Chap. X. TYPES OF THE BLACK RACE. 171 
peared to be ill disposed towards us, or at least not to like 
our visit. But this, if it really was so, must be confessed 
to be very natural. Who can doubt that, wherever on 
American soil an independent black population exists, 
sufficient causes for disliking white people must be retained 
in their memory ? and who can dispute that they will be 
disturbed in their peace and in the enjoyment of their 
freedom as soon as white men begin to settle around them 1 
At present their life is that of almost absolute independence 
and of undisturbed tranquillity — not of idleness, but neither 
of toil. The lagoon contains an inexhaustible quantity 
and great variety of the most excellent fish, and its shores 
are swarming with game — principally the small species of 
wild hog called the pecari. But to provide for more than 
mere existence, the men, leaving their families under the 
safeguard of the natural seclusion of this hidden spot, 
migrate for some portion of the year, returning with the 
earnings of a highly creditable activity in the mahogany 
cuttings. 
An exception to the cold manner in which we were - 
received by the rest of this community occurred in the 
instance of a young mulatto woman of very prepossessing 
and even interesting appearance, who, politely approach- 
ing Mrs. F., invited us to her habitation, where she ful- 
filled the duties of hospitality with a remarkable degree 
of delicacy and good manners, doing the honours of the 
place in a style which made us call her the Queen of 
Manati, or the Black Preciosa of British Honduras. 
There was nothing of the awkward and ungraceful move- 
ments about her that generally distinguish the negro race. 
Quite the contrary ; whatever she did was expressive of 
a natural good taste, not often to be found in civilized 
society. Her very appearance was striking. She was 
