This is a short monograph that was published in 1894 by Captain Bourke of the 3rd Cavalry. Bourke is usually a pretty entertaining writer, but in this case the paper is fairly bland, containing what is more or less a list of Spanish folk beliefs of the Rio Grand area.

I believe Bourke's intention was to show the connection between these 'new world' beliefs with those of ancient Rome and Europe but the treatment isn't vigorous enough to really drive home his point -- though he certainly sets the stage by giviing a few examples. In addition, he gives indication that some of the beliefs also stem from the Aztecs.

I'd give this paper a B- or C+. While the material is interesting, its just not the best Bourke is/was capable of. And overall the contents are perhaps too much like a list, and not enough like a coherent, point driven paper.

Pam T for http://pageinhistory.blogspot.com/ ( )