Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/79

Rh public walks; and exhibiting, with the utmost splendour and coquetry, at the theatre or opera, in the evening.

In some portions of the country, the women do not take their meals in the same apartment as the rest of the household; except on particular occasions, as a mark of especial favour. It is the practice, when at table, to abstain from any kind of beverage until the conclusion of the meal; and if any guest partake of the contents of the cup that is placed beside him, it is regarded by his entertainer as a token of his having finished his repast.

The objects which seem to engage the time and attention of a Mexican fine gentleman in a particular degree are, first and foremost, the gaming-table; training, exchanging and ministering to the comfort of horses; and attending upon the ladies at the theatre; these occupations being occasionally varied by a visit to the cock-pit, the passeo, or the bull-ring.

The bands of smugglers on the Mexican coasts are both numerous and intrepid; and there is every inducement and facility for defrauding the revenue. The government collectors and inspectors are few and wholly inefficient, their number being utterly