394 



THREE YEARS IN THE PACIFIC. 



known to conchologists under the name of donax, was ex- 

 posed for sale in little heaps. 



The want of small coin in Lambayeque, has given rise to a 

 curious way of making change. The smallest coin in circula- 

 tion here, is a medio (6i cents,) though in Lima, the cuartillo, 

 equal to half that sum, is found, but in limited numbers. To 

 remedy this, a conventional law has made two eggs equal to a 

 cuartillo ; when the port has been for a long time without visit- 

 ers, the currency depreciates so much, that three or four eggs 

 are required to equal that sum, though this is less fluctuating 

 than the currency either of Brazil or Buenos Ayres. 



The dress of the male Indians consists of a pair of breeches, 

 tight round the hips, and loose or bagging behind, and open at 

 the knee, showing the embroidered linen or cotton drawers. 

 A poncho, folded and laid over one shoulder, is carried even 

 during the warm weather, and sometimes a jacket is worn. A 

 large hat of Guayaquil manufacture, forms a conspicuous part 

 of the dress, and when mounted, the heels are armed with 

 huge spurs of iron or silver. Like the women, their faces are 

 serene, and seldom lighted by a smile ; they are short, square 

 built, and possess very sturdy limbs. 



The plaza, at an early hour, presents a curious scene to the 

 eye of the stranger ; and if he would see the world of Lam- 

 bayeque, at this season, he must visit this spot before the pow- 

 erful sun has driven every body home. Amongst the heaps of 

 fruit, shaded by mats that look like so many targets, are seat- 

 ed the Indian women, in the capiis, h la Turque, or thread- 

 ing their way among them with infants slung upon their backs, 

 loitering here and there, to gossip in a singing tone, and pur- 

 chase their frugal meals. These are contrasted with the more 

 animated Creoles, sambos, and whites, of both sexes, who ap- 

 pear in gayer attire. At one corner are assembled the asses 

 and mules, with empty capachos and panniers, whisking away 

 the flies, or nodding in the shade. The bells are ringing, and 

 on the terrace around the church are seen ladies in saya y man- 

 to, and in the mantilla of Cadiz, and fat headed friars in black 

 robes, walking very leisurely to matins or confession ; for at 

 this early hour the conscience is lighter, the memory is clear- 



