MOUNTAIN HOUSES. 79 



were two dark dirty-looking cabins, the sleeping 

 apartments of the family. At this end, under the 

 gable of the roof, was a small window, closed by a 

 shutter on hinges. There was no chimney, nor 

 any other opening, except the door. Overhead 

 were racks, on which were spears and agricultural 

 instruments, and other things. This, with the roof 

 and indeed all the interior, was black and shining 

 from the constant smoke ; for when it rains or is 

 cold they shut the door and window, and fill the 

 room with smoke, which they think warm and com- 

 fortable; its only method of escape then is by oozing 

 through the thatch. The raised parts which occupy 

 the sides of by far the larger part of the house, were 

 (we were informed) used only at feasts, such as 

 marriage ceremonies, and the reception of visitors. 

 On such occasions the end near the door is occupied 

 by musicians, and the males and females are ar- 

 ranged in the centre of the house, one on one side, 

 the other on the other. Small fires are then lighted 

 at intervals down the central passage on the ground, 

 on which are kept pots of coffee and other refresh- 

 ments, with attendants near them to serve them out 

 to the company. There were no partitions in the 

 house, except the bulk-heads or boarded ones of the 

 cabins near the stove. The aspect of the interior 

 resembled the " 'tween decks " of an excessively 

 dirty ship. This was said to be a good specimen 

 of one of the mountain houses, all of which are on 

 the same plan. They generally stand pretty close 



