Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/239

Rh One cannot help wishing that a thorough reformation could be accomplished in the particular of gaining. This vice is fearfully, absorbingly prevalent: with thousands it appears to be the principal object of life: the whole of their time is devoted to it; and the most disgusting and repulsive scenes are continually to be observed as its accompaniments. It is far more rampant at this time than before the visit of the Americans; and, though it would probably be unjust to attribute its increase to them, it is certain that their presence and countenance had airy other effect than that of restraining it. Superstition, gaming, and indolence, are assuredly the three oppressive curses under which this fair country groans and labours.

I once became acquainted with a travelling pedlar named Joaquim Gaber, who was in the habit of wandering from one town and village to another, with his wares, when he could do so with impunity. He was a pleasant fellow, and I shall not soon forget his frank vivacity and readiness in conversation; nor the appearance of his small, spare, incomplete figure—he had only one arm—as he stooped beneath the weight of his huge package; and his