Raib'oad to ChorlUos — Public Gamhling — Decline of Itohher/j. 389 



road, as far as Cliorillos, was accomplished by railroad, the 

 remainder of the way being over sand barrens, abhorred by 

 both steed and rider. 



Chorillos, about nine miles from Lima, and a favourite 

 watering-place of the inhabitants of the capital, with salt- 

 water baths and gaming-tables, lies in a small romantic cove, 

 but is of rather difficult access, owing to the steep sand- 

 hills which, 150 to 200 feet in height, bar all access from 

 seaward. Accordingly our ride to Chorillos, like that from 

 Callao to the capital, was performed under considerable diffi- 

 culty and danger, whence it has not seldom resulted that 

 visitors to the watering-place, who have made money at the 

 tables of Chorillos, have on their homeward ride to Lima 

 been eased of their winnings by some of their previous com- 

 panions over the board of green cloth ! At present one bowls 

 thither over a well-made road, easily and without dread of 

 being called on to '' stand and deliver," since, even in Peru, 

 people have not yet succeeded in amalgamating railroads and 

 robbery. 



The little place itself boasts of a few good dwelling-houses, 

 and some 100 to 150 Ranches of wood and adobes, or con- 

 structed of mud and reeds, in which delectable abodes the 

 good folk from the capital are content to pass the hottest 

 and most unhealthy months of the year (from January to 

 May). These Ranches, very unsightly without and exceed- 

 ingly poorly furnished, are sometimes most habitable within 

 doors, and fitted with delightful verandahs or open porches, 



