Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-06-27
The Society OcLima.

Rne SOc1euy Oh Lima.
Notwithstanding the wretched universities,
the defective system of education, and the anar-
chy of the State the cultivation of literature has
made decided progress; and, in Peru especially
some works Of considerable merit have recently
appeared. The South American character, in
losing much of the dignity and strict loyalty of
the Spanard. has obtained, through n mixture of
Indian blood which in Peru is almost UNIVERSAL
vivacity of temper and rapidity of thought
which has gone far to compensate for the loss
The young man, especially educated at the u
niversty Of San Marcos, the oldest in the New
World, or the College of San Carlos, at Lima.
though spending much of their time in cafes and
billiard rooms and devoted, it mus st be confessed,
~ rock Gghtng md gambling, arc cytrcmelv
greeable in conversation, and frequently well
read But. above all. the women of Lima form
the most attractive part of Peruvian society.
Frequently very beautiful, with brilliant black
eyes, graceful figures, and bright intelligent
presoions, they at the same time possess much
natural cleverness, exquisite wit and most pleas
ing manners. Until few years ago, they wore,
when walking abroad, Il very becoming aud ele-
CANT dress, now only seen at bull fights, religious
professions, and other great occasions called
the sdydy manto. To a full satin skirt was at
taohed II black silk mantle, which pas sed over the
head, was held Us only to expose one brilliant
eye to view and leave the Imagination to fill up
the enchanting picture. Since the introduction
of steamboats, and railroads, however, this truly
national costume has given way to modern French
fashions. But the ladies of Lima, though they
have lost their characteristic dress still retain
their lofter qualities, and are infinitely superior
to the men in natural talent and intelligence.
With such society residence in Lima cannot
fail 10 he otherwise than agreeable; and besides
the Italian opera and pleasant dinner parties,
grand ball and fetes of various kinds yield fire.
quent opportunities of observation. A ball on
large scale e a rare occurrence, and the late
President, Gen. Echenque, particularly
sparing in his entertainments. There is an oc-
easonal one given at the house of the late Mar.
quis OF Tore Tagle. of the finest in Lima,
now belonging to hrs heiress who has married
lawyer named Sevallos. The entrance, through
hn' doorway with stone posts richly carved.
and up handsome staircase. leads to broad
corridor, with n finely carved roof supported by
Moorish arches.
The great Stata, spacious room. with hiic-
ed balconies looking into the street, containing
some very fine cabinets, nlad with mother.of-
pearl aud silver. made very good ball ROOM
On those occasions the festivities continue until
o'clock in the morning. when there is n hot sup
per. All the rooms in the house inclcding bed
rooms. are thrown open, some for dancing, some
for gambling, others for refrpshments aud the
guests wander through the long vis,as of apart
ments, in tho interval. Of the dance. Balls and
gambling are the chief occupations of the people
OF Lima; the latter especially, which is their be-
setting sin. and prevalent even ameng the clergy.
The young men but two often lead lives of idle
ness aud trvolity us is seen in their general
want Of application, and is exempted in the scan
ty periodical literature of the country.