14: THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



indefinite boundaries. A native named Sipreon, 

 at Bujio Soldado, claims all tliat can be seen from 

 the top of a large tree near his premises, although it 

 would, be utterly impossible for any one to attain 

 that position in order to ascertain the extent of his 

 possessions. These landholders usually have a rosa, 

 or plantation back from the river, where they grow 

 sugar-cane, indian corn or maize, plantains, bananas 

 and the other fruits and vegetables for their own 

 consumption, and to sell on the river ; many of them 

 entertain boatmen, or whoever else may find it ne- 

 cessary to obtain such food or shelter as they pro- 

 vide. 



From what has already been said, it will be 

 evident that the habits of these people are irregular 

 and indolent. Of their sports, the fandango is by 

 far the most common; and they sometimes go a 

 great distance to attend this nightly revel. Hunting 

 and fishing are occasionally resorted lo for pastime 

 or profit ; but the last is practiced but little in the 

 interior, although the rivers abound in excellent 

 fish. 



The women wear a dress usually made from 

 calico, gathered about the neck, and with flounces 

 near the bottom ; the neck of it, however, is often 

 unloosed and turned down to the waist, leaving the 

 shoulders covered only by the chemise. The palm- 

 leaf hat is also worn by them, while their feet are 

 generally naked, although sometimes they wear 

 shoes, but no stockings. Smoking is an almost con- 

 stant habit with them, as well as with the men, be- 



