In times of peace, the native of Cuban soil in the rural districts knows nothing of the struggle for existence which faces the majority of mankind in colder climes.  He “toils not, neither does he spin,” for the reason that nature provides so freely that very little exertion is necessary to secure her gifts.  Occasionally he may plow, or sow a little grain, or even pick fruit, but, as a rule, he leaves the labor to the negroes.  If he lives on a main-traveled road, he may possibly provide entertainment for man and beast, where he delights in gossiping with all who come his way, and is ready to drink whenever invited.  Neither does his raiment possess the glory of Solomon’s, for it generally consists of a pair of loose trousers, belted with a leather band, a linen shirt of brilliant hue, frequently worn outside his pantaloons, a silk handkerchief fastened about his head, a palm-leaf hat, and bare feet encased in leather slippers.

He is astute, though frank, boastful, though brave, and superstitious, if not religious.  Gambling is his chief delight, and his fighting cocks receive more attention than his wife and family.

His better half is more reserved than her lord, especially with strangers.  She is an adept horse-woman, though she sometimes shares the animal’s back with her husband, riding in front of him, almost on the neck of the horse.  Her dress is the acme of simplicity (sometimes rather too simple to suit conventional ideas), and consists of a loose frock, and a handkerchief tied around her neck.  Like her husband she dispenses with stockings, except on occasions of ceremony.  Her pride is her hair, on which she bestows a great deal of attention, and she delights in displaying it at every possible opportunity.

A Cuban bill of fare.

The mode of life among the people of these rural districts is entirely unlike that of the residents of the cities.  This difference extends even to their food and the manner of preparing it.  In the populous centers, especially among the better classes, the table service is of the French mode, but among the country people will be found the real Cuban cuisine.

The morning meal usually consists of fried pork, of which they are very fond, boiled rice, and roasted plantain, which serves them for bread.  Beef, birds or roast pork are served for dinner, together with plantains and a stew composed of fresh meat, dried meat, green plantains, and all kinds of vegetables.  These are cooked in a broth, thickened with a farinaceous root called malanga, and flavored with lemon juice.  Rice is a staple article of diet, and no meal is complete without it.

Rural amusements.

It is not in gastronomy alone that the Cubans of the country districts differ from their city cousins.  They have their special amusements, some of which seem cruel to people of refinement, but it may be said in their defense that football is not a popular game on the island.