Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1854-05-03


Goats, asses, hogs, poultry, ETC., may be raised
(and are) largely in some districts. ....
One can hardly fail of being strongly Impress
ed with the many points of resemblance between
the habits of life Of these people and those of the
patrarchal ages, as described in the book Of Cen
esis. The large herds Of cattle. goats and asses,
and, to certain extent, their nomadic life, con-
tinually call to mind Abraham and Lot, with their
families; and the condition of families SO much
resembling concubinage, to which have refer
ed above. Women with huge jars (pitchers) fill
ed with water on their heads-their simple attire,
the sandaled feet-and groups Of men, women
and children squatting on the ground, at the door
Of their cabin, (tent,) and even the manner OF
gathering as well as cooking their fruits and pre-
pairing their meats, intend to impress one strong
ly with the idea that oriental times and habits
have come down to US in all their simplicity.
The inhabitants reside mostly in huts, made Of
bamboo poles, the lower ends Of which are placed
in trench dug in the ground, while the upper
ends are tied together with thongs cut from un-
tanned hides. These huts are covered with palm
leaves. They are entirely destitute of floors--a
dried bullock's hide serves as couch for the
night, and a seat as well as table for day.
The attire of the men is of the simplest kind;
some Of the more enterprising and wealthy own
a shirt; and in very few cases have known
the luxury Of pantaloons INDUCED in on great oc-
casons.
The dress OF full grown boy of fourteen or ff-
teen consists of broad brmmed palm leaf hat on
his head, sandals on his feet, and cigar in his
mouth-"y no mas"
Young ladies of the same age are trife more
!elaborately dressed sometimes wearing gar
mest which covers the person below the pectoral
region admirably ~
Children grow up in Incidence and listless in
action, not the slightest effort being made by the
parents to develope the mental or physical pow
ers. Occasionally we meet female among the
more wealthy, who would fairly put to blush a
North American squaw, or a New York fashion
able belle, in the ingenuity manifested 10 group
ing together gaudy ornaments about about her
person-the immense founces upon their dresses
reminding one Gas friend the other day remark
ed) of barrel of French brandy on end, nearly
concealed by hoops-and the peculiar happy con-
,rivances to expose to view the shoulders and up
per part of the chest in front, would furnish mod
els for the cooper.
A lady of my acquaintance, who is, by far the
best looking native female have seen, having a
fair proportion of Spanish blood in her veins,
known as the PADRES sister, Of San Pablo, at
fords good example of the better ordor of Ncw
Grenadian women. Sonora Juanita has several
children, among whom are two well grown boys,
who may be seen any day promenading in front
of madam's house, stark naked, forming most in
terestng pair Of Cupids.
My friend, DR.. B., remarked to me the other
day, that the admirers of Grecian and Roman my
thology and of the innocence and grace Of pasto-
rial life, might undoubtedly refresh their aesthetic
natures by residence of few months, among
these naked realities oil that stage of humur
civilization and development, upon which they be
stow such warm encomiums.
The lady herself may be seen Of an afternoon
swinging in her hammock smoking her cigar
and--start not, gentle rcadcr-spting a Ia Amer
icaine; and frequently with an amount of jewel
nv, mostly in so!id gold, that has been estimated
by good Judges to be worth (vaued at the price o
gold dusC not less than three thousand dollars
She has one chain composed entirely ofgold coins
+ fastened together with links ofthe same material
the coins being mostly double eagles, doubloons
eagles, half eagles, and sovereigns, which whel
thrown around her neck, will hang double to be
low the knees. ...
The future destiny Of this country is of course
n subject Of speculation. may, in future let
ter, notice the indications of an important chang
in ,he political relations Of this land, which ar
unmistakably presenting themselves to the OBJ
server. The event may not occur suddenly, o
soon, but it will come. .. ..... ..