12 OS BECK'S VOYAGE, 



There are two gates in tliis approach, one 

 for thofe that enter, and the other for thofe 

 that go out. Both of them have draw-bridges, 

 guarded with fome foldiers ; and about thofe 

 are a number of lynx-eyed vtfitors (or cuftom- 

 houfe officers) dreifed in a fort of wide jackets, 

 called Caja guillas in Spanifh, which are ufed 

 in this country as riding-coats. Under thefe 

 coats they are faid to have always a brace of 

 loaded piftols, for their defence. The ufual 

 drefs of their countrymen are thefe brown 

 coats and flapping hats. They can make figns 

 to one another through the gates if any thing 

 happens; and they are obliged to look very 

 ftrictly with regard to all unlawful importation 

 or exportation, particularly that of money, 

 which mud pay fomewhat per cent. Thofe 

 that go out are vifited with a ftrictnefs beyond . 

 defcription ; as I once wanted to get out of 

 the gate in great hade, with my pockets full 

 of flones, it occafioned a fufpicion in one of 

 the vifitors, who, in an earneft manner, put 

 his hands into my pockets, and looking at me 

 with a threatning countenance, fearched every 

 thing very carefully; but finding nothing but 

 ilones, he only fmiled at my folly. To im- 

 port 



