238 PER U. 



emblem of the wretched condition of domestic society in this far-famed 

 city. 



The saya and manto were originally intended as a retiring, modest 

 dress, to mark reserve, to insure seclusion, and to enable ladies to go 

 abroad without an escort. The general term for the wearers is 

 Tapada, and they were always held sacred from insult. Tapada is 

 likewise applied to a dress which is also frequently seen, viz., a shawl 

 worn over the head, so as to cover the nose, mouth, and forehead. 

 None but the most intimate friend can know the wearers, who frequent 

 the theatres in this disguise. It is to be regretted, that it is now worn 

 for very different purposes from its original intention. Intrigues of 

 all kinds are said to be carried on under it. It enables 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 maybe 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 manto 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 manto is arranged, a French shawl of bright 

 colours is thrown over the shoulders, and brought between the open- 

 ings of the manto 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 storehouses, 

 stables, &c. This peculiar manner of building is intended as a 

 security against the effects of earthquakes. The housetops are a 



