118 BRITISH HONDURAS. 



the market value of mahogany and logwood is low, a large pro- 

 portion of the indigenous Creole labour is thrown out of employ, 

 and at such times, it is available for felling forest and clearing 

 land, operations for which it is specially adapted. 



The so-called Spaniards of the colony, consisting chiefly of 

 Ladinos and Mestizos, are, as the names indicate, a mixed race, 

 partly Spanish and partly Indian. 



They form an increasing portion of the population, and come 

 to British Honduras from the neighbouring Eepublics to the 

 west and south, viz., Guatemala, Spanish Honduras, and Mosquito 

 Coast, or from Yucatan in the north. Those from .the latter 

 country are generally small in stature and light coloured ; 

 whereas those from the south are dark coloured and generally 

 finer men. It is probable that many of these men, especially 

 from the south, are fugitives from justice, and only remain in 

 the colony long enough to allow of their safe return when 

 political and other troubles have passed away. 



There are several Carib settlements in the colony, which 

 furnish a fine race of men and women capable of turning their 

 hands almost to anything. The men are admirable sailors, and 

 they are of essential service in navigating the numerous water- 

 ways of the country and in carrying produce to Belize. 



The Carib women principally supply the local markets with 

 yams and starch. 



The Caribs are naturally timid and shy, and, as mentioned 

 by Mr. Fowler, "their ambition is to be left alone, and live as 

 their forefathers have lived before them ; if disturbed or annoyed 

 they simply move to another place." 



Although a number of Caribs work occasionally with Creoles 

 on mahogany works, it is doubtful whether any appreciable 

 labouring population can be recruited from this source. 



Of pure Indians there are some small settlements in the 



