The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-11-18
NEW YORK. FRIDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER ls 1912.
The New Work on the Ruins OF Central
.l rr America.

The New Work on the Ruins OF Central
.1 America.
Within the space of year from the appearance
OF Mr.. Stephens's admirable work on the ruins of
Central America, we have here another most admit
Fable work by another traveller in those regions,
Mr. Norman; which will be published in few days
by the Brothers Langley, 81 Chatham street
This work is entitled ''Rambles in Yucatan, or
Notes of Travel through the Peninsula" includes
within its pages besides, most excellent descrip-
ton Of the Province OF Yucatan.at the present day,
the manners, customs, government, politics, inanc
es and commerce Of the country, an invaluable ac-
count of the celebrated ruins of Yucstan, smbrac-
ing particularly those of Chi-Chen, Zayi, Kabah
and Uxmal.
To say that it is excellently printed and well got
up would be fantprase for its deserts Its typogra
phical execution is without exception the very best
that has ever appeared in this country, notwith-
standing the fame Of the Boston edition of &C Fer
dinand and Isabella" In short, in it's paper
and Typography it is equal to the best English
books, and may take rank with Pickerings Al
dine editions. 1t contains, we believe, near
ly fifty engravngs !of the various ruins, scenes,
idols &c. &C., that Mr.. Norman met with in South
America; some of which we here give speci-
men of the extraordinary magnitude, and beauty,
and general nature of the ruins. These views are
well executed in the lthographic style Of Mr.. End-
colt, from Mr. Norman's original drawings. OF the
literary contents, our space at present, permits to
say but little however, we give such an abun-
dance ofextracts from the work itself, taat the
reader can easily form his own opinion. There
is an appendix, containing historical account
of the early inhabitants of this continent ira
diiions, &C., and various historical matters,
more or less connected with the ruins that is alone
worth the price of the work ; and from which we
learn that nearly the whole surface of Yucatan is
covered with most extensive ruins. The work is
written in plain, unpretending, but distinct style,
that leaves the reader in little doubt as to the au-
thor's meaning. We consider it a highly valuable
addition to national literature, and feel certain
that will occupy prominent place in every Ii
brary in the country. rNt
Before giving the extracts, it is only necessary to
say that Mr.. Norman landed at Sisal, travelled
thence 10 Merida, Isamal, Valladold, thence to the
ruins fChiChen, from there TO the ruins of Zabah
and Zayi then to those of Uxma and back to
Merida. From Merida he went to Campeachy,
whence he embarked for home. We now let this
enterprising traveller speak for himself.
THE LADIES OF YUcArAN-A SCENE AT sIsAL.
Supper being over, dancing was resumed. Those la
dies and gentlemen who upon the floor were
smoking The ladies here general smokers and do
it. too, with grace which. to smoker, is study. At
first appeared rather strange to receive, from the deli
cate fingers of female, lighted cigar, yet fresh with
the flavor which her own lips had impaired to 1t but
with such tuition, quickly quafedto the
go through all that delicate etiquette with as much
ease as though were /" to the manner born" The L.
dies were dressed IN the Spanish style and appeared quite
plexion rather brunette their hair dark eyes black
and, generally, they are Of a low stature.
SCENE AT MERIDA.
Christmas eve we passed upon the Alameda the public
promenade ofthe city The occasion brought together
the great mass Of the population The ladies pref
heads and beautiful moonlight evening was rendered
still more charming by their smiles The great majority
with colored needle. with the janty veil caralesy
worn gives them an airy appearance, end embelishes
features that are naturally pleasant and mild
ling with the multitude. without apparent distinction
rank or race quietly indulgins themselves in their
heard Every thing appeared to conducted in spirit
Of harmony and kind feeling The temperance pledge
was alike unnecessary and unknown.
$4,000 YucArEcos.
Notwithstanding the acknowledged debasing effects of
their sports and pasmes which wholly consist Of bull
batting cockfghtng ami gambling they not dsgra-
fact that although the degrading habit Of gambling Is ge
neral among all classes society male and female drunk
enness and its concomitsnt vices unknown. The
priests give counenancs these recreatons they may
be called both by their presence and participation It
but due the Yucatecos to say that during my
quarrelling at the gaming table, have observed
others tempted by improper means to participate in the
tae North Gambling seems to be passion ocular to
the Mexicans character which he INDUCES from motives
quite independent Of ms.cenary eonsidsrsons. They
names oftheir games must plead an utter ignorance
BALL IN YucArAS.
During my stay in city Of Merida ball wssgiven
the Governors house. apropos Of political event.
which did not esteem OF moment enough to remember
As usual upon such occasions there grand prepare
TONS The manmillners busily engaged upon fe-
male fneryand their shopbosrds decorated with
the unlimited gsety Every doorway along prn.
cpa streets throughout the day fliedwth ladies
ed upon Stools hs, avore posture working fancy ar.
tices in anticipation Of the But their
dresses gaping behind and hanging loosely upon their
shoulders and their sliphod feet made them appear
ceeding sovenly at home and awakened in strong
desire them in full toilet at the ball in the ening
On entering the hall passed through dense line Of
ladies arranged along the corridors principally mammas
and walnowering spinsters garlanding the corridors
The dancing had already At first sight the
display dazzing but after the lapse Of few minutes
the iascinston disspated The absence of converse
ton, Of small talk which upon such occasious il
nestle Institutions here exceedingly monotonous and
dull. During the dance, not lip is TO move-lke
Marryats wench they refuse to tak because they came
took seats separate frem the gentlemen They dressed
here in very good taste; though Partially for brilliant
eye There extrav agant display ewelry or
rich brocades in which may pardoned for
commencing their example to my own fair countrywo
There were many pretty faces that only required
expression to render them charming. The skill Of the
milner, however, deserves full credit. will add
for the benefit my bachelor friends that there in
attendance about twelve ladies TO gentleman This
asproportionate abundance Of females warm
climates and constitutes, believe Of Bishop Warbur.
toms arguments in defence Of polygamy in Asia The la
dies in the corridors were silently enjoying their cigars
during the whole evening, and only relieving the
tony occupation by carrying telearaphc cor.
respondence with some Of their neshbors BY the aid Of
their fans. N .Tea
WOMEN OF vUcATAN.
The social condition Of the female In Yucatan,
far my observation extends compares very favorably
with that Of females Of the rank in the other provn
of Mexico The Yucaecos ladies generally attend
their household affairs and the education OF their chill