CHILI. 175 
of silk stockings in the washerwomen at their tubs, and even with 
their hands in the suds. The dress in general tits neatly, and nature 
is not distorted by tight lacing, or the wearing of corsets. Nothing 
is 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 fandango. 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 move- 
ments are quite graceful ; that of their feet pretty, and withal quite 
amorous: the gestures may be readily understood, not only by the 
native audience, but by foreigners. 1 cannot say much for its moral 
tendency. 
The hicrher classes of females have the name of beiiw virtuous and 
estimable in their domestic circle, but we cannot say that they are 
beautiful. They dress their hair with great care and taste. Their 
feet are small, and they have a graceful carriage. 
The French fashion of dress prevails, and they are just beginning 
to wear bonnets. The advancement of civilization is rapid ; the imi- 
tation of foreign habits and customs will soon predominate over those 
of Chili, and what is of more consequence, some attention is being 
paid to their education. 
A rather singular occurrence took place at a review of the militia 
on the Plaiancia, one Sunday, by the President, who was attended by 
his daughter and a number of the most respectable ladies of the place. 
They marched down the line, and afterwards danced with the officers 
on the field in the presence of the soldiers. All the South Americans 
are inveterate dancers, the Chilians taking the lead. The taste for 
music is general, but although they have a number of national airs, 
few have been printed. All the printed music in common use is 
foreign, as are the instruments. Pianos are to be seen in almost 
every house. 
The natives have a fondness for flowers, although they are but little 
cultivated. Few gardens are yet to be seen of any consequence. 
They require constant irrigation the most of the year, which may 
account for this want. There are two in the Almendral, surrounded 
by high walls, and kept in tolerable order, and great attention is paid 
in them to foreign plants. 
We happened to be at Valparaiso during the President's visit, 
