228 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



the public letter-writers, who, in the open air, 

 like those of Naples, follow their daily labours; 

 their occupation seems to be chiefly the pro- 

 duction of ornamental love-letters, like our 

 valentines ; but, judging from their appear- 

 ance, it does not seem a profitable calling. 

 They are also dealers in ink, which by the 

 way is of a very bad quality. 



Medical and surgical knowledge is less cul- 

 tivated here than in Europe. Dissections are 

 not allowed by law. Several young physicians, 

 from the United States, had arrived, and were 

 getting practice, although labouring under 

 the great disadvantage of not knowing the 

 Spanish language. 



An able oculist would be a valuable acqui- 

 sition and blessing to Mexico, where diseases 

 of the eye are so prevalent, and in which there 

 are more blind persons than in any country I 

 have ever travelled; there is not a native 

 who can perform an operation. The Count 



