280 BOGOTA'. 



and which could not be hitherto done, — in 

 order that this revenue may be a powerful 

 aid to the wants of the nation. 



The soldiery consists of infantry, hussars, 

 lancers, and artillery ; but, except the Pre- 

 sident's guard, who have a dress uniform, 

 they are indifferently and variously equip- 

 ped, with seldom more than a coat, and 

 blue pantaloons, without boots or shoes. 

 The lancers are armed with lances only, 

 the hussars have carbines and sabres. They 

 have but little discipline generally, though 

 individually they are good horsemen. They 

 catch their horses after they have been 

 turned out, by driving them into the square 

 of San Francisco in a body, and mount, 

 without dressing, or grooming them in any 

 way. Dismounted cavalry do duty at the 

 palace, and change guard every morning, 

 with a band preceding. The officers have 

 uniforms, sometimes red, sometimes blue. 



