Life in the Spanish missions in Texas consisted of daily prayer and work from dawn to dusk under the direction of priests and soldiers. Men tended crops while women did tasks like making pottery, weaving, and cooking. The Spanish hoped the native Indians would adopt Catholicism and European ways of life, but they often maintained their traditional celebrations and customs. Overall, life was harsh with dirt floors, open windows, and occasional food shortages, though some missions had better conditions than others. Nearby presidios provided protection for the missions and supervised the Indians, and towns developed diverse populations and the beginnings of local government.