Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-06-25

NlsiDIC anu MISUNDERSTANDING all lUlngS
come, and whittier all things tend; which
no additions can augment, and no subtrac-
tons diminish.
And sunset, which is beautiful in the
West Indies beyond'what have seen else
where, is unspeakably glorious in the noun
tains, with the ocean in view. 1t would be
proclamation for poetry and painting to
attempt description of sunset here, amidst
such a scene of sublime and glorious mag
nifcence; its impression can never be eff
faced from my mind.
NO. w
One Of the most pleasant and agreeable
cities in the island is Principle, situated on
the south, or southwestern side OF the
island. One of its characteristics, is. the
frank and unostentatious hospitality Of its
inhabitants: nor can give better descrip-
ton of it than by narratnC the following
anecdote, WHICH was related TO me, while
there-and which is authentic. An Amer
lean officer being on a visit to the island,
with his wife, whose health was delicate,
arrived at Principle, and directing his SER
want 10 drive to a very superb mansion,
which he supposed to be the chief hotel
called for rooms, and made himself at
home, thanking his good stars for the very
comfortable quarters he had found--having
never in all his life met with a host and
hostess SO refined, intelligent and polite
and never were servants so attentive and
accommodating; every want was anticpa-
ted, and supplied as anticipated. At the
expiration of a week he sent for his host
to settle his weeks bi.--But. Judge his
surprise and modification when he discov-
cred that--instead of being in the principal
hotel of the city--he was at the private.
but princely hotel Of Spanish nobeman.
But his host soon relieved him from his en-
barrassment and modification, by that deli.
cacy and attention which are peculiar to
the Spaniards of the higher classes--and he
was urged by his host and hostess by en-
treaties as delicate as they were warm aud
sincere, to remain during his pleasure. to
consult nothing but his own and his wife's
comfort and convenience.
Hospitality is, however, among the first
of the West Indian virtues, and perhaps one
reason why it exists here in Principle, IN a
greater degree, than any where else, is,
that but. few strangers visit this place on
account OF its insulation, being rather diff
cult Of access; and its population being
principally persons Of wealth and leisure,
they are pleased to see strangers among
them, as it affords some variety to their
rather monotonous existence. This is also
the capital Of the sland--hough Havana
is the metropolis and emporium-and there
is something Of the pageantry of court
once year-7-lhough the governor, or vice.
roy, resides principally in Havana.
have, while in the island, observed with
care the condition of the slaves, which con-
stitute about two-thirds of its populations;
and have discovered that their treatment
and conditions are far from being harsh and
cruel.
The manners OF the Spanards OF the
higher classes are very superior; grave, but
easy; dignied but gentle; refined but pol
ished; free from the Ievity of the French,
glish. The inhabitants OF Principle are the
most intelligent and refined of any in the
island. There is a popularity in the Gus
tom OF the Spanish ladies which strikes the
eye OF stranger as very peculiar. lal!,de
to the entire absence OF head dress among
them.--Such thing as n bonnet or cap,
never saw here. They wear their hair in
a most tasteful and elegant manner, decora,
ted with Jewels and flowers, of winch lat
ter article there are always here the great.
est quantity and variety as well as beauty;
and meet them where you may--at home
or abroad-on the Ameno or Paseo-on
the mountain or in the grove, riding or
walking, this Is the only decoration their
heads have, with the exception of a long
rich veil fastened on the top Of the head,
which the. fair wearer throws over her
shoulder when an opportunity presents it.
self OF exhibiting her charms; for what
woman wishes to conceal her pretty face I!
and what woman does not consider her
face pretty? Another Indispensable article
of their dress is the faR--this is with them
ga sine qua n0n." With these they coquet,
make love, and do every thing with them,
but fan themselves. These fans are of the
most beautiful kind, and Of the richest and
most exquisite workmanship. Then there
is the cigar case, which have mentioned
elsewhere, like Appollo's qniver, only no
so large, nor filled with arrows--but with
cigars, which considering the use they make
OF them, before mentioned, are no less fatal.
These are Spanish lady's arms, and many
proud cavalier has she brought TO her feet
with them. ] should also mention that