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Show 142 somewhat interesting. The cacique or high priest is the oracle and spiritual ruler, having the power to punish for irreligious acts and solemnize marriage ceremonies; in fact his consent must first be obtained before lovers may be betrothed. In the temporal affairs of the people he seems to be clothed with no authority. It is pleasing to note the great respect and reverence always paid to these aged men by the people; and a singular custom among them is that of drawing lots by the young men of the tribe to determine who shall support and take care of the cacique each year, and the successful competitor is deemed very fortunate. The governor or alcalde of the village is in reality the ruler in all temporal affairs; he orders work, regulates the hours of labor, and in short performs all the functions of a chief magistrate. Unlike the cacique who holds his omce for life, the alcalde is elected yearly. The emblem of his authority is a cane, which serves the double purpose of a writ when offenders are to be summoned before the bar of justice, and as a weapon to inflict such punishment as may be ordained. The capitan de la guerra or war- chief holds his office by hereditary right, is responsible for the defense of the town in time of war, and leads the fighting portion of the population. He seems to exercise the right of supervision over the commou pasture- field or " vcga," and likewise claims the ownership of the hnnting- grouDds near the village. There are also several minor officials who act as constables and police, called alguazils. Although these people are ostensibly Roman Catholics, there is no possible doubt but they are son- worshippers, as each night and morning the greater part of them are to be seen on their house- tops chanting hymns of praise to this orb as he departs and re- appears. These hymns are inexpressibly sad and mournful, though beautiful and melodious, and similar in character to the droning song in a minor key of the negro; the words appear to be a succession of monosyllables, with frequent repetition. In the event of any occurrence of interest to the people, a public crier announces it from a house- top. We had an instance of this in our own case, as before we were permitted to encamp near the village a couucil was held to decide whether to treat us as friends or enemies. The decision being in our favor, the fact was publicly made known in the manner indicated. These people seem to be particularly fond of having near their houses birds of different kinds, and a number of hawks aud eagles were observed. The latter bird is looked upon as having a sacred connection with Montezuma. The character of the Pueblo Indian is singularly at variance with that of the other tribes of New Mexico, being affectionate and childlike, innocent in manner and very honest, exhibiting none of that brutal and ferocious element common to most of the nomadic aborigines. These Indians are essentially a pastoral and agricultural people, tilling the soil with energy and industry. They claim a patch of land covering a radius of three miles square from the center of their town, and this portion of the Taos Valley is most fertile, and a veritable garden- spot. On all sides were seen fields of corn, wheat, oats, and barley, interspersed with large numbers of fruit- trees. Mr. Miller stated that he annually purchases of the Indians about 6,000 bushels of fine wheat. They claim that they desire nothing from the General Government but protection against squatters on their lands, aud appear to be abundantly able to take care of themselves. It was particularly pleasing to note the great degree of affection manifested by parents for their children, and also that they do not make beasts of burden of their women, as do the wild Indian tribes of the plains and mountains. Their laws in regard to thieving, adultery, aud other crimes are severe, and offenders after trial are punished with commensurate severity. A stay of several days in the viciuity resulted in securing many zoological specimens, including several rare humming- birds, fishes, reptiles, and insects. A valuable mammal was found here, Baird's hare, ( Lepus bairdi,) which had previously been observed only in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. This was a most interesting discovery, especially as regards geographical distribution, and it is curious that the species has not been discovered before in the southern territory. At this place a first acquaintance was made with the " Penitenths," a powerful organization of religions fauatics, whose societies' ramifications extend to every settlement throughout New Mexico. The object of this secret society does not appear to be fully understood, but self- pnuishraent for sins committed during the year is inflicted during the lenten season. At this time it is customary for the members to meet together, aud after prayers andjehantiug, a procession is formed, which marches through the town. The different individuals who are selected as scape- goats on this occasion are stripped nearly naked and carry enormous crosses made of heavy beams of wood; others carry whips made of fibers of Spanish bayonet and soap- root, with which tbey flagellate themselves and others until their backs are covered with gory welts. Some of the most energetic of these self- made martyrs lie down in front of the procession and permit the others to walk over them ; and the greater the suffering the more their religious fervor increases. This curious performance lasts for several days at a time, and is extremely disgusting to all sensible people. The priests of the Catholic Church have endeavored |