PERU. 245 
the wearer to mix in all societies, and to frequent any place of 
amusement, without being known, and, even if suspected by her 
husband or relatives, the law of custom would protect her from 
discovery. In this dress, it is said, a wife will pass her own husband 
when she may be walking with her lover, and the husband may 
make love to his wife without being aware it is she. 
The saya is a silk petticoat, with numerous small vertical plaits, 
containing about thirty yards of silk, and costing fifty or sixty 
dollars. It is drawn in close at the bottom of the dress, so that 
the wearer is obliged to make very short steps (ten inches). It 
is a little elastic, and conforms to the shape, whether natural or 
artificial, from the waist down. The manta is a kind of cloak, of 
black silk. It is fastened to the saya at the waist, and brought over 
the head and shoulders from behind, concealing every thing but 
one eye, and one hand, in which is usually seen a cross, or whose 
fingers are well ornamented with jewels. Before the manta is 
arranged, a French shawl of bright colours is thrown over the 
shoulders, and brought between the openings of the manta in front, 
hanging down nearly to the feet. The loose saya is also much worn : 
this is not contracted at the bottom, and in walking has a great 
swing from side to side. 
The walk of the Lima ladies is graceful and pretty, and they 
usually have small feet and hands. 
The houses are built of sun-burnt brick, cane, and small timber. 
All those of the better class have small balconies to the second story. 
Most of the houses are of two stories, and they generally have an 
archway from the street, secured by a strong portal, leading into an 
open court. The lower, or ground-floor, is used as store-houses, 
stables, &c. This peculiar manner of building is intended as a 
security against the effects of earthquakes. The housetops are a 
depository for all kinds of rubbish, and the accumulation of dust is 
great. The staircase leading to the upper story is generally hand- 
some, and decorated with fresco paintings, which are, however, far 
below mediocrity. This style of building is well adapted to the 
climate. 
The Portales or Arcades is one of the most attractive places for the 
stranger. He is there sure at all hours to see more of life in Lima 
than at any other place. They are built on two sides of the Plaza. 
The ground-floor is occupied as shops, where all kinds of dry-goods 
vol. i. 62 
