LETTER XVIII. 



Social Condition. 



As I commenced these letters by giving a general 

 survey of these islands as they came from the hands of 

 nature, it may not be improper to take a cursory view of 

 the changes made by man; of the arts and industry, and 

 the social and moral existence of the present inhabitants. 

 But a grand distinction must be made between the higher 

 orders of society, and the middling and lower classes. 

 Although the former are possessed with a considerable 

 portion of philanthropy and urbanity, it must be acknowl- 

 edged that the latter, though the descendants of an enlight- 

 ened and powerful nation, are on the next stage to barba- 

 rism. To them, most of the following remarks are strictly 

 applied. 



Physical Distinction of the Natives. In taking a 

 glance of the inhabitants of these islands, we view every 

 variety of feature and complexion, from the fair and well- 

 formed European to the ugly and filthy Hottentot, who 

 vary in stature from the Lapland dwarf to the gigantic 

 Guanche. The natives generally, however, are of a dark, 

 sallow complexion which is the most conspicuous among 

 the peasantry who have, for the most part, an agreeable 

 physiognomy, and are well-proportioned. In general, they 

 have full dark eyes, and an abundant supply of hair, which 

 is often black, and terminates with a yellowish-brown hue, 

 though many of them have light-colored hair and blue 

 eyes. Their cheek-bones are frequently prominent ; the 

 nose regular or is inclined to aquiline, and the face oval 

 or round. They are generally endowed with a strictly 

 moral and religious character, but possess a roving and 

 enterprising disposition, and are said to be less industrious 

 at home than abroad. They are exceedingly athletic, and 



