COSTUME. 35 



The costume of the people is remarkable, 

 particularly that of the females. There is no 

 distinction between rich and poor in the style 

 of walking dress. The mantilla, black or 

 light blue, made d> la mode Espagnole is worn ; 

 a piece of blue cloth envelopes the head, and 

 frequently conceals the whole of the features, 

 except the eyes ; this reaches to the waist, 

 and the whole is surmounted with a broad- 

 brimmed beaver hat. This is generally al- 

 lowed to be a preposterous and unbecoming 

 dress ; but as yet no fashionable lady has 

 had the courage to set a new style for the 

 example of her countrywomen. They are 

 sedulously careful to deck their feet in the 

 most becoming manner, and with studied co- 

 quetry, as they are in general well formed, 

 and extremely small. Their step is very 

 peculiar, all from hip to ancle without bend- 

 ing the knee ; and a sidling motion of the 

 body. How far this adds to the grace of 

 appearance and ease of deportment, I will 

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