whilst no youth would think of smoking or drinking before his father or his father's friends without permission.
Society in Mexico city is circumscribed and limited in numbers, owing to the fact that nearly everyone is related to everyone else. Clubs are numerous. At the head of these stands the Jockey Club, housed superbly in the Calle San Francisco, the most fashionable thoroughfare of Mexico. Its exterior of carved stone inset with tiles of white and blue is intensely striking, and it possesses a wonderful stone stair-case. Some years ago it had a reputation for heavy gaming, but it is said that that reproach is now withdrawn. The Casino Español in Esperitu Santo is also a magnificent pile, and houses the Spanish residents in Mexico city—no mean community, and by far the most wealthy in the capital. The Casino Nacional has also a distinguished membership of Mexican gentlemen, many of whom are of scientific and diplomatic significance.
Brittanic indeed is the British Club. The British in Mexico are for the most part men of commercial standing, and "free and easy" is the motto of this establishment. The American Club has one of the largest memberships in Mexico, and is a model of comfort and hospitality. There are also clubs connected with many other nationalities.
The practice of the Medical Art is in efficient hands in Mexico. This is in contradistinction to the rest of Latin-America, where medical assistance is, generally Doctors. speaking, rather poor and dear. Surgery is at a fairly high level. The Mexican doctor does not dispense, but fees are moderate, averaging about four or five shillings a visit. Many Mexican practitioners receive their training in the United States, and make apt pupils because of their quickness and receptivity. The lower orders seek the herbalist and his kindred for a cure; but, as a rule, the services of the genuine medical man are in their case, to be had for the asking.
It is doubtful if anywhere else there is so much wretchedness
