260 MARKIAGE CONTRACTS. 



back, which had been scarifiecl, as I was in- 

 formed, with the keen edge of a flint, and 

 was bleeding most profusely. The blood was 

 kept in perpetual flow by the stimulating 

 juice of certain herbs, carried by a third per- 

 son, into which the scourger frequently dip- 

 ped his lash. AUhough the actors in this tra- 

 gical farce were completely muffled, yet they 

 were well known to many of the by-standers, 

 one of whom assured me that they Avcre three 

 of the most notorious rascals in the country. 

 By submitting to this species of penance, they 

 annually received complete absolution of 

 their past year's sins, and, thus ' purified,' en- 

 tered afresh on the old career of wickedness 

 and crime. 



In New Mexico, the institution of maniage 

 changes the legal rights of the parties, but it 

 scarcely affects their moral obhgations. It is 

 usually looked upon as a convenient cloak for 

 irregularities, which society less willingly tole- 

 rates in the hvesof unmarried women, ^et 

 when it is considered that the majority of 

 matches are forced and ill-assorted, some idea 

 rnay be formed of the little incitement that is 

 given to \irtue. There are very few parents 

 who would stoop to consult a young ladys 

 wishes before concludinir a marriasre coni*ict, 



would maidens, generally, ever dream of 

 matrimonial connection unless proposed first 

 by the father. The lover's proposals are, up- 

 on the same principle, made in writing direct 

 to the parents themselves, and without the 

 least deference to the wishes or iiicUnations 



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