I
have complete sympathy with the passion which the natives have for
riding. Horses are abundant and cheap on Kauai: a fairly good one
can be bought for $20. I think every child possesses one. Indeed
the horses seem to outnumber the people.
The eight native girls who are being trained and educated here as a
"family school" have their horses, and go out to ride as English
children go for a romp into a play-ground. Yesterday Mrs. S. said,
"Now, girls, get the horses," and soon two little creatures of eight
and ten came galloping up on two spirited animals. They had not
only caught and bridled them, but had put on the complicated Mexican
saddles as securely as if men had done it; and I got a lesson from
them in making the Mexican knot with the thong which secures the
cinch, which will make me independent henceforward.
These children can all speak English, and their remarks are most
original and amusing. They have not a particle of respect of
manner, as we understand it, but seem very docile. They are naive
and fascinating in their manners, and the most joyous children I
ever saw. When they are not at their lessons, or household
occupations, they are dancing on stilts, acting plays of their own
invention, riding or bathing, and they laugh all day long.
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