78 



SOLIDAD. 



In the evening I returned to Solidad by 

 moonlight, and had an interesting conversation 

 with the Colonel on astronomical subjects, 

 with v^hich he seemed perfectly conversant. 



March 26th. A feast-day ; the bells per- 

 petually ringing with such a deafening noise, 

 as to prevent all reading or writing. Not a 

 breath of air during the day, and a scorch- 

 ing sun. In the evening there was a pro- 

 cession, which consisted of the cross, deco- 

 rated with white scarves and brilliantly il- 

 luminated with lamps ; a large car followed, 

 borne by fourteen men, having on it a figure 

 intended as a representation of our Saviour, 

 with his hands bound, and being scourged by 

 a man dressed in the old Spanish costume, 

 and another man as officer looking on. This 

 was preceded by the host, and followed by 

 the music of flutes, violins, and boys chant- 

 ing. Then came a figure of St. John, the 

 patron saint of the place, and the whole 



