662 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



they would if told to murder their father or mother a thing un- 

 heard of among them, for they revere and honor their parents 

 above all others. To their elders they show much respect, never 

 presuming to contradict them beyond remarking, if they do not 

 agree with what is said, " So says my elder," implying that but 

 for that they would express an opinion. 



When questioned about the old ruined citios, they reply, " The 

 dwarfs built them/' and insist that the pixan, or souls of those 

 dwarfs, always walk about at night, coming into their houses, 

 though the doors be shut. In the daytime they are supposed to 

 dwell among the ruins. The reputation of the alux (dwarfs) is 

 not much better than that enjoyed by the " little people " of Ire- 

 laud and Scotland, accused of stealing butter, souring milk, and 

 changing pretty babies for ugly little creatures with wrinkled 

 faces. The alux are said to disturb tired laborers by shaking 

 their hammocks, lash those who slumber too heavily, throw stones, 

 and whistle. They terrify all who look at them, and steal food ; 



SCHOOL OF MESTIZAS GIRLS AT HOCTAM. 



for, though not taller than a child four years old, they can eat 

 more than any man does. Their only article of apparel is a very 

 wide brimmed straw hat. 



Belief in these dwarfish apparitions is perhaps induced by a 

 vague knowledge that several centuries ago a race of remarkably 

 small people did live in those parts. Edifices built by them are 

 found on the east coast of Yucatan and on adjacent islands. There 

 are several temples only nine feet high, and triumphal arches of 



