SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 231 



lanterns, with lighted candles, used in proces- 

 sions. The criminals were each mounted on 

 an ass, and dressed in white woollen gowns and 

 caps, with red crosses on them. They were 

 tied down to the pack-saddle, from which an 

 iron bar passed to the neck, and was united 

 to a strong iron collar ; they had also a very 

 heavy chain on one leg. They were attended 

 by a number of priests and religious of dif- 

 ferent orders, who continued to recite short 

 sentences and prayers to the wretched male- 

 factors, who repeated them in as audible a 

 voice as their situation would admit, but it 

 was with difficulty they could be supported 

 on their animals. 



The procession moved slowly through the 

 crowded streets — the windows, balconies, and 

 parapets of theflat-roofed houses were thronged 

 to excess ; and on no occasion had I seen so 

 many ladies, nor, in my opinion, to so much 

 advantage. The behaviour of the whole as- 



