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228 



DRESS OF THE SERTANEJOS. 



is made in domestic arrangements -, they are cut 

 in two, and the pulp is scooped out, then the 

 rind is dried, and these rude vessels serve almost 

 every purpose of earthenware — water is carried 

 in them, &c. and they are Hkewise used as mea- 

 sures.- They vary from six inches in circum- 

 ference to about three feet, and are usually 

 rather of an oval shape. The gourd when whole 

 is called cabala, and the half of the rind is 

 called euia. It is a creeping plant, and grows 

 spontaneously in many parts, but in others the 

 people plant it among the mandioc. 



The conversation of the Sertanejos usually 

 turns upon the state of their cattle or of women, 

 and, occasionally, accounts of adventures which 

 took place at Recife or at some other town. 

 The merits or demerits of the priests with whom 

 they may happen to be acquainted are likewise 

 discussed, and their irregular practices are made 

 a subject of ridicule. The dress of the men 

 has already been described, but when they are 

 at home a shirt and drawers alone remain. The 

 women have a more slovenly look, as their only 

 dress is a shift and petticoat, no stockings, and 

 oftentimes no shoes ; but when they leave home, 

 which is very seldom, an addition is made of a 

 large piece of coarse white cloth, either of their 

 own or of European manufacture, and this is 

 thrown over the head and shoulders ; a pair of 

 shoes is likewise then put on. They are good 



