S41215-)0\

8
To start our trapping in Nebaj as/eompllewted
as going thru customs. First, we had to get permis-
sion from the Chief of the Village who had to con-
sult with his advisors. Then,we had to have a pol-
iceman go with us to the area we wanted to trap.
Then, we had to procure permission from the owner

of the land. The natives who actually farm the

land have no say in the matter-they are subjects

of the land owners. This smacks of the old feudal
sustem or even communism. The poor natives are
really taking a beating is Guatamala and reforms

are necessary if they ever, reach a stable economy
and society. Their police force consists of the
first man that can grab a billy-club. All the
natives carry machettes for protection-the law
enforeement officers a mere billy-club. The Mayor,
I noticed, had a machette lying on his desk with—
in easy reach. :

Every letter I write carries a Merry X‘mas
to all,
Love,
Janes.

P.S. after working this area, expect to ree
turn to Huehustenango and then go to Chemal which
will put me at about 13,000 feet; then, south toward
qQuezettenam and possibly even toChamperico-if time
permits. I intend to return to Guatamala City Jan.
lst., if I can get out Of the north side of these
mountains. It rained yesterday which means land
slides and road repairs before the routes are open -
ed again. All road repairs are done by humans witk
& grubbing hoe type too’. Tell Hector that my
Spanish in Nebaj is useless. Give the children an
extra hug, and tell them I an thinking of them every
minute of the day. Tell Jay that today 35 vultures
fed on a carcass of an armadillo which was tossed
a distance from the car about 350 feet. Did this
carcass disappear in a hurry? When I get home
will show you a movie of the feast.