leather-work, and a few other articles, were formerly on sale in considerable quantities, wearing-apparel suitable for Europeans was almost unknown. A new era of trade has dawned upon the Republic since the introduction of American railroad enterprise. The foreign resident need no longer send to New York, London, or Paris for luxuries and fashions. All kinds of clothing can now be made at short notice; and preserves, canned goods, hams, wines, confectionery, and other articles which the European requires, are found in the shops. The finest mercantile establishments are in the cities of Puebla and Mexico. French is spoken in many of them. The shops on the Calle de San Francisco, on the Plateros, and on the Plaza mayor in the capital, are commodious, and contain a fine assortment of goods. Some of the clerks speak English. Strangers are charged exorbitant prices, so it is advisable to marchander with the salesmen.
XLVIII.
Pawnbroker-Shops.
These institutions are controlled by the Government, and exist in all the cities of Mexico. They are termed monte de piedad, or montepio.
There is a large monte de piedad in Puebla, and a central office with several branches at the capital. The articles deposited as security for loans in the pawnbroker-shops are chiefly wearing-apparel, leather-work, jewelry, and fire-arms. The Government officers set a price on goods forfeited to the montepio. If they are not sold within a few weeks, a second price is fixed. Should the articles fail to find a purchaser at the reduced valuation, they are appraised again. They are then kept for an indefinite period, till the third price is paid.
