In the Pays Basque, the prejudices—and for some time the laws—ran stronger against them than any which I have hitherto mentioned.  The Basque Cagot was not allowed to possess sheep.  He might keep a pig for provision, but his pig had no right of pasturage.  He might cut and carry grass for the ass, which was the only other animal he was permitted to own; and this ass was permitted, because its existence was rather an advantage to the oppressor, who constantly availed himself of the Cagot’s mechanical skill, and was glad to have him and his tools easily conveyed from one place to another.

The race was repulsed by the State.  Under the small local governments they could hold no post whatsoever.  And they were barely tolerated by the Church, although they were good Catholics, and zealous frequenters of the mass.  They might only enter the churches by a sma. . . Read More