Ch. VIII. SOUTH AMERICA. 7^ 



in this country; and, indeed, in the hoafes of per- 

 fons of wealth and diftin(5tion, they are ferved with 

 the greateft decency and fplendor. Mod of the 

 difhes are drefled in the manner of this country, and 

 differ confiderably from thofe of Spain ; but fome of 

 them are fo dehcate, that foreigners are no lefs pleaf- 

 ed with them, than the gentlemen of the country. 

 One of their favourite difhes is the agi-aco, there be- 

 ins: fcarcelv a genteel table without it. It is a mix- 

 ture of feveral ingredients, which cannot fail of mak- 

 ing an excellent ragout. It conGfts of pork fried, 

 birds of feveral kinds, plantains, maize pafte, and fe- 

 veral other things highly feafoned with v/hat they 

 call pimento, or aji. 



The inhabitants of any figure generally make two 

 meals a day, befides another light repaft. That in 

 the morning, their breakfaft, is generally compofed 

 of fome fried difli, paftry of maize Hour, and things 

 of that nature, followed by chocolate^ Their dinner 

 confifts of a much greater variety ; but at night the 

 regale is only of fweetmeats and chocolate. Som.e 

 families indeed affed the European cuftom of hav- 

 ing regular Tappers, though they are generally look- 

 ed upon at Carthagena as detrimental to health. 

 We found, however, no difference as to ourfelves; 

 and poflibly the ill etieds flow from excefs in the other 

 meals. 



CHAP. IX. 



Of the trade of Carthagena and other countries of 

 America, on the arrival of the galleons and other 

 Spanifli fiips, 



THE bay of Carthagena is the firfl place in 

 America at which the galleons are allowed to 

 touch ; and thus it enjoys the fird fruits of commerce, 

 6 by 



