Cu. VIII. SOUTH AMERICA. 79 



fons of wealth and diftinítion, they are ferved with 

 the greateft decency and fplendour. Mofl of the 

 diñics are drcíTixl in the manner of this country, and 

 differ conñderably from thofe of Spain ; but foine of 

 them are fo delicate, that foreigners are no Icfs pleafed 

 with them, than thq gentlemen of the country. One 

 of their favourite diihe^ is the agi-aco, there being 

 fcarcely a genteel table without it. It is a mixture of 

 feveral ingredients, which cannot fail of making an 

 excellent ragout. It coniifts of pork fried, birds of 

 feveral kinds, plantanes, maize pafte, and feveral other 

 things highly ieafoned with what they call pimento, 

 or aji. 



The inhabitants of any figure generally make two 

 meals a-day, beñdes another light repair. That in 

 the morning, their breakfafi", is generally corapoied 

 of fome fried difh, paftry of maize flour, and things 

 of that nature, followed by chocolate. Their dinner 

 Gonfiits of a much greater variety ; but at night the 

 regale is only of l\veetraeats and chocolate. Some 

 families, indeed, afFetfl the European cuftom of hav- 

 ing regular (uppers, though they are generally looked 

 upon at Carthagena as detrimental to health. We 

 found, however, no difference as to ourfelves ; and 

 poflibly the ill cffecSls flow from excefs in the other 

 meals. 



CFIAP. IX. 



Of the ^rade of Carthagena^ and other Countries 

 of America^ on the Arrival of the Gdllcons and 

 _ other Spanijh Ships, 



THE bay of Carthagena is the firft place in 

 America at which the galleons arc allowed to 

 touch ; and thus it enjoys the firft fruits of commerce, 



