28 Timehri. 
tion. They are gradually being absorbed by other more virile races, and will 
be ultimately perpetuated as Bovianders or half-castes. The Portuguese, 
on the other hand, are already to the fore in “the street.” Within the 
memory of the present generation no room was given them in the commer- 
cial centre of the capital. Now, they appear to be parties to be reckoned 
with in mercantile competition. They are only now commencing to enter 
the close professions. Their alleged “ aloofness *’ is natural and not assumed, 
but they are very sociable and entertaining when amongst those other races 
for whom they harbour any regard or respect. They are too proud to be 
patronised by any race,—the patronising habit being much too common 
amongst other European races—notwithstanding Portugal is at present a 
second or third-rate power. This is natural, especially when it is remembered 
that they were a great power when England was figuratively in knickerbockers. 
It will take many years to eliminate their pride of race. 
To sum up. Each race in the colony is bearing its full share of 
the burden of colonial life ; and while those most conspicuous by reason of 
the large place they occupy in the world of commerce and merchandise shine 
with brilliant lustre, it ill behoves any one to belittle those whose thews and 
sinews keep the colony from tottering to its fall. The “ captains of industry ” 
and their regiments are as of great importance to the colony as those whose 
success in life depends upon the ultimate financial results of the battle between 
man and nature. 
