ULLOA's voyage to south AMERICA. 583 



fongs ; for the gratification of this paflion, they have in general good voices, and fome 

 of them are heard with admiration. They are very fond of balls, where they diftin- 

 guifii therafelves equally by the gracefulnefs and agility of their motions. In fine, the 

 reigning paflions of the fair at Lima, are fliew, mirth, and feftivity. 



The natural vivacity and penetration of the inhabitants -of Lima, both men and 

 women, are greatly improved by converfing with pcrfons of learning reforting thither 

 from Spain. The cuftom of forming fmall aflemblies, has alfo a great tendency to 

 improve their minds, and give them a ready and happy manner of expreflion, from an 

 emulation to diftinguilh themfelves in thefe engaging accomplifhments. 



Though the natives have too great a fhare of pride, they are not wanting in docility 

 when proper methods are taken. They inilantly fhew their reluctance to obey a 

 command given with haughtinefs ; but, when delivered with mildnefs and affability, 

 equally obfequious and fubmiflive. They are charmed with gentlenefs of manners; 

 and a few inftances of kindnefs make a lafting impreflion on their minds. They are 

 remarkably brave, and of fuch unblemifhed honour, as never to diifemble an affront 

 received, or give one to others ; fo that they live together in a cheerful and focial 

 manner. The Mulattoes being, lefs civilized, and having but flender notions of the 

 turpitude of vice, and the importance of virtue, are haughty, turbulent, and quarrel- 

 fome. Yet the mifchievous confequences of thefe vices are lefs common, than might 

 naturally be expelled in fuch a populous city. 



The manners and difpofitions of the nobility, correfpond with their rank and for- 

 tune. Courtefy fliines in all their actions, and their complaifance to ftrangers is 

 without limits. The reception they give them, is equally free from flattery and a 

 haughty referve ; fo that all the Europeans, whether they vifit them out of curiofity 

 or from commercial m.otives, are charmed v,ath their probity, politenefs, candour, and 

 magnificence. 



CHAP. VL — Of the Climate of the City of Limfi, and the whole Country of Valles : 



and the Divi/ions of the Seafons. 



THE temperature of the air of Lima, and its alterations, would be greatly injured 

 by an inference drawn from what is felt in the fame degree of north latitude; as 

 Lima would from hence be concluded another Carthagena ; the latitude of both cities, 

 one in the northern and the other in the fouthern hemifphere, differing but very little ; 

 whereas in fact it is quite the reverfe. For as that of Carthagena is hot to a degree 

 of inconvenience, this of Lima is perfedly agreeable. And though the difference 

 of the four feafons are fenfible, all of them are moderate, and none of them 

 troublefome. 



Spring begins towards the clofe of the year, that is, towards the end of November, 

 or beginning of December. But this is to be underitood only of the heavens, as then 

 the vapours which filled the atmofphere during the winter fubfide, the fun to the great 

 joy of the inhabitants again appears, and the country now begins to revive, which 

 during the abfence of his rays had continued in a ffate of languor. This is fucceeded 

 by fummer, which, though hot from the perpendicular diredion of the fun*s rays, 

 is far from bemg infupportable ; the heat, which would indeed otherwife be excef- 

 five, being moderated by the fouth winds, which at this feafon always blow, though 

 with no great force. At the latter end of June, or the beginning of July, the 

 winter begins, and continues till November or December, the autumn intervening 



between 



