SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



251 



place where they sleep, is kept perfectly dry 

 and clean. They are attended by Indians 

 with every possible care, — there is a cold bath 

 on the premises, which they are obliged fre- 

 quently to use, as cleanliness is considered 

 essential to their acquiring that enormous 

 load of fat from which the principal profit is 

 derived. Their ease and comfort seem also 

 in every respect to be studiously attended to ; 

 and the occupation of two Indian lads will 

 cause a smile on the countenances of my 

 musical readers, when they are informed that 

 they are employed, from morning till night, 

 in settling any disputes or little bickerings 

 that may arise among the happy inhabitants 

 of this community either in respect to rank or 

 condition, and in singing them to sleep. The 

 boys are chosen for the strength of their lungs, 

 and their taste and judgment in delighting 

 the ears and lulling the senses of this ^miable 

 harmonic society ; they succeed each other 



