SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 99 



to be used by them in removing rubbish from 

 a mine; and Mr. Wilcox was obliged to 

 submit to two men dragging about half as 

 much earth on a raw hide as one could have 

 removed with ease on a barrow. A saw for 

 cutting planks they had never seen till we 

 arrived, and its operation really astonished 

 them. They thought it impossible that more 

 than one plank could be made from any one 

 tree: yet, by kind usage, and by respecting 

 their prejudices, I have no doubt they will 

 gradually be brought to confess the supe- 

 riority of our Mechanics and to obey their 

 directions; but it must be effected by de- 

 grees, and with caution : compulsory measures 

 should never be resorted to, and the workmen 

 sent out must also be particularly cautioned 

 under no circumstances to interfere with their 

 religious prejudices. 



We returned to dinner, and in the evening 

 rambled along the banks of one of the nu- 

 ll 2 



