CHAPTER IX.—The City of Leon—Originally built on the Shores of the Lake Managua—Cause of its Removal—Its present Site—Dwellings of its Inhabitants—Style of Building—Devastation of the Civil Wars—Public Buildings—The Great Cathedral—Its Style of Architecture; Interior; Magnificent View from the Roof—The “Cuarto de los Obispos,” or Gallery of the Bishops—The University—The Bishop’s Palace—“Casa del Gobierno”—“Cuartel General”—The Churches of La Merced; Calvario; Recoleccion—Hospital of San Juan de Dios—Stone Bridge—Indian Municipality of Subtiaba—Population of Leon—Predominance of Indian Population—Destruction of Stocks—Mixed Races—Society of Leon—The Females; their Dress—Social Gatherings: the “Tertulia”—How to “break the Ice” and open a Ball—Native Dances—Personal cleanliness of the People—General Temperance—“Aguardiente” and “Italia”—Food—The Tortilla—Frijoles—Plantains—The Markets—Primitive Currency—Meals—Coffee, Chocolate, and “Tiste”—Dulces—Trade of Leon, 237 CHAPTER X.—The Vicinity of Leon—The Bishop’s Baths—Fuenta de Axusco—“Cerro de Los Americanos”—A Military Ball and Civic Dinner—General Guerrero—Official Visit from the Indian Municipality of Subtiaba—Simon Roque—A Secret—Address and Reply—Visit Returned—The Cabildo—An Empty Treasury—“Subtiaba, Leal y Fiel”—Royal Cedulas—Forming a Vocabulary—“Una Decima”—The Indians of Nicaragua; Stature; Complexion; Disposition; Bravery; Industry; Skill in the Arts—Manufacture of Cotton—Primitive Mode of Spinning—Tyrian Purple—Petates and Hammocks—Pottery—“Aguacales,” and “Jicoras”—Costume—Ornaments—Aboriginal Institutions—The Conquest of Nicaragua—Enormities practised toward the Indians—Present Condition of the Indians—The Sequel of Somoza’s Insurrection—Battles of the Obraje and San Jorge—Capture and Execution of Somoza—Moderate Policy of the Government—Return of General Muñoz—Medals—Festival of Peace—Novel Procession—A Black Saint, 261