NOTICES OP PERU. 



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and sweet gums, and distribute them to their visiters. The 

 presentation of manzanitas ambareadas" and flower petals is 

 quite common, but the ^^puchero" is somewhat out of date. 



Formerly, a row of women sat in front of the cathedral, and 

 sold the materials for the " puchero" at wholesale ; and in front 

 of them another row, having small tables on which they com- 

 pounded the misturas" and pucheros, in a serious, but at the 

 same time, pleasant mood. From the great price demanded 

 for the puchero, not unfrequently a half doubloon, this alley 

 of florists was called <Ua calle de peligro" — street of peril — 

 alluding to the great danger which the pockets of the young 

 beaux ran of being exhausted on nosegays for their sweet- 

 hearts.* Even in these days of reform and cheapness, I have 

 seen a dollar paid for a single rose, and half that sum for a 

 dahlia, to decorate a lady's head ! 



In the afternoon, one of the alamedas is resorted to by the 

 better part of the population, for the pleasure of the promenade. 

 La Alameda de los Descalzos, a pleasant walk of a quarter of a 

 mile in length, is the most fashionable. On each side there is a 

 double row of trees, with a path between them. The centre ave- 

 nue is about sixty feet broad, shaded by the almost interlock- 

 ing branches on each side, having at equidistances the founda- 

 tions of several unfinished fountains. This alameda derives its 

 name from a convent of Franciscans, standing at one end of it, 

 called El convento de los padres Descalzos. These barefoot 

 fathers maintain, by begging, a public table, where the poor 

 are free to dine on wholesome and substantial food every day 

 of the week. Not far from the alameda are the celebrated 

 baths of Piedra Lisa, which are much visited during the sum- 

 mer months, both by ladies and gentlemen. 



About five o'clock, calesas are seen standing beneath the 

 trees. Their fair occupants, in gala attire, sit and behold the 

 passers-by, enjoying at the same time a quiet airing, to say no- 

 thing of the gratification of being gazed on and bowed to by 

 their friends. The young cavaliers display their steeds and 

 horsemanship to the eyes of the fair ones. On the side walks, 



* Mercuric Peniano. 



