Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/99

Rh frequently taller than the cottages themselves. But all the dwelling-houses on the island are low, on account of the hurricanes which, otherwise, would destroy them. Many small cottages are built of bark, or of woven brush-wood. The palm-tree, however, is the principal tree of the poor; it supplies them with material for their houses, and the calabash furnishes them with household wares. The little farms have a peculiar, although not ornamental appearance; still they adorn the landscape with their own character.

I have heard a good deal of what occurred during the last hurricane. One spot was pointed out to me, near here, where stood a little peasant farm. The whole family were assembled in the house, twelve in number. The tempest shook the dwelling; the father admonished them all to pray; they threw themselves on their knees around him; he stood upright in the middle of the room, and prayed in the name of all. The tempest tore open a hole in the roof, and in the same moment overturned the house, leaving the father standing upright, but burying his wife, his children, and servants. Not a single one escaped excepting himself!

I shall in the morning return to Havanna. If I could but some time give pleasure to the excellent, kind people who have, by their hospitality, given so much to me! I am sorry to leave them, and in particular the youngest, most charming little girl, the dark-eyed little Ellen!

&emsp; Again I am here! Heat is a good thing, but too much is—too much! And this heat is too stimulating both for soul and body. It may be possible to keep in health, but to keep in spirits is an impossibility; one becomes quite enervated. A fine sand-dust enters through the jalousies from the streets, and fills the air of the room and covers everything. Evening is the only time of the day in