounded hospitality to strangers, unaccompanied by any thing like splendid or showy entertainments, and especially the great degree of familiarity which subsists between mistress and servants, all concur in exhibiting that less refined and simpler state of society which existed in such places at the period referred to.

In some respects however, they have made sufficient advancement, especially in the art of gambling. Their favourite game, “monte,” appears to have little attraction, besides the facilities it affords for the indulgence of this detestable vice. In families, the farthest removed from what is termed by them high players, I have seen ten and twelve pounds sterling, lost and gained by individuals, in a few hours.

In insincerity also, they are by no means behind their European brethren, since there is not probably a country in the world where words and feelings have less connexion. Mortal enemies, even where their enmity is notorious to all the world, will meet and embrace after the customs of the country, with every external appearance of intimate friendship. By this procedure nobody