DRESS OF THE LIMA LADIES. 



185 



morning I have found them, what in England 

 would be called very slovenly and dirty, lolling 

 on a sofa^ with a morning gown carelessly put 

 on, and loosely tied round the waist, half open 

 behindj, showing a petticoat none of the cleanest ; 

 between the opening of that also sometimes the 

 bare back might be seen. They never wear 

 stays, and their front hair would be in paper, 

 without cap or handkerchief over their head, 

 hanging down behind in one or two long tails ; 

 on their feet a pair of dirty faded silk stockings, 

 with a pair of dirty fine old satin shoes down at 

 heel, which frequently showed a few holes in the 

 stockings. A shawl is then carelessly thrown 

 over their bare neck and shoulders ; and in 

 this elegant costume do they loiter away the 

 whole day, never dressing till evening, which 

 is their time for receiving visits, or going out 

 shopping. Their appearance at Church in the 

 sayo and manto is very curious. As chairs are 

 not allowed, the ladies are all squatted on the 

 floor in the centre, to which part the gentlemen 



