at the present time by the New Mexicans, is indeed
a curiosity, as it probably was invented in the earliest times. It
consists of one piece of timber which is crooked the proper shape by
nature; the end of this is sharpened, and on it is fastened a single
piece of iron which has an attempt at a sharp point. The force to
propel this farming implement is attached in the usual way, with but
few modifications. Oxen are always employed in this labor, and their
yoke is fastened after the Egyptian fashion, to their horns instead of
by bows. In breaking up the hard prairies, this plough had a difficult
task to perform and was often broken; but, by the assistance of men
employed in clearing obstacles, such as sage bushes, etc., the task
was imperfectly gone through with. The Mexican axe is another curious
tool, which resembles as much the common pick of our laborers as
it does the axe used by American woodsmen. The sickle is used in
harvesting to this day in these parts, performing the duties of the
scythe, the cradle, etc. The most remarkable sight of all is the
Mexican cart, the noise of which, when moving, can, be heard on a
still day at a great distance. The wheels of this vehicle are at least
one foot thick, and consist of pieces of solid wood which are pegged
together and made to approach a circle by the best judgment of the
_eye_, without the aid of measuring. These wheels are very heavy, and
when rolling they go by jerks, owing to their want of proportion, etc.
The body of the cart, as are all of its parts, is made of soft wood,
and seems to be constructed for weight and strength instead of beauty.
The whole affair, when complete, is almost a load by itself; hence, it
is capable of carrying but a small cargo. The grain that Mexicans of
New Mexico grow is corn and wheat, and it is on these crops that they
depend for their support. In converting this grain into flour,
they either use the old water mill which is very primitive in its
construction, or else, when these are not near by, they make use of
two stones and grind it by hand. Their common diet is a sort of thick
gruel made of corn meal, wheat bread, eggs, peas, beans, pumpkins,
which latter articles they roast, and then break holes into them and
with a spoon dip out the contents as they are required; and, to finish
the catalogue, sometimes meat, game and milk. The fruits found in New
Mexico are not various, and are mostly confined to apples, peaches,
plums and grapes.