164 



DRESS AND EMPLOYMENTS. 



[1824. 



of Chiloe, I shall drop a few words on that subject. The first thing 

 that struck me was their liberal use of ornaments ; such as gold hair- 

 combs, splendid ear-jewels, bracelets on the arms, chains around the 

 wrists, rich chains of gold around the neck and waist, with shoe- 

 buckles of the same valuable material. Many of these ornaments are 

 inlaid with gems and precious stones. Their usual headdress is simply 

 their glossy black hair, tastefully done up with four or five gold combs, 

 and gracefully disposed, which gives them a very charming appearance. 

 Some of them reminded me of Walter Scott's description of Rebecca, 

 in the romance of Ivanhoe. 



With respect to the dress itself, however, independent of ornaments, I 

 must confess that one of their fashions struck me rather oddly, as I had 

 never met with any thing of the kind, among " Jews or gentiles, bond 

 or free." I allude to their hoop-dresses, which I was subsequently 

 permitted to examine. They are worn beneath the external petticoat ; 

 and the hoop, which is nearly three feet in diameter, is worn parallel with 

 the hips, and is kept in its horizontal position in the following manner. 

 A strip of linen or cotton of six or eight inches in width, according to 

 the size of the waist of the wearer and the diameter of the hoop, is 

 sewed all around the latter at one edge, while the other edge is drawn 

 by a string, and tied to the body just above the hips. In this position 

 (that is, when the string is drawn), it resembles a large drum-head, 

 with a circular hole cut in the centre. This apparatus, their petticoats 

 being very short, gives them a very singular appearance. 



The employments of the ladies in Chiloe are very trifling; merely 

 consisting of a little embroidery and lace-work. Those who are 

 married of course pay some attention to the superintendence of their 

 household affairs. Those of the higher classes, in particular, are 

 very indolent, avoiding every exertion, except in the way of amuse- 

 ment. They smoke tobacco to excess ; and the practice is so univer- 

 sal here, and in other places on the coast, that strangers soon cease to 

 consider it indelicate. Indeed, if any thing can consecrate a Spanish 

 segar, it must be the touch of a beautiful pair of ruby lips. I hope 

 my fair countrywomen, however, will never try the experiment. 



The employments of the men are neither numerous nor laborious. 

 They pay attention to the cultivation of their fields and gardens, and 

 transact their mercantile business, of which there is very little in this 

 place. Some of them are employed as mariners in the few vessels 

 that belong to the island. They build several small vessels here every 

 year, which gives employment to many of the labouring class, in pre- 

 paring cargoes, sawing boards and planks, and felling timber. Good 

 mechanics and medical men are very scarce, and very much wanted 

 on this island. 



Riding on horseback is a favourite recreation of both sexes ; and it 

 is an accomplishment in which both excel. The men, in particular, 

 are the most expert horsemen that I have ever seen in any part of the 

 world. Whether mounted on a wild unbroken horse, or on a well 

 tutored animal, they exhibit a grace, skill, and dexterity which is truly 

 surprising ; and such is their tact in the management of the most spir- 

 ited or vicious steed, that they very seldom get unseated. 



