INTERESTING OBJECTS. 85 



The horses seen on the paseo, as well as all of the 

 horses in Mexico, are of Arabian descent and are splendid 

 animals. Thsy are medium-sized, high-spirited, with small 

 ears, and a broad chest expanded by the rarified air of the 

 high altitude. The saddles and trappings are gorgeous 

 with silver ornaments, without any regard for tastefulness 

 whatever; eighteen or twenty inches of leather, fancifully 

 worked, are often attached to each stirrup. The Mexican 

 rider wears a short leather jacket, set off by a dozen or 

 more silver buttons, tight leather pantaloons, heavy with 

 silver buttons, partially opened at the side and flaring at 

 the bottom. Instead of a vest, he wears a frilled linen 

 shirt. This i^ set off by a scarlet scarf, tied about 

 the waist. His spurs are of silver and frequently weigh 

 half a pound each, while the rowels are an inch long. 

 These spurs are more for show than use, however. On 

 his head he wears a huge sombrero of brown felt, the brim 

 being ten or twelve inches broad, and the crown measur- 

 ing the same in height. In addition there is a silver or 

 gold cord placed about the crown, and frequently the 

 wearer's monogram is worked in silver on the side. 



The soldiers quartered in the government building were 

 frequently seen parading in the plaza. The Mexican 

 soldier has neither shoes nor stockings, shoes being re- 

 placed by sandals. The discipline is of the crudest sort; 

 when marching they do not keep step, but move at will; 

 it is a curious sight to see a company marching, with a band 

 at their head, all keeping out of step, even the band. One 

 would suppose the band, at least, would keep step, but 

 such is not the case, although they are fine musicians. The 

 troops wear linen or cotton uniforms, with silver buttons. 

 On dress parades they wear a plain uniform of dark blue. 



One of the most interesting objects in Mexico is the 

 famous Cathedral, fronting upon the Plaza Major. Ninety 



