Page:Twenty years before the mast - Charles Erskine, 1896.djvu/47

 year 1832, when half the population lost their lives and all the cattle died. Liberal assistance was rendered by other countries as well as by our own, and the generous  conduct of our nation is still remembered among them  with the liveliest emotions of gratitude.

In a valley west of the town, about half a mile distant by the path, is the market-place. Here there is a beautiful spring, surrounded by tropical trees, such as the cocoanut, date, banana, papaya, and lime, with grapes  and other fruits. Over the spring is a thatched roof. It is always surrounded by a group of the most remarkable objects in human shape that can well be conceived. Looking on one side you see blind beggars, dirty soldiers, and naked children; on the other, lepers, boys with  monkeys, others with parrots and fowls, half-dressed  women, donkeys no larger than sheep, driven by very  large boys, to say nothing of numerous persons suffering  from loathsome diseases who are performing their ablutions. Here were sailors washing, chatting, singing, and laughing; there a group of natives of all sizes, sexes,  colors, and ages, with turbaned heads and gay-colored  handkerchiefs. These latter are worn in a fashion different from what we are accustomed to. They are arranged like a shawl reversed, the ends hanging down behind,  while the point is in front, and the breast and part of  the face are covered by it. Market is held daily in the morning when any shipping is in port. We witnessed a morning drill of the recruits, which was amusing. The men were cleanly dressed, but the rattan was freely used  by the sergeant. During the drill he ordered one of the men out of the line to light his pipe.