I am told, however, that, though very witty, these representations are not fit for _la bonne compagnie_.
"If to what we have been able to collect on what are called Basques," says Du Mege, "we add the remarks of General Serviez, _charge d'administration_ of the department of the Basses Pyrenees, a complete picture is presented of the manners and habits of the descendants of the Escualdunacs, who may be subdivided into three tribes, or families: the _Labourdins_, the _Navarrais_, and the _Souletins_." "They have rather the appearance of a foreign colony transplanted into the midst of the French, than a people forming a portion of the country, and living under the same laws and government.

They are extremely brave, and are always the terror of the Spaniards in all wars with them; but their aversion to leaving their homes is very great, and their attachment to their personal liberty is remarkable.

They are much wedded to their own habits and customs, and are almost universally _unacquainted_ with the French language.

They are said to be the _cleanest people in the world_; in which particular they singularly differ from the Bretons, whom, in some respects, they resemble.
"Mildness and persuasion does much with them, severity nothing: they are choleric in temper, but soon appeased; nevertheless, they are implacable in their hatred, and resolute in their revenge.

Ready to oblige, if flattered; restless and active, hard-working; _habitually sober and well-conducted_, and violently attached to their religion and their priests.