PERU. 253 
glass passing about, and pledging happiness and prosperity, in the 
hope of getting a small reward. The music to which they dance 
consists of a small guitar, accompanied with the voice, and beating 
of time; the time is quite monotonous, somewhat resembling the 
Spanish seguidilla. The crowd is great, consisting of cholos, 
zambos, negroes, and whites, variously dressed and jumbled toge- 
ther, — some singing, some begging, fighting, swearing, laughing; 
no order, all confusion. This is the centre of the fray. On the 
outskirts are seen groups of the better classes, sitting down to their 
pic-nics. 
The acting President and Governor of Lima, Lafuente and staff, 
honoured the place with their presence, to please the people. He did 
not, however, appear to receive any honours, nor was his arrival 
greeted with marks of approbation or enthusiasm. Towards evening, 
when the inebriated mass is returning, the great sport of the day 
occurs. The cholo women, who ride astride, are remarkably good 
horsewomen, and extremely expert in managing their horses. Their 
dress is peculiar : a large broad-brimmed hat, with flowing ribands of 
gay colours, short spencer or jacket of silk, a gaudy calico or painted 
muslin skirt, silk stockings, blue, pink, or white satin shoes, and over 
the whole is sometimes worn a white poncho. Large wooden 
stirrups, ornamented with silver, numerous pillions, a saddle-cloth, 
and richly ornamented bridle, all decked with amancaes, form the 
caparison of the steeds. 
Nothing can exceed the confusion of the return of this great 
throng, moving over a dusty road, shouting and racing. The cholo 
women are always on the lead, and actively engaged in taking care 
of their drunken partners, who are frequently seen mounted behind 
them, with their faces flushed from the effects of pisco, forming an 
odd contrast to the beautiful yeliow r flowers that adorn their hats. 
The great feat of the women who ride single, is to unhorse their 
companions, which they frequently succeed in doing, to the great 
amusement and sport of the pedestrians, and the discomfiture of their 
male associates. They are seen while at full gallop to stop suddenly, 
whirl round two or three times, and go off again at full speed, 
covering themselves and the bystanders with dust. Just before 
reaching the city, the road is lined with vehicles, not unlike our cabs, 
in w^hich are seated ladies in full costume 
The Alameda, as well as the streets leading into it, is crowded on 
this occasion with all the fashion of the city. Though the crowd 
vol. r. 64 
