230 ANGLO-AMERICANS AND MEXICANS. Book II. 
course with Mexican women is usually the first step. Thus 
the corrupt morals of the frontier towns of Mexico have 
their humanizing influence, and we observe how the civi- 
lization of the human race frequently follows strange 
channels. 
The Anglo-Americans have unquestionably the superi- 
ority in driving the waggons, whereas the Mexicans are 
the only useful muleteers — muleros. The business of 
the latter consists in bringing up the mules for the 
relay ; in catching the draught-cattle with the laso when 
required and handing them over to the driver, in keep- 
ing the herd together when unyoked, &c. Irish people, 
sometimes even Scotch and English, pass for Anglo- 
Americans ; and even the Germans, when with Mexicans, 
pass for Americanos, although they are generally on more 
intimate terms with the Mexicans. As drivers, the Ger- 
mans are not cool enough ; they become irritated and 
morose under fatigues and privations, and often vent 
this on the cattle. The Mexican exhibits in danger the 
mere passive courage of the fatalist, although examples 
of distinguished heroism are not wanting among them. 
Toils and privations they bear with an almost incredible 
equanimity and even cheerfulness. Often have I observed 
our Mexicans, stretched in the mud under the waggons, 
hungry and wet, passing the time in songs and joking. 
They are cruel to the draught and saddle animals, because 
they expect from them what is impossible ; but they 
understand their temper thoroughly, especially that of the 
mules, and know how to attain by cunning and coaxing 
what an Anglo-American fruitlessly attempts to effect by 
force. Whilst the latter vainly strives in every way to 
put the bit into the mouth of some obstinate mule, the 
Mexican looks on with compassion and contempt, " Estos 
