10 



CHILI. 



different manner from ours ; for, instead of stand- 

 ing erect, it is kept in a horizontal position, the 

 top of the instrument resting on the lap of the 

 player, who is seated on a low stool. The drum 

 is made of a piece of wood hollowed out, and co- 

 vered at one end with raw hide. This stands on 

 the ground, and is patted with the fingers, while 

 the wrist rests upon the rim. At times the end 

 of the harp, the empty guitar box, or any thing, 

 indeed, which gives a clear hollow sound, is used 

 as a substitute for the drum. The perform- 

 ers in general are also singers ; and the voice 

 mingles more or less, at all times, with the in- 

 strumental music. They sing mostly in a high 

 shrill tone, disagreeable at first to a stranger ; but 

 in the course of a little time it recommends itself 

 to his ear, in a manner which his judgment scarce- 

 ly allows to be just. Occasionally, when they 

 sing in a lower tone, their notes are very sweet and 

 pleasing ; this, however, is perhaps owing to the 

 accidental good taste of the singer, rising supe- 

 rior to the general practice of the country ; for it 

 is not frequent, and when it does occur is never 

 applauded. 



