2^:: A- VOYAGE TO BooK>V, 



as before at Carthagena ; but with this difference, 

 that at Quito the degrees of Mestizos are not carried 

 so far back ; for, even in the second or third gene- 

 rations, when they acquire the European colour, 

 they are considered as Spaniards. The complexion 

 of the Mestizos is sv/arthy and reddish, but not of 

 that red common in the fair Mulattos. This is the 

 first degree, or the rmmediate issue of a Spaniard 

 and Indian. Some arc, however, equally tawny 

 with the Indians themselves, though they are distin- 

 guished from them by their beards: while others, on 

 the contrary, have so fine a complexion that they 

 might pass for Whites, were it not for some signs 

 which betray "jm, when viewed attentively. Among 

 these, the most remarkable is the lowr.ess of the fore- 

 head, which often leaves but a small space between 

 their hair and eye- brows ; at the same time the hair 

 grows remarkably forward on the temples, extend- 

 ing to the lower part of the ear. Besides, the hair it- 

 self is harsh, lank, coarse, and very black j their 

 nose very small, thin, and has a little r^s-ng on the 

 middle, from whence it forms a small curve, termi- 

 nating in a point, bending towards the upper lip. 

 These marl-.'^, besides some dark spots on the body, 

 are so constant and invariable, as to make it very diffi- 

 cult to conceal the fallacy of their complexion. The 

 Mestizos may be reckoned a third [¡.in of the inhabi- 

 tants. 



The next class is the Indians, who f)rm about an- 

 other third ; and the otheis, who are about one sixth, 

 are the Casts. These four clashes, according to the 

 most authentic accounts taken from the parish regis- 

 ter, amount to between 50 and 60,000 persons, of all 

 ages, sexes, and ranks. If among these classes the 

 Spaniards, as is natural to think, are the most emi- 

 nent for riches, rank, and power, it must at the same 

 time be owned, however melancholy the truth may ap- 

 pear, they are in proportion the most poor, miserable 



and 



