PERU. 



245 



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 drunkenness that ensues. 



&.M -.:: sAE . 



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 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 

 together; some singing, some begging, fighting, swearing, laughing; 

 no order, all confusion. This is the centre of the fray. On the out- 



