pure revenge. One
shudders to think of the skinning of beasts alive, cutting off the ears of
asses, breaking the legs of horses; yet of these sorts of cruelty not less
than 500 acts have been committed in the last four years, and the
offenders have escaped being brought to conviction!

This dark picture is happily relieved by some traits of moral beauty. The
narrative of a ride into the mountains of Santa Maura, which J.Y. made
under the escort of the governor, proves to how great a degree virtuous
and gentle manners grew and flourished in the remoter parts of this
island.

3 _mo_. 1.--This morning we set out for a ride about nine miles up
the mountains to a village called Caria, which contains about 1200
inhabitants, and in the surrounding hamlets there are about the same
number.

About half-past 9 o'clock we started; Captain McPhail and myself on his
two sure-footed horses, and another English gentleman on a fine mule.
After we had left the newly-made road, we pursued a track perfectly
unequalled in any part where I have travelled; rugged precipices, shelving
rocks, and large loose stones, which assailed the feet of the poor beasts
every step they took. However, for my part, I was well rewarded; it gave
me an opportunity not only of seeing the interior of the island, but also
a specimen of the disposition of the natives. Before we reached the
village, I observed, with some surprise, a tribe of people assembled on
the top of the cliffs to see us come in, and on ascending a few more paces
of rock, we found the children of the boys' school arranged like a little
army, with myrtle branches in their hands to welcome us to their
sequestered hamlet. After greeting us with great respect, they followed us
to the country-house of our English friend.

The mountain multitude waited with patience until we had made our repast,
when a few of the leading villagers were introduced to our room. And what
was their request? A school for their daughters. They were asked what they
would give towards its support. They answered, Whatever we can afford; we
that are able will pay for the poor, and they shall go free. It was then
intimated to them, that their friends would assist them in establishing a
school; but that they themselves must join in the effort, and that it
would be well to consult together, and put down their names and the number
of children they would send. Here the town-crier came forward, and said he
had for the last