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CUSTOMS AND MANNERS.

dral church, from which it is distant about fifty paces. Thence the expectants proceed, either to seek diversion from the chances which may present themselves, or to wait the appointments that have been already made. It is needless to add, that the Calle del Peligro (Hazard-street), for so this street is denominated, on account of the dangers to which libertines were formerly exposed, in their intercourse with the abandoned females by whom it was frequented, still continues to be the rendezvous of gallantry.

The station occupied by the women who deal in flowers, is divided between those whose speculations are on a large scale, and the retailers. The former have their backs to the church; each of them confining herself to one or two spccieses of flowers. They are the female gardeners; and in their front are ranged those w-ho make the pucheros, on the tables placed before them. They are very intent on this occupation, and at the same time very courteous.

In private houses, the puchero, or that which corresponds to the puchero, is constantly made to serve as a domestic and favourite gratification. The ladies seledt the flowers, and free them from the sandy and seminal particles, which are apt to soil, and are devoid of scent; such as the yellow at the extremity of the orange-flower, the fibrils of which give out an amber stain, in common with those of the daisy and rose-bud, and of the blossoms of the medlar, apple, and smaller fruits. Having sprinkled them afresh with the purest water, they are placed beneath a crystal vase, into which is introduced a small chafing-dish filled with live coals. On this chafing-dish is poured the most exquisite perfume, blended with different aro-

matics,