3í A VOYAGE TO Book Vil 



arc plaisfcrod over with clay, and whitewashed, but 

 tlie IVoiits painted in imitation of free-stone. They 

 afterwards add eorniees and porticos which are also 

 painted as a stone colour. Thus the whole front im- 

 poses on the sio-ht, and strangers suppose them to be 

 built of those materials which they only imitate. The 

 roofs are flat, and covered only so far as is nócessary 

 to keep out the wind and intercept the rays of the 

 sun. The pieces of timber, of which the roofs are 

 formed, and which on the inside are decorated with 

 cleo-ant mouldings and other ornaments, are covered* 

 "Nvith clay to preserve them from Uie ^uu. This slen- 

 der covering is sufficient, as no violent rains are ever 

 known here. Thus the houses are in less danger than 

 if built of more compact njatexials ; for the whole 

 building yields to the motions of the earthquakes, and 

 the foundations which are connected w ith the several 

 parts of the building follow the same motion ; and by 

 that means are not so easily thrown down. 



The wild canes, which serve for the inner parts 

 of the walls, resemble in length and bigness those 

 known in Europe, but without any cavity. The wood 

 of them is very solid, and little subject to rot. The 

 chaglla is also a kind of shrub growing wild in the 

 forests and on the banks of rivers. It is strong and 

 flexible like the osier. These are the materials of 

 , Avhich the houses in all the towns of Valles mentioned 

 •¿n the preceding chapter, are built. 



Towards the east arxl west parts of the city, but 

 within the walls, are a great many fruit and kitchen 

 gardens ; and most of the principal houses have gar- 

 dens for entertainment, being continually refreshed 

 witli water by means of the canals. . 



The whole city is divided into the five following 

 parislies. 1. Sagrario, which has three priests. 2. St. 

 Alii., and 8. St. Sebastian, each having two priests. 

 4. St. Marcelo, and 5. St. 'Lázaro, each of which has 

 one priest only. The parish of the latter extends it- 

 self 



