ETHNOLOGY OF THE PRESENT DAY. 279 



breakfast at ten upon meats, fruits, wines, and the like; at five o'clock dine 

 richly in the society of the great, and spend the evening on 'Change, in the 

 coflee-house, at play, balls, and entertainments. 



Dutch Guiana, cut into two parts by the river Surinam, from which 

 stream the entire colony takes its name, is one of the finest colonies in the 

 tropics. The life of the inhabitant is as follows : At six o'clock in the 

 morning, he appears in his dressing-gown under the balcony of his house, 

 where he receives the reports of overseers of the plantation, and gives 

 orders. A negress hands him a cup of coffee, and a negro boy brings 

 cigars, tobacco, and a bottle of wine. At nine, he returns to his chamber — 

 which has been scrubbed with limes in the meantime — in order to wash 

 and dress himself. At about eleven o'clock appears a breakfast of meats, 

 vegetables, and fruit, with the addition of wine or beer, and water. At 

 twelve, he rides to the plantation, accompanied by a negro slave with 

 cigars. At three o'clock, he takes his dinner. After the siesta, he drinks 

 his coffee, smokes, walks, and passes the evening in games, boating excur- 

 sions, assemblies, and concerts. 



The white inhabitants of Quito are of medium size, have expressive 

 features, fine color, and slender waists ; and their sparkling eyes betray the 

 vivacity of their spirits. In social life they are very kind, frank, loquacious, 

 and hospitable. The women are of very variable dispositions, and enjoy 

 high respect. The ladies of Guayaquil are celebrated for their great 

 beauty ; having fine features, slender waists, a pretty gait, and a great deal 

 of grace. They are said to be particularly good dancers, intelligent, and 

 witty. The ordinary dress of the Spaniards and Creoles is similar to that of 

 the English and French, to which is added a blue, white, or red cloak. Hoop 

 petticoats are now worn by old ladies alone ; by young ladles, at most only 

 in church. The mestizoes are very well formed, tall, slender, vigorous, of a 

 reddish tinge, and have prepossessing features. They are said to have 

 many virtues in common with the whites ; they exceed them, however, in 

 their vices. Their style of dress is inferior to that of the Creoles. They 

 are fond of going barefoot. Knee breeches, a narrow jerkin, blue Spanish 

 cloak, and black straw hat, constitute the clothing of the men. Women 

 still frequently wear the stiff hoop petticoat, with it a tight bodice, and 

 over their shoulders hangs a small flannel shawl ; the hair falls down on the 

 neck in long locks ; a net covers the head ; a multitude of ribands, fringes, 

 laces, and brooches, complete their attire. The national pleasures of the 

 inhabitants of Quito are bull fights, masquerades, dancing, and music ; and 

 their fondness for the latter is gratified also in the religious ceremonies, 

 processions, and parades. 



Among the whites of Brazil, the Portuguese play the first part. Pride 

 and indolence are faults laid to their charge, but they are very temperate in 

 eating and drinking. The Brazilians dress in the English fashion, and live in 

 Oriental style. The indoor attire of women is a thin garment of the finest 

 muslin or cambric, one shoulder being uncovered. When they go abroad 

 or are carried to pay risits, they throw around the person a long black silk 

 mantilla, which goes over the head also. They are surrounded by black 



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