306 THEATRES OF SOUTH AMERICA. 



offended by coarse vulgar language from the gal- 

 lery, or her modesty insulted by coming in con- 

 tact with women of notorious bad character. The 

 greatest regularity and order is observed. There 

 are no gentlemen in the upper story bawling out 

 for music, &c. nor fear of those in the pit being 

 saluted by showers of orange-peelings, nut-shells, 

 and the like. The pit is divided into seats ge- 

 nerally lined with red baize, so that every person, 

 on entering, takes his place, and it is impossible 

 for him to enter without having a ticket, which 

 prevents its being crowded, for there are never 

 more issued than seats to correspond. The ladies 

 are also separated from the gentlemen, except in 

 the boxes ; it being considered derogatory, I 

 suppose, for a female to be seen in the pit, not- 

 withstanding it is the best part of the house, but 

 a place is assigned for them, in all I saw, (except 

 Rio,) called a casuela, or gallery above the boxes, 

 which has a very singular appearance, to see so 

 many females without a single gentleman amongst 

 them. 



