268 



THREE YEARS IN THE PACIFIC. 



forms ; some resemble baskets of flowers, some are like feathers, 

 and others are in the guise of wreaths. Besides the combs, the 

 only ornaments worn in the hair, are natural flowers, which 

 they are eminently tasteful in arranging. 



The Limenas possess good figures, serene countenances, 

 rather inclining to pensiveness, vivid black eyes, and are skill- 

 ed in all the little blandishments of coquettes and belles. Their 

 conversation is sprightly at times, and I think I have never 

 seen any thing in their manners to which the term mauvaise 

 honte can be applied — not even when surprised in the most 

 ordinary dishabille. 



Among the gentlemen were several generals and colonels, 

 in gorgeous uniforms, glittering in the dim light of tallow can- 

 dles, and looking as fierce as mustaches and whiskers could 

 make them. The tonsures of the curate, a can6nigo, and seve- 

 ral priests from a neighboring convent, were conspicuous. 

 About seven o'clock, tea and coffee were served, and immedi- 

 ately afterwards the party grouped off', and the amusements of 

 the evening began. 



The young ladies and gentlemen took possession of the draw- 

 ing room, to amuse themselves with music and dancing, while 

 the elder part of the assemblage formed a party to play at 

 "Monte al dao." The can&nigo, and a colonel, sat down at 

 chess ; a general and a priest were soon engaged at backgam- 

 mon, playing for an onza {$ 17) a game, and Dona Panchita's 

 husband, who is tolerant of all his wife's ways, with a veteran 

 general and two old ladies, retired into a corner to divert their 

 minds with <'malilla." 



The "monte al dao," is a game (I believe) only played in 

 Peru. A table was placed in the centre of the room, and co- 

 vered with a green cloth, having two concentric circles dravvn 

 upon it, which were crossed by diametrical lines, and in the 

 quadrants or angles thus formed, were alternately written A 

 and S. Each one of the company seated round the table, had 

 a little heap of gold and silver before him. Opposite to each 

 other, at the sides of the table, stood two gentlemen ; one had 

 a large pile of gold and silver before him, and the other threw 

 a pair of dice from his hand, with a careless ease which long 



