Simply pare off the rind, and slice it thus." We tried the experiment, but could not discover any peculiar improvement in the flavour of the soup.

The pulp of the aguacate seemed singularly insipid to our northern palates.
Fish, as with us, and of the finest quality, formed the second course.
A variety of dishes were now brought upon the table; most of them new to us, but all piquant, pleasant to the taste, and peculiar.
The major tried them all, determined to find out which he might like best--a piece of knowledge that he said would serve him upon some future occasion.
The Don seemed to take a pleasure in helping the major, whom he honoured by the title of "Senor Coronel." "_Puchero_, Senor Coronel ?" "Thank you, sir," grunted the major, and tried the puchero.
"Allow me to help you to a spoonful of _mole_." "With pleasure, Don Cosme." The _mole_ suddenly disappeared down the major's capacious throat.
"Try some of this _chile relleno_." "By all means," answered the major.

"Ah, by Jove! hot as fire!--whew!" "_Pica! Pica_!" answered Don Cosme, pointing to his thorax, and smiling at the wry faces the major was making.

"Wash it down, Senor, with a glass of this claret--or here, Pepe! Is the Johannisberg cool yet?
Bring it in, then.

Perhaps you prefer champagne, Senores ?" "Thank you; do not trouble yourself, Don Cosme." "No trouble, Capitan--bring champagne.