126 THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



doors that fold upon themselves, and no windows. 

 They are small, and so arranged that the stock can 

 mostly be seen, at a glance, through the doorway in 

 passing. When windows do occur in the first story 

 of shops, or in public or private buildings, they are 

 often left without glazing, but strongly barred w T ith 

 iron, and close with shutters inside. In the second 

 story, or dwelling part of the building, the windows 

 are barred with wood, and secured at night and from 

 storms by close shutters only. This description ap- 

 plies more particularly to the older class of buildings, 

 although many very elegant private residences, es- 

 pecially in the suburbs, were in the same style, al- 

 though comparatively of modern appearance ; the 

 windows would be secured by a richly ornamented 

 iron grating, and protected from the sun by broad 

 curtains, suspended from the top, so as not to ob- 

 struct the full ingress or egress of a current of air. 



The style of buildings is exceedingly well adapted 

 to the climate ; with their high walls, open courts 

 and balconies, and free ventilation, they are calcu- 

 lated to promote, in the highest degree, the comfort 

 of the inhabitants, but, of course unsuited to any 

 climate than that of constant summer. 



The streets are mostly very narrow, with walks 

 not more than sufficiently wide for two to walk 

 abreast, and often not sufficient for that. Shops are 

 scattered in every part of the town, without much 

 distinction ; a block, for instance, bearing the same 

 general appearance, will be occupied by parties en- 

 gaged in the most diversified pursuits, and thus it is 



