Ponce de Leon, between 1509 and 1518 killed off the natives.
The De Leon palace, built in 1511, is of great interest to tourists.
The climate is warm but pleasant. At night thick clothing is found
comfortable.
All visiting and shopping are done after sundown.
Slavery was abolished in 1873.
The women are rather small and delicately formed. Many of them are
pretty and they are all given to flirtation.
Men and women ride horseback alike. Wicker baskets to carry clothes or
provisions, are hung on either side of the horse's shoulders. Back of
these baskets the rider sits.
It is the custom of travellers on horseback to carry a basket handled
sword a yard and a quarter long, more as an ornament than as a means
of defense.
The observance of birthdays is an island fashion that is followed by
every one.
A Governor, appointed by the Crown, manages affairs. His palace is at
San Juan, the capital, a town that has 24,000 inhabitants.
Upon the Rio Grande are prehistoric monuments that have attracted the
attention of archaeologists.
Following the Spanish custom, men are imprisoned for debt.
In the towns houses are built with flat roofs, both to catch water and
to afford the family a small roof garden.
All planters have town houses where they bring their families during
the carnival season.
San Juan is filled with adventurers, gamblers, speculators and
fugitives from justice.
Pages:
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113