Baracoa, the First Capital. -- West Indian Buccaneers. -- Military Despotism. -- A Perpetual State of Siege. -- A Patriotic Son of Cuba. -- Political Condition of the Island. -- Education of Cuban Youths. -- Attempts at Revolution. -- Fate of General Narciso Lopez. -- The Late Civil War and its Leader. -- Terrible Slaughter of Spanish Troops. -- Stronghold of the Insurgents. -- Guerrillas. -- Want of Self-Reliance. -- Spanish Art, Literature, and Conquest. -- What Spain was. -- What Spain is. -- Rise and Fall of an Empire. 88 CHAPTER VI. Geographical. -- A Remarkable Weed. -- Turtle-Hunting. -- Turtle-Steaks in Olden Times. -- The Gulf Stream. -- Deep-Sea Soundings. -- Mountain Range of Cuba. -- Curious Geological Facts. -- Subterranean Caverns. -- Wild Animals. -- The Rivers of the Island. -- Fine Harbors. -- Historic Memories of the Caribbean Sea. -- Sentinel of the Gulf. -- Importance of the Position. -- Climate. -- Hints for Invalids. -- Matanzas. -- Execution of a Patriot. -- Valley of Yumuri; Caves of Bellamar; Puerto Principe; Cardenas. 102 CHAPTER VII. City of Havana. -- First Impressions. -- The Harbor. -- Institutions. -- Lack of Educational Facilities. -- Cuban Women. -- Street Etiquette. -- Architecture. -- Domestic Arrangements. -- Barred Windows and Bullet-Proof Doors. -- Public Vehicles. -- Uncleanliness of the Streets. -- Spanish or African! -- The Church Bells. -- Home-Keeping Habits of Ladies. -- Their Patriotism. -- Personal Characteristics. -- Low Ebb of Social Life. -- Priestcraft. -- Female Virtue. -- Domestic Ties. -- A Festive Population. -- Cosmetics. -- Sea-Bathing. 125 CHAPTER VIII. Sabbath Scenes in Havana. -- Thimble-Riggers and Mountebanks. -- City Squares and their Ornamentation. -- The Cathedral. -- Tomb of Columbus. -- Plaza de Armas. -- Out-Door Concerts. -- Habitués of Paseo de Isabella. -- Superbly Appointed Cafés. -- Gambling. -- Lottery Tickets. -- Fast Life. -- Masquerade Balls. -- Carnival Days. -- The Famous Tacon Theatre. -- The Havana Casino. -- Public Statues. -- Beauties of the Governor's Garden. -- The Alameda. -- The Old Bell-Ringer. -- Military Mass. 144 CHAPTER IX.