238 MONASTERY OF CHIQUINQUIIIA. 



the colours of the rainbow being in requi- 

 sition. 



The spot immediately dedicated to the 

 Virgin was surrounded with a railing, inside 

 of which the friars performed mass, and 

 against the outside 1 observed several pil- 

 grims kneeling ; they were of the lower 

 class, dressed in white, each with a cruci- 

 fix in his hand ; they appeared to be most 

 devoutly praying. When we entered the 

 enclosure, the friars bowed to the altar and 

 crossed themselves ; then advancing, each 

 took up from a seat a dress of state, 

 gaily embroidered, which they put on, and 

 placing an episcopal cap on their heads, 

 advanced to the altar bowing; they then 

 divided, one to the right, the other to the 

 left ; then each took hold of a cord, and 

 after chaunting a short pr^^er, up went the 

 veil which had concealed the holy relic : 

 instantly I heard a noise behind me, when 



