LIMA. 



67 



nations, to the exclusion of those groups of indo- 

 lent Spaniards, who, with their segars in their 

 mouths, and wrapped in their cloaks, were wont, 

 in bygone days, to let the world move on at its 

 own pleasure, careless what turned up, so that it 

 cost them no trouble. The population appeared 

 to be increased in a wonderful degree ; and the 

 loaded carts and mules actually blocked up the 

 thoroughfaresr 



While viewing all this, the probable result be- 

 comes a curious but intricate subject for specula- 

 tion. That eventual good will spring out of the 

 increased knowledge and power of free action 

 which the recent changes have introduced, there 

 can be no sort of doubt : but in what manner it 

 may be modified, and when or how brought about ; 

 into what state, in short, the government may set- 

 tle at last, cannot, as I conceive, be predicted. 

 In the midst, however, of the great confusion and 

 uncertainty which prevail in these countries, it is 

 satisfactory to think, that, in every variety of as- 

 pect under which they can be viewed, there is 

 none in which the advantages of free trade are 

 not likely to be insisted on by the people ; who 



