NOTICES OP CHILE. 



133 



knife, constantly worn at the back, is seized in the right hand, 

 and the antagonists are encircled by a ring of by-standers, to 

 see what gentlemen of ^'the science of defence" have been 

 pleased to term fair play. The dexterity in the use of the 

 weapon, which they manage like a rapier, in the lunge and 

 garde, is truly surprising. The attack is fierce on both sides. 

 Death of one of the parties, or severe wounds, are the certain 

 consequence of such rencontres ; hence it is, that foreigners are 

 under the impression that assassination is a common crime 

 amongst Chilenos. Yet, the practice, having strict regard to 

 the term, can hardly be said to be frequent ; for we should 

 hardly say that a man is assassinated, who falls by an unlucky 

 blow in a fist fight. 



After two o'clock, until near sunset, the plaza is almost de- 

 serted, the shops are closed, and every body is enjoying the 

 siesta. About six o'clock all is again awake, the shops are 

 open, and the square is crowded with ladies, shopping, or pass- 

 ing to and from the Alameda. They walk unattended by gen- 

 tlemen, with the head uncovered, except occasionally by a veil 

 h la Madonna, and the hair ornamented with natural flowers. 

 This custom gives them a degree of independence, not enjoyed 

 by the ladies in the United States ; nor are they ever insulted 

 by being impertinently accosted. 



CHAPTER V. 



Tajamar — Military Academy — Militia System — San Liines — Alameda — An 

 evening visit — Card playing — National Institute — Schools — Sociedad Filar- 

 monica — Otavario — Procession — ^Praying for rain — State of medicine and 

 pharmacy. 



Along the bank of the river Mapocho is built a wall, about 

 six feet high and four feet broad, with a walk on the top, pav- 

 ed with small pebbles, and a parapet next to the water. At 

 convenient distances are steps from the ground, made of stone. 



