252 
PERU. 
On the road leading to this scene are erected shrines of the saint, 
where all who pass are expected to pay their contributions. 
On this day every horse and vehicle in Lima are engaged, and at 
exorbitant rates. The whole road leading to the valley is crowded 
from an early hour in the morning. The higher classes generally 
frequent it early and return soon, while those of the middle and 
lower classes continue to keep it up until a late hour. Every one 
is decked with the flowers of the Pancratium Amancaes, which grows 
in great abundance in the place where the festival is held, and the 
decoration extends even to the horses and mules, as well as to the 
booths and vehicles. As the day advances the crowd increases. No 
4th of July in our own country could equal the uproarious drunken- 
ness that ensues. Dancing is the favourite amusement. The dance 
in which they most delight is a national one, called the samacueca, 
and no words can give an idea of its vulgarity and obscenity. I 
think it a happy circumstance that it is confined to this country. 
One Amancaes' day would upturn a whole year of morals. As 
intoxication ensues it goes to extreme lengths. Italia (or rather 
pisco,) is pledged to every one, and many are seen with bottle and 
