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78 very soon after marriage; and, as a consequence, there are, I need scarcely say, many characteristic matrimonial arrangements, the details of which must not be inquired into very minutely.

There is a great deficiency of those simple and elegant social entertainments, which are so agreeable a medium of intercourse in more civilised countries. Unless a Mexican family are able to dazzle their neighbours by an extravagant display of plate and jewels, rich viands, and sumptuous decorations, they do not give parties at all; insomuch, that the unceremonious, intelligent, inexpensive reunions, so welcome elsewhere, may be sighed for in this country in vain. Genuine hospitality, of a hearty, unobtrusive kind, however, is not unfrequently to be met with—especially in the country districts; and it is seldom that the unperverted dispositions of the people are in fault in this respect.

A perfect rage for morning and mid-day drives and visits, manifests itself among the upper classes; and with many the principal part of the day is devoted to these excursions, and to the preparations they necessarily involve: great emulation and rivalry being