This is an old Mexican town. Many of the people live in adobe
houses. Adobe is made of clay mixed with straw, moulded in frames,
turned out on the ground, and sun-dried. Mamma says that the
Mexican villages resemble those in Southern India, among the Tamil
people. The Mexicans here are a mixed race, descended from
Spaniards and Indians. There are families, however, of pure
Castilian blood. The Mexicans are very kind, courteous, and
hospitable. Some years ago papa and mamma went to Zuñi, and in
doing so crossed the entire Territory of New Mexico. At night they
encamped either in or near the different villages, and everywhere
received nothing but kindness. Many of the women and little girls
are very pretty indeed. They are fond of gay colors, and while a
few wear hats, most prefer a scarf or a bright shawl, one end of
which is thrown over the head, and forms a wrap for the neck and
shoulders. Their food is very plain, consisting of mutton, coffee,
bread, and beans. Nearly everybody owns a little burro, or donkey,
though all do not possess horses. It is droll to see boys riding
these docile little burros, with feet on either side almost
touching the ground.