Both the religious and the educational institutions of the country have contributed to impress on the social culture of the Peruvians a distinct individuality; added to these influences, within recent years an independent factor has been introduced, in the form of clubs and societies of a literary and scientific character, which encourage the development of independent thought among the people. Associations of professional men meet to discuss the latest discoveries in the science with which their labor is identified, and delegates are sent to the principal gatherings of a scientific character which are held annually in all parts of the world. The artisans also have their clubs and take an increasing interest in the progress of industrial labor in their own and other countries. In some of these clubs classes are held for the purpose of education. In order to know and appreciate the social life of a nation it is necessary to become acquainted with its various public institutions, not only the clubs and societies that represent the ambitions of a few intellectual citizens, but its libraries and schools, the productions in literature and art effected by its people, and the popular sentiment as interpreted through the press. In the literature and the art of a nation are expressed its deepest feeling and highest aspirations. [Illustration: ROAD TO THE BEACH, CHORILLOS.] [Illustration: PORTRAIT. BY ALBERT LYNCH.] CHAPTER XIV THE NATIONAL LIBRARY—PERUVIAN WRITERS—PAINTING AND ILLUSTRATIVE ART [Illustration: DR. RICARDO PALMA. DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY, LIMA.] In accordance with the liberal principles of an independent nation, one of the first acts of the government, after the inauguration of the republic, was to issue a decree on the 28th of April, 1821, creating the National Library. Freedom of the press was established at the same time, and other measures were adopted by which the newly emancipated people could enjoy opportunities for gaining knowledge that had not been available under colonial rule. The Liberator, General San Martin, realizing the importance of providing every means for the better education of the masses, took advantage of the first occasion that presented itself to forward his liberal plans. Not only was public instruction established on a broad basis, but the spirit of inquiry was stimulated by encouraging the publication of reading matter, and by giving literature a permanent place among the national institutions. Formerly, the means of gaining information had been very limited, in consequence of the strict rules which governed the distribution of books.