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of Peru, have now disposed of. Next to this is 

 the ecclesiastical palace; but the variety of 

 gaudy colouring, and the grotesque and rich 

 ornaments on the face of the cathedral, are so 

 striking that without possessing any real archi- 

 tectural merit, it attracts the eye, and casts into 

 shade the rest of the plaza. There are two 

 aisles inside, supported by numerous pillars, 

 and though the whole edifice is incapable of 

 bearing a strict examination, yet I think it has 

 a very pleasing effect. The upper part of 

 this, and of every other building in Lima, is 

 composed of wood stuccoed over, to resemble 

 stone ; of which last the foundations only are 

 built. This was found necessary, from the earth- 

 quakes which have several times destroyed Lima, 

 and the substitution of wood and plaster answers 

 well in a country which is never visited by rain, 

 or storms. The windows of all the houses, 

 in nearly every street, look into piazzas, which 



