CHARLES WILKES. 339 



well-fitted silk stockings, complete her attire. These 

 last are, in truth, characteristic of the Chilian women 

 of all classes, and they take no pains to conceal 

 them. One not unfrequently sees the extravagance 

 of silk stockings in the washerwomen at their tubs, 

 and even with their hands in the suds. The dress 

 in general fits tightly, and nature is not distorted by 

 tight lacing or the wearing of corsets. Nothing w 

 worn on the head; and the hair, parted and equally 

 divided from the forehead back to the neck, hangs 

 down in two long plaits on each shoulder to the 

 waist. 



"The style of dancing is somewhat like a fan- 

 dango. The couple begin by facing each other and 

 flirting handkerchiefs over each other's heads, then 

 approaching, slowly retreating again, then quickly 

 shooting off to one side, passing under arms without 

 touching, with great agility, rattling and beating time 

 with castanets. Their movements are quite grace- 

 ful, those of their feet pretty, and withal quite 

 amorous: the gestures may be readily understood, 

 not only by the native audience, but by foreigners. 

 I cannot say much for its moral tendency. 



"The higher classes of females have the name 

 of being virtuous and estimable in their domestic 

 circle ; but we cannot say that they are beautiful. 

 They dress their hair with great care and taste- 



