Oaober. 
VOYAGE TO NEW SOUTH WALES. 
fouthern latitudes the temper and difpoHtion of the people 1787- 
are more gay, and that they are more inclined to luxury 
and amufements of every kind, than the inhabitants of 
the northern hemifphere. 
The ladies at the Cape are lively, good natured, fami- 
liar, and gay. They refemble the women of England 
more than any foreigners I have ever feen. Englifh falhions 
prevail among them (the female part of the governor's 
family excepted, who imitate the French), notwithftanding 
their intercourfe with France is now by far greater than 
with England. The habits and cuftoms of the women of 
this place are extremely contrafted to thofe of the inhabit- 
ants of Rio de Janeiro. Among the latter a great deal 
of referve and modefty is apparent between the fexes 
in public. Thofe who are difpofed to fay tender and 
civil things to a lady, muft do it by ftealth, or breathe 
their foft fighs through the lattice-work of a window, or 
the grates of a convent. But at the Cape, if you wifh 
to be a favourite with the fair, as the cuftom is, you 
muft in your own defence (if I may ufe the expreflion) 
grapple the lady, and paw her in a manner that does not 
partake in the leaft of gentlenefs. Such a rough and uncouth 
I conduct, 
