94 



LIMA. 



We passed several houses on our return from 

 walking, where the inhabitants were sitting 

 under open piazzas, enjoying the breeze. The 

 ladies, when within doors at Lima, or when they 

 leave the city, do not use the veil, or soya 

 manta^ which is so striking a peculiarity in the 

 city. The saya manta is tight and elastic, fit- 

 ting to the person, so as to show the shape, 

 whilst the veil covers the head and face, all but 

 one eye. Old and young adopt this dress in the 

 metropolis, and all being clothed alike, it is im- 

 possible, in this singular uniform, to distinguish 

 an acquaintance from a stranger, or even, I am 

 told, for a man to know his own wife, unless 

 there be something extraordinary in her shape ; 

 the consequence of which is, that many a Lima 

 gentleman has had his ears boxed by his jealous 

 lady, for mistakes that were involuntary. This 

 dress, however, is not unbecoming to a young 



