ACAPULCO. 
143 
blighting winds but is shut in by mountains, watered by moun¬ 
tain rivulets, and supplied with all the tropical fruits, which 
grow here spontaneously, and in the greatest abundance. It 
reminds one of the “ happy valley” of “ Rasselas.” Along the 
margin of the bay are trees of peculiar shape called the “ amata,” 
or tree of love, the form of the top resembling an umbrella, 
under which hammocks are slung—and people enjoy their sies¬ 
tas. (See Plate). The castle is a work of some strength mount¬ 
ing several brass pieces of heavy calibre; it is however much 
neglected, being garrisoned only by a few barefooted soldiers. 
Just back of the town is a stream of the purest water from 
springs on the mountain side ; this is the bathing place of the 
inhabitants, and a more inviting one could not be imagined; 
the stream is so limpid, and of such a congenial temperature, 
that one feels that he could repose in its bosom forever. In tak¬ 
ing a bath it was difficult to rid ourself of the presence of a 
half dozen senoritas who would come to the bank, towel in hand, 
offering to prepare you for your clothes, for the moderate sum 
of sixpence. They were all beautiful, but I preferred seeing 
them under other circumstances. This want of modesty, as it 
will be termed, is a characteristic of Spanish America, and al¬ 
though it may show a want of refined delicacy according to the 
frigid laws of the States, they are entirely unconscious of im¬ 
propriety. 
The females here are celebrated for their beauty, finely de- 
veloped forms, and graceful bearing, as well as for their vivacity 
and winning pathos in conversation. They possess many peer¬ 
less traits of character, and manifest a devoted attachment to 
their parents and offspring. The full dress of a lady consists 
of a white chemise, a colored skirt flounced at the bottom, and 
a scarf which serves alternately as a shawl and bonnet. 
The market is well supplied with every variety of fruit and 
cakes, and beef by the yard. The stands are mostly attended 
by females. The first salutation upon entering the market-place 
is from the little girls, who hail you with, “Say, Americano! 
lemonade, picayune?” holding up to you a plate containing a glass 
of lemonade, as will be seen by the accompanying Plate. At 
the left, in the foreground, is seen a Senora making love to an 
hombre who looks from underneath his huge sombrero , and seems 
