AMUSEMENTS. 



43 



by degrees from the soil. This is certainly 

 a flattering and a very pleasing prospect; 

 but, for its accomplishment, there is need of 

 various acts of the legislative body to render 

 the original laws perfect, and which the 

 government will point out in their proper 

 time. 



The general routine of the day at Bogota 

 commences with mass, which is attended by 

 females and old men, — the men in general not 

 giving themselves much trouble on this score. 

 The women keep the house during the day, 

 attending to domestic concerns, or loung- 

 ing on their sofas. About half-past five they 

 attend the Alameda, whence they return to 

 receive visits until nine or ten o'clock, at 

 which time they retire to bed. 



The usual amusements for the ladies are, 

 tertullias, balls, masquerades, and the nume- 

 rous processions of the saint and feast days. 



