CHAP. IX. CAUSES AND RESULTS. 183 



This is all I have to observe about the Bank of Quito, 

 except that it is said to be a flourishing institution, paying- 

 good dividends. The two Banks enjoy, I am told, the privilege 

 of re - issuing their notes until they are worn out, and refuse 

 payment of them when certain marks and numbers disappear. 

 Though this manner of earning a dividend is exceedingly simple 

 in operation and certain in results, and seems to be accepted by 

 the people with perfect resignation, it is possible that it is one 

 of the various causes which produce the universal mistrust of 

 each other and of everybody that is exhibited throughout the 

 country. 



BEETLE-WING EARRING. 



