CUSTOMS AND MANNERS. 



foliage of the trees which surround it ; their agreeable shade ; 

 the proximity of the river ; the view of every part of the beau- 

 tiful valley of Lurigancho ; the near perspe6tive of the city ; 

 and the landscape formed by the cultivated grounds on the 

 opposite bank ; not only gratify the sight, but likewise in- 

 pire a soft enthusiasm, and elevate the spirit to the contem- 

 plation of the Supreme Creator of Nature. 



In this retired and enchanting spot the Lovers of the Country * 

 formed the proje6l of subje6ting to a slight criticism the diver- 

 sions of Lima, with a hope that their produ6tions will be fa- 

 vourably received by their fellow-citizens, who will pardon 

 them, if, peradventure, they should be too free, or should be 

 deficient in the delicacy required. 



CUSTOMS AND MANNERS. 



To illustrate this subje6l, and at the same time to avoid 

 giving offence, the authors of the Peruvian Mercury have had 

 recourse to an ingenious allegory, which they entitle " An 

 Historical Apologue on the Corruption of the Roman Colonies 

 in Africa," and the application of which will be readily un- 

 derstood. It is introduced in the following manner. 



The historical department, the first in the order of our pub- 

 lication, demands from us a decided preference. It has there- 

 fore been our wish to possess all the valuable materials con- 

 tained in the archives, so as to be enabled to enrich and adorn 



* The Academical Society so called. 

 F f 2 



It. 



