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172 We were fortunate in obtaining very decent accommodations. The town of Managua, from which the hike takes its name, is extensive, although not containing many built houses. The population, almost entirely native, consists of twelve thousand souls. The town is situated on a gentle slope towards the lake, which washes close to its limits. A large church stands nearly alone at its eastern end, forming one side of what probably might have been intended for a square, but there is nothing attractive about it. At the corners of the streets several images, rudely carved in stone, were pointed out as the work of the aborigines. They are much worn, defaced by time, and merely serve as cornerstones to the side paths.

Managua appears to have suffered severely in the late cholera visitation, losing by it alone six hundred out of the population of twelve thousand. Of this number it is rather remarkable that females between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five, and principally newly-married, were the predominant victims. Generally this spot is considered as peculiarly healthy, the average deaths seldom exceeding one per cent.

I was rather amused at their custom of publishing the bans or notices of marriage. The person who reads the notice is accompanied by two soldiers under arms, moving by beat of drum to the crossings of the streets, where it is duly proclaimed, very much in the style of our criers. The natives of