Ch. IV. SOUTH AMERICA. 255 



has a college, called San Buena Ventura, for the reli- 

 gious of its order ; and, though under the fame roof 

 with the convent, has a different government and 

 ceconomy. 



Quito has alfo fcveral nunneries, as that of the 

 Conception, the orders of St. Clare, St, Catharine, and 

 two of bare-footed Therefians. Of thefe one v/a$ 

 originally founded in the town of Latacunga j but 

 having, together with the place itfelf, been deftroyed 

 by an earthquake, the nuns removed to Quito, where 

 they have ever fmce continued. 



The college of Jefuits, as well as all the convents of 

 Monks, are very large, well built, and very fplendid. 

 The churches alfo, though the archited:ure of fome 

 is not modern, are fpacious, and magnificently de- 

 corated, efpecially on folemn feflivals, when it is 

 amazing to behold the vaft quantities of wrought plate, 

 rich hangings, and coftly ornaments, which heighten 

 the folemnity of v/oriliip, and increafe the reputation 

 of thefe churches for magnificence. If thofe of the 

 nunneries do nor, on thofe occafions, exhibit fuch an 

 amazing quantity of riches, they exceed them in ele- 

 gance and delicacy. It is quite otherwife in the parifli- 

 churches, where poverty is confpicuous, even on the 

 moil folemn occafions ; though this is partly imputed 

 to thofe who have the care of them. 



Here is alfo an hofpital, with feparate wards for 

 men and women ; and though its revenues are noc 

 large, yet by a proper ceconomy they are made to an- 

 fwer all the neceffary expences. It was formerly un- 

 der the diredlion of particular perfons of the city, 

 who, to the great detriment of the poor, negleded 

 their duty, and fome even embezzled part of the 

 money received; but it is nov/ under the care of the 

 order of our Lady of Bethlehem, and by the attention 

 of thefe fathers every thing has put on a different af- 

 ped, the whole convent and infirmary having been 



rebuilt. 



