SERIES: Pictorial History of the Sports and Pastimes of All Nations
SCENES: Children with donkey/burro; playing harp; gambling; masked ball
SIZE: 3" x 5"
ARTIST: Not signed, but reportedly Frances Brundage
DATE: 1893
LITHOGRAPHER: Kaufman & Strauss
CONDITION: Very good, I'd say. This card is only very lightly soiled, but does have several scattered bits of extraneous paper stuck to the front, most notably on the neck of the card player at the bottom center. The edges and corners are just slightly worn. (Please see scans.)
MULTIPLE ITEM SHIPPING DISCOUNT: I will ship up to 4 cards for the single base shipping charge shown. For purchases of more than 4 cards, the shipping charge will increase by just a small increment for every 4 additional cards.
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REVERSE TEXT: MEXICO.
MEXICO is a land of most wonderful contrasts. The wealth of the soil nevertheless leaves the peasantry abjectly poor. This is also partly due to the disinclination for work prevalent everywhere. The climate is nearly torrid, and has much to do with the national sloth. But the bounty of nature is so lavish that none need to suffer hunger. The rich live in great state in Mexico. The Mexicans are of Spanish descent, and like that people love pageants and religious ceremonials.
One of the features of Mexican life, are the public masked balls. Into the celebration of these all classes enter with a spirit of enjoyment and the result to all is a most joyous time. Great ingenuity is displayed in masks and costumes, and originality is rather the rule than the exception.
The harp is the national musical instrument. It is played with exquisite skill, and even the ragged mendicant evokes therefrom ravishing melodies. So sensitive are the Mexicans to the power of the harp's music, that its playing provokes if not always a dance at least the unconscious swaying of the body.
The "burro" or donkey, the most patient and gentle of animals is universal throughout Mexico. He is the pet of the children and these ride him almost from infancy, even without halter or bridle. Sad to say, they use a club to guide the animal, and do not hesitate to thump him often on the side of the head.
The mustang is the Mexican horse. He is wild by nature and must be caught and trained for the saddle. The Mexicans are expert trainers, and consequently these horses become most splendid animals for use and pleasure.
The Mexicans are born gamblers, wherever three or four of them may gather, they will readily find the time and place for a game.
