The vicinity of Lima is occasionally infested by banditti, carrying on their operations in open day with so much system, that all who chance to travel at that time are sure to be relieved of their valuables.  These robbers are composed chiefly of free mulattoes and others of a mixed race.  The evil has existed from time immemorial, and is of purely Spanish origin; for Indian honesty, in retired villages, is so great, that when a family for a time leaves its cage-like hut, the latchless wicket is left ajar; a brush is placed on the sill, and it would be worse than sacrilege for any one to cross the threshold under any pretence.  It has happened that the brigands, well armed and well mounted, have assembled at distant and uncertain periods within a mile of Callao.  They direct their course towards Lima, stop all whom they meet, and having very civilly lightened them of their purses, oblige the plundered persons to accompany the robbers, till all arrive near to the city gate, when the banditti disperse.  Some ride boldly into the town; many conceal themselves in the thickets of canes; whilst others cut across the country, and return quietly to their homes, to enjoy the spoil, or follow their usual occupations.  The banditti, on such extraordinary occasions, amount to twenty or thirty in number; and it has happened that they have had about twenty carriages, besides persons dismounted and made to lead their own horses, in the train, which was regularly brought up by a rear-guard, while the advanced scouts pushed on to secure fresh booty.  They seldom commit murder; and whenever it is possible, they avoid robbing officers of the army, or civilians in the employment of government.  Neither do they, when acting in small parties, attack persons of note.  Foreigners and strangers are in general their usual victims.—­Memoir of General Miller.

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STEALING A SHEET.

A bet was laid by a gentleman that he would procure an Indian thief who should steal the sheet from under a person without waking him.  The thing was effected in the following manner:—­the Bheel approaching the person, who lay on his side, from behind, carefully folded up the sheet in small compact plaits till it reached his back; then, taking a feather, he tickled the nose of the sleeper, who immediately scratched his face and rolled over on the other side, when with a slight effort he completely released the sheet, and bore it off in triumph.—­Twelve Years’ Military Adventures.

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EDUCATION AND AMUSEMENTS OF THE LOWER CLASSES.