IN THE PACIFIC. 113 



occasionally of an evening. The Custom-house, 

 facing the landing-place, has a very imposing 

 look from a distance, but will not bear a close 

 inspection. 



A considerable trade is carried on between 

 Mazatlan and the European ports, and the 

 mail steamers call there on their way to and 

 from San Francisco and Panama. 



The regular traders from Europe seldom 

 come direct into port, but remain outside 

 until satisfactory arrangements have been made 

 between the owners of the ship and the Custom- 

 house authorities ; hence it is no uncommon 

 thing for a ship to remain outside, standing 

 off and on for days and weeks together. This 

 delay is owing to the unsettled state of the 

 country, for the merchant, who has already paid 

 the necessary dues on his expected cargo, 

 naturally objects to paying a second time on 

 account of the Custom-house having changed 

 hands, which it often does : a compromise is 

 usually arranged, and the ship comes into port to 

 discharge, failing which she goes to another place. 



I 



