This picture is the "rancho", the settlement of the small farmer, or "vaquero" (cattle-herd).

Its form is that of an ordinary house, with gables and sloping roof, but its walls are peculiar.

They are constructed of gigantic bamboo canes, or straight poles of the _Fouquiera splendens_.
These are laced together by cords of the "pita" aloe; but the interstices between are left open, so as freely to admit the breeze.
Coolness, not warmth, is the object of these buildings.

The roof is a thatch of palm-leaves, and with far-impending eaves casts off the heavy rain of the tropics.

The appearance is striking--more picturesque even than the chalet of Switzerland.
There is but little furniture within.