DOMESTIC CUSTOMS. 37 



sickness of a husband, father, or any other 

 relative; but by many it is worn merely 

 from coquetry, and the desire of attracting 

 attention. 



The Colombians have many repasts during 

 the day. At seven in the morning they have 

 chocolate, at ten a meal of soup, eggs, &c. ; 

 they dine at two, take chocolate again at 

 five, and sup at an early hour. From about 

 three to half- past four they take their siesta, 

 during which time all the shops are shut, the 

 streets deserted, and the whole city in pro- 

 found silence. Business is carried on from 

 nine till half-past one, and from half-past 

 four to half-past five. Every house has silver 

 goblets, in which the water is handed round 

 to the guests. Napkins are not used, and 

 the table linen is coarse. It is the custom 

 to wash hands after dinner: then smoking 

 is introduced. The servants are generally 

 females, very sluttish and dirty, of a race 



