CHAPTER XIV.—The Priesthood in Nicaragua—Decline in the Influence of the Church—-Banishment of the Archbishop—Suppression of the Convents—Prohibition of Papal Bulls—Legitimization of the Children of Priests—The Three Abandoned Convents of Leon—Padre Cartine, the last of the Franciscans—Reception, or Clock-room—The Padre’s Pets; His Oratory; Private Apartments; Workshop—A Skull and its History—The Eglesia del Recoleccion—The Padre as a Landlord; As a Painter; As an Uncle; And as Negociator in Marriage—An Auspicious Omen—Death of the Vicar of the Diocess of Nicaragua—His Obsequies—A Funeral Oration—Priestly Eloquence—An Epitaph—General Funeral Ceremonies—Death as an Angel of Mercy—Burial Practices—Capellanias; Their Effects, and the Policy of the Government in Respect to them—Popular Bigotry and Superstition—An Ancient Indulgence—The Potency of an Ejaculation—Remission of Sins—Penetencias—Rationale of the Practice—Novel Penances—Turning Sins to Good Account—Good from Evil—System of the Padre Cartine—The Diocess of Nicaragua, and its Bishop—General Education—Public Schools—The Universities of Leon and Granada—A Sad Picture, 355 CHAPTER XV.—Visits to the capital City, Managua—Legislative Assembly; How to procure a Quorum—Executive Message—Ratification of Treaty with the United States—Antiquities—Lake of Nihapa—Huertas—Dividing Ridge—Traces of Volcanic Action—Hacienda de Ganado—An Extensive Prospect—Extinct Crater—Ancient Paintings on the Cliffs—Symbolical Feathered Serpent—A Natural Temple—Superstitions of the Indians—Salt Lake—Laguna de Las Lavadoras—A Courier—Three Months Later from Home—The Shore of Lake Managua—Aboriginal Fisheries—Ancient Carving—Population of Managua—Resources of surrounding Country—Coffee—Inhabitants—Visit Tipitapa—Sunrise on the Lake—Hot Springs—Outlet of Lake—Mud and Alligators—Dry Channel—Village of Tipitapa—Surly Host—Salto de Tipitapa—Hot Springs again—Stone Bridge—Face of the Country—Nicaragua or Brazil Wood—Estate of Pasquel—Practical Communism—Matapalo or Kill-tree—Landing and Estero of Pasquel or Panaloya—Return—Depth of Lake Managua—Communication between the two Lakes—Popular Errors, 383