Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/283

Rh Reputable and prosperous physicians are not wanting in the better neighbourhoods of Mexican cities, and great skill and attention are often evinced by them; but it must be said that in poor and remote districts much suffering is caused by the difficulty of obtaining good medical aid, and by the ignorance or carelessness of practitioners. Numbers perish through want of requisite care and medicine. Lawyers abound in the republic, and, both at the mining establishments and country estates, their services are in frequent requisition.

The state of society in this country—although compliments are profuse, and personal decorations expensive and elaborate—is susceptible of much greater polish and refinement. Too often, as in more favoured communities, external show, glitter, and ceremony, are studied in place of true politeness of feeling and consideration for others. Inexpensive social entertainments are not sufficiently popular; and female influence is held in far too little esteem.

The numerous good points in Mexican character of the better class, have been dwelt upon elsewhere,—their hospitality, sincerity, courtesy, and bravery, as also their jealousies