CHILI. 17 



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 these to foreign plants. 



We happened to be at Valparaiso during the President's visit, 

 which, connected with the late victory and successes in Peru, caused 

 much rejoicing; every possible attention was shown to the Chief 

 Magistrate, by both natives and foreigners. Among others, he was 

 taken on an aquatic excursion, on board of a small brigantine, decked 

 out with the flags of all nations, and was accompanied by the civil 

 authorities of Valparaiso, the English admiral, and others. On pass- 

 ing the men-of-war, he received the customary salutes from all but 

 ourselves. We could not fire the guns on account of our chronometers. 

 On his passing, however, the rigging was manned, and we gave him 

 several hearty cheers, which, it was said, much delighted the Presi- 

 dent and his suite, from the novelty of the compliment. 



Three balls were given during the stay of the squadron here, in 

 consequence of the visit of the President (General Prieto) ; one in 

 honour of the recent victory of Yungai over the Peruvians ; the others 

 by the citizens and foreigners to his Excellency. As the former was 

 an extraordinary occasion, a description of it will give some insight 

 into the manner in which they conduct these affairs in Chili. All three 

 were managed in a manner that would have been highly creditable in 

 any part of the world. 



The place selected for the great ball was between the walls of two 



