DRESS OF THE WOMEN. 



197 



rally of a blue and white pattern, not printed but 

 woven. Some of the patterns consisted of red, 

 blue, and white, in zig-zag stripes, differently ar- 

 ranged. The dress of the lowest class was of 

 cotton only ; that of the others was of a mixture 

 of cotton and silk ; and that of the richest people 

 entirely of silk ; the whole being of the manufac- 

 ture of the country. 



During the middle of the day at Topic no one 

 could stir abroad ; but at half past three or four, 

 when it began to get pleasant, riding or walking 

 parties were formed. In the evening every house 

 was ready to receive visitors ; but there were ge- 

 nerally one or two, more the fashion than the rest, 

 to which strangers were invited as a matter of 

 course, and they were always sure of meeting plea- 

 sant company. The men of business generally 

 went to their counting-houses early in the morn- 

 ing. The ladies became visible about ten o*'clock, 

 and .received company in the principal bed-room, 

 or in the sala. One o'clock was the invariable 

 dinner hour, and from two to half past three or 

 four all the world were taking their siesta, the 

 streets at this period being literally deserted. 



