Presuming upon their charms, the ladies of this city indulge in some curious whims. Every family of any consequence, has a state-bed, highly ornamented, and placed in an elegantly fitted up apartment; and the use made of it is this:--at a particular time of the year, generally after Lent, the señora of the house, or her daughter, if _she_ has reached, and her mother has passed a certain age, feigns sickness. Having previously made all the necessary arrangements, she takes to her bed: there she lies in an elegant night dress, under embroidered sheets, her head resting upon a rose-coloured silk pillow,--and a table stands near, with silver candlesticks, and wax lights,--a little silver bell, and several vases containing choice perfumes. There she receives company; there all her male and female acquaintances resort; and there, attired to be seen, and bent upon admiration, she listens to the language of mock condolence, pleasing flattery, and undisguised gallantry! There is another occasion, upon which the state-bed is used. When a woman is _accouchée_, the child is baptized next day,--and upon this day, the mother holds a _levée_: the company is received in the saloon; the folding doors which usually divide this reception-room from the state-bedroom, are thrown open, and the lady lies in state to receive the compliments of her many visitors. This levée is held by women of all classes, though all have not a state-bed to recline on; and it often happens among the lower ranks, that a woman will arrange the chamber, make and adorn her bed, and after having prepared it for her own reception, will pop into it to receive company. I was informed that the ladies of Cadiz are adepts in the manufactory of the female person; that in looking at them, we may frequently apply with truth the well known proverb, “all is not gold that glitters;” and that the most experienced dress-maker of the British metropolis would be “all in amaze” at the various and subtle uses to which the cork tree is put in the city of Cadiz. All this scandal, however, was told me by an English lady; and I hope for the sake of the ladies of Cadiz, as well as of my own reminiscences of the Plaza de San Antonio, that it may be calumny.