.MTIwNg.OTMwODg

22 tenched from the ground by the hand - is a heavy thatch of pal leaf - and being hipped arms up at an acute angle. Such is the contrast of the heavy roof with the light sides - thus the appearance is quite singular. The ranch has but a single apartment. This comprises the culinary - the sleeping and the visiting arrangements. It there be an upper story - the height is mounted by means of a notched log. For culinary purposes a fire - a very small one is made - almost anywhere inside - the fireplace not being stationary - its whole material being but two or three large stones. Their paraphernalia for cooking - is neither august nor profuse. So simple is it - that its outfit never discourages - a young couple matrimonially inclined - nor indeed need all which pertains to their housekeep. Their list is one or two earthen pots - the some of culabash bowls - and a section of the same for a scorp. I was surprised to see so little ado - about eating matters - those preparatory utensils - pertaining to the stomachs wants - which are so important in our household furniture. Under the sun of the tropics - the inhabitants do not seem inclined to pamper their stomachs - eating is one of their least important pleasures - in employments. The food in use I found was chiefly - coffee - rice boiled in cocoanut milk - a species of yam called "eachu" - and plantains. Fruits - the orange - lime - pine apple - mangoe - guavi - bananna, &c. Every ranch has its hammock - or hammocks - which answers - as a lounge by day - and bed for night. Many sleep on the ground - they are in no wise particular. Other furniture there is non - some odds and ends that answer for chairs - and various other things - a table perhaps. The interior looks so dreary as the outside. No yards - surround the ranch - its only intent is a shield from the rains - and this intent is answered so long as the thatch is tight. Such is the home of the Panamanian - but little improved - within the walls of the city. The inhabitants of this place - Chagres - as well as Cnicus are chiefly of the lower orders - either negroes - formerly slaves - now paid by the springing up of the republic - or cross blood - from the dark shade of the negro up to the white man. Their employment is boating upon the river - or carriers across the mountain to Panama. I could not discover among these any strong matrimonial chastity - although this rite is held sacred by some of them. There are families - but many of them have no head except through the mother. They are fond of dancing - or sociability - and indifferent as