the markets, and as Kit Carson has many times been exhibited to the
reader at that place, it is very proper that we should describe it.

The town of Taos is located in a valley called by the same name. The
town consists of a series of villages, which are scattered, and are
known to the Mexicans by various names. The main village is called
Fernandez de Taos, and is located near the centre of the valley, on
a high plateau of ground. The buildings here, as, indeed, in all the
towns of New Mexico, are constructed of adobes, and are one story
high, with what is usually known as flat roofs. These houses are
huddled together without much regard being paid to streets. The main
attraction of the town is the plaza, where all the business, such
as marketing, etc., is carried on. It is here that the stores are
located; and, on a fête day, or in business hours, it is thronged
with Mexicans, Americans, and Indians. Among these there is a large
per-centage of idlers. The houses are mostly covered with a white
material, which is either chalk or lime. The church is the largest
building in the town, and is a rough specimen of architecture, which
is rudely finished within. It has a flat-sounding bell, propped up
in a sort of a belfry. To make a noise on this, a piece of iron, or
several stones are used; and, when an attempt at chiming is made,
it is very laughable. The figures representing saints, and even the
altar, are a strange compound of imitation. On the respective days set
apart by the Catholic church for worship, marriages and fête
services are carried on with a great attempt at pomp, but, under the
circumstances, they leave no lasting impression of grandeur, save on
the inhabitants, who have beheld nothing beyond their own country. The
dignitary most respected in these towns is the Padre (or Priest), who
is looked upon as sacred; and, when so inclined, this class of men
have the power of accomplishing much good; but, oftentimes, they