DISPOSITION OF THE NATIVES. 109 



which supplied all their wants ; and, second- 

 ly, because the natural turn of a native Co- 

 lombian much more assimilates with the 

 character of an Englishman than that of any 

 other nation in Europe; for he is reserved, 

 thoughtful, and fond of commercial pursuits. 

 Though polite and desirous to oblige on first 

 introduction, yet, like an Englishman, he re- 

 quires time, and a knowledge of your cha- 

 racter, before he becomes intimate, and then 

 you find him to be an excellent and valuable 

 friend. Kindness of heart is a characteristic 

 of a Colombian, who will put himself to great 

 inconvenience to assist his friend ; and once 

 having formed a friendship for a foreigner, he 

 becomes as attached as if he were a member 

 of his family, — which I had the pleasure of 

 experiencing. I have been much gratified 

 in observing the fixed cordiality that exists 

 amongst the Colombians towards each other; 

 intimacy, or the slightest relationship, giving 

 them decided claims to mutual good offices, 



