112 UKBANA. 



these flo-\ving appendages "were fastened separate pieces 

 of white linen, serving for extensions of the abbreviated 

 trousers. A blue-flannel camisa, ornamented with white 

 trimmings, was worn outside of his pantaloons in lieu of a 

 coat. Two hats, the inner wool, the outer straw, consti- 

 tuted his head-gear, supplemented at the other end by 

 white stockings and shining patent-leather shoes. Our 

 boatmen were less grotesquely but neatly attired, being 

 barefooted, and encumbered with only one hat each. We 

 confess that " Los Nortes," when " fixed " in their best, 

 did not loom np very liigh in their own estimation ; and, 

 we apprehend, did not cut very impressive figures in the 

 eyes of their natives. The probabilities that we should be 

 taken by the XJrbanians as attendants of our crew were 

 rather mortifying. But what could we further do to im- 

 prove our appearance ? Our soiled and rusty garments 

 had been whipped and our panamas washed ; our coarse 

 flannel shirts, with collars of the same, were as clean as 

 muddy water would make them, and as smooth as they 

 could be stretched; neck-ties, which were reserved ibr 

 special occasions like the present, had been drawn from 

 our overloaded pockets, and now graced our sunburnt 

 necks. A glance around upon the motley-arrayed group 

 told that all were ready, when vamos was given, and we 

 Avere off for the town. 



Reaching Urbana, we were met iipon the beach by the 

 president of the village and other officials, with many of 

 the citizens, who received us with the hearty welcome so 

 characteristic of the Spaniard, and which was extended 

 us wherever we went. We had arrived upon one of their 

 numerous fiesta-days, and the people were luxuriating in 

 the festivities of the occasion. A grand banquet was to 

 be given to all the celebrities of the town at the casa, or 

 house of the chief executive, and to this we accepted an 

 invitation. At 10 A. M., the designated hour, we made 



