NOTICES OP PERU. 267 



people. Yet this is but one of the many commentaries to be 

 found on the cruelty of that system, and the present generation 

 should not be reproached with it. From the conviction of the 

 better classes of men, that the country cannot be tranquil while 

 universal ignorance prevails, and from the exertions which 

 have been lately made to establish schools throughout Peru, it 

 is to be hoped, that the next generation will be better informed. 



When a people are deficient in general knowledge, it cannot 

 be expected that they should speak their language wnth purity. 

 Though it is said that the Spanish is better spoken in Lima, 

 than in any other part of South America bordering the Pacific, 

 there are many palpable errors in pronunciation, and many 

 provincialisms which pass current even in the best society. 

 Both in writing and speaking, the // and y are frequently sub- 

 stituted one for the other ; as, yanto for llanto — lldravi for 

 ydravi — Taraya for Taralla, &c. The B and V are very 

 generally confounded, and the ultimate D in the participle is 

 almost constantly suppressed, as, armdo for a7'mado, consuldo 

 for consulado, &c. 



The terttilias of Lima are attended by a certain fashionable 

 set, who have their evenings at home in turn, so that there is 

 one or two soirees every week. They vary but little from 

 each other, and seeing one is seeing the whole, for the same 

 company and the same amusements are usually found. It is at 

 these tert^lias, the accomplishments of the ladies may be seen 

 to the greatest advantage. 



On a Sunday evening I visited my friend Dona Panchita. 

 The ladies of the party were of several castes, from the Cir- 

 cassian complexion, passing through light and dark brunette, 

 to that in which Africa had claims for several sombre shades. 

 One lady in particular drew my attention, who was evidently 

 of an Ethiopian ancestry, for her hair had an uncontrollable 

 disposition to curling and crisping, which all her combs could 

 not suppress. She was musical, and played and sang some of 

 Rossini's pieces with great energy, to the admiration of every 

 body. Though these parties are attended on a general invita- 

 tion, and take place on stated nights, the ladies always appear 

 in full dress. They wear two very light combs, cut in various 



