FEASTS OF BOYACa'. 151 



afternoon ; masks paraded the streets, danc- 

 ing and waltzing in every direction ; the 

 whole place appeared alive. In the evening 

 there was a public masquerade-ball in the 

 theatre, to which all the world went ; the 

 admittance only half a dollar. The pit was 

 cleared of seats, and made a most admirable 

 ball-room. Many of the characters were 

 most excellent, and the women, on the whole, 

 remarkably well dressed. Almost every one 

 took off his mask after the first hour, and all 

 appeared much delighted with the fdte. Spa- 

 nish country-dances and waltzes were the 

 order of the night. The boxes were filled with 

 the elderly part of the company, who there, 

 seated at their ease, amused themselves by 

 observing the motley groups below. During 

 the evening you were expected to visit the 

 boxes, and pay your respects to the old la- 

 dies. The entertainment was kept up until 

 a late hour, and went off without the least 

 irregularity of any kind. 



