Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/222

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168
CATHEDRAL.
[1838.

appeared to be the friend of the state. Wherever he went, the pet term of Carlito, in an affectionate tone, was sure to welcome him. He had been employed trading throughout this state, and resident at times in each village in our route.

The produce of Leon and its vicinity consists of sugar, indigo, maize, tallow, and hides. The "Chief of Estate" resides there. Formerly it had a bishop, but a vicar at present officiates. The cathedral is large and very firmly constructed. During the revolution, guns were, or were about to be, mounted on its roof, which, from its strong arches, would easily support them. The college is still maintained by the authorities, but I was unable to collect details respecting the establishment, &c. The pupils are educated for the church, law, physic, and state.

I had intended measuring our meridian distance from Garden by rockets; but either they did not ascend well, or did not burst properly, therefore no definitive time could be noted. Having sent our party on before us at four, Ave waited until nine in the evening, when by the light of the moon we moved forward, and reached them at our rendezvous at Pueblo Nuevo about one, the distance being eight leagues, and the road good.

This village contains about thirty huts. The chief employment of the inhabitants appeared to be the construction of earthen water-jars,—for which purpose the steatitic nature of the soil appeared to be peculiarly adapted.