^^ — «^ c <.. « *c ««r <; c . <: ^'d^^^'-c <*: . «:<. < ^^^- ^ ' • c "C' die: <:««c '■:<; -CC' * "•Cj^*"*' •ccc: <:: ^. cCT '»- ^ ^^^^ *C7 <«: C C ST' S'f <<^c'-c«::< c "5S , «r (id ..c other species unknown to any other country. Political Divisions and Population. The present population of the Republic, as near as can be estimated from the work of Antonio Garcia Cubas of the city of Mexico, is somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 9,525,000, in round numbers, taking into account an increase since 1876: divided among the different states, as follows : Sonora 125,000 Oaxaca 680,000 Coahuila 115,000 Chiapas 200,000 Chihuahua 190,000 Durango 185,000 New Leon 200,000 Zacatecas 420,000 Tamaulipas 180,000 Aguas Calientes. . . 100,000 Vera Cruz 550,000 San Luis Potosi 555,000 Tobasco 100,000 Guanajuato 900,000 Campeachy 95,000 Queretaro 170,000 Yucatan 350,000 Hidalgo 430,000 Sinaloa 200,000 Mexico 750,000 Jalisco 980,000 Morelos 150,000 Colima 75,000 Puebla 750,000 Michoacan 620,000 Tlaxcala 130,000 Guerrero 350,000 Total. 9,500,000 "With the territory of Lower California, which Antonio Garcia Cubas, in his geography of Mexico, places at 23,195, in 1874, the population of the whole repubUc may be esti- mated at about 9,525,000, allowing an increase in Lower California, up to 1880, or about six years, of about 2^000 more. National and State Governments. Under the present Constitution of the Republic, adopted February 5th, 1857, the Govemmenf was organized with three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial — Con- gress, President and Cabinet, and Supreme and Circuit and District Courts. The supreme legislative power is vested in the Congress of the Union, composed of a Senate and Chamber of Depu- ties. The members are elected by secret ballot, deposited by Electors chosen by the people. One Elector is chosen for every five hundred inhabitants, and one for every fraction thereof, in each Congressional district. The Senators aro elected at the same time as the Deputies — two for each State and one for the Federal District and Territory of Lower Cali- fornia respectively. A Deputy is chosen for each 40,000 in- habitants and one for every fraction over 20,000. Substitute Senators and Deputies are chosen at the same time and in the same manner. Li order to be eligible for the ofiicer ot Sen- ator it is requisite to be a Mexican citizen in the full exercise of his rights, thirty years of age at the opening of the session, resident of the State or Territory he represents, and not to be an ecclesiastic. The Deputies must he of the age of twenty- five years and possessed of the other quaUfications demanded from Senators. Each Chamber of Congress decides with regard to the election of its members, and determines any doubts that may occur regarding the same. Over one-half the total number constitutes a quorum in the Chamber of Deputies. The quorum of the Senate consists of two-thirds of the members elected. Two ordinary sessions are held each year. The first commences on the 16th of September and terminates on the 15th of December; the second commences of the 1st day of April and ends on the last day of May. The President is elected by secret ballot by Electors, in the same manner as Senators and Deputies, taking his seat on the 1st of December, for the period of four years, and he is ineligible to a re-election to a second term without another intervening. To be eHgible to this office he must be a native citizen, thirty-five years of age at time of election, and not to belong to the ecclesiastical state, and a resident of the Repulic. The Cabinet is appointed by the President, and consists of Secretaries of Foreign Relations, Treasury, War and Navy, Interior and Pubho ^Works. Eligibility to these offices re- quire the candidate to be a native citizen and twenty-five years of age. The President and Cabinet constitute the Executive branch of the Government. The Judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court and Cir- cuit and District Courts. The Supreme Court is composed of eleven Judges Proprietary, four Supernumeraries, one At- torney-General and one Solicitor-General. The term of office is for six years. This body is also chosen by Electors. To be eligible it is necessary to be a native citizen, "instructed in the science of law in the opinion of the Electors," and over thirty-five years of age. The Judicial Circuits are eight in number, presided over by Circuit Judges, appointed by the Executive at the request of the Supreme Court. These Circuit Courts convene at the following cities: Mexico, Mazatlan, Celaya, Durango, Guadalajara, Monterey, Meridii, and Puebla. There are thirty-one District Judges, dis- tributed as follows: Two in Mexico, two in Tamaulipas, and one in each of the other States and Territory, appointed in the same manner as the Circuit Judges. The District-At- torneys of each District and Circuit are appointed by the Executive, also. The State Governments are divided into three parts — the 10 Executive (Governor), Legislature, and Judiciary." The The Governor and Legislature are elected by the people and the Judiciary is apjDointed. The State Judiciary consists of a Supreme Tribunal and Courts of the First Instance and Municipal Courts; the latter are presided over in some cities by Prefects and Sub-Prefects, and in others by Alcaldes and Justices of the Peace. In relation to reHgious belief. Article 123 reads as follows: "It belongs exclusively to the Federal power to exercise in matters of religious belief and discipline the intervention which may be prescribed by the laws." The Constituiion, laws of Congress, and treaties are, by the Constitution, de- clared to be the supreme law of all the Union. It will thus be seen that much of the Mexican Constitution is modeled after our Federal Constitution, and even, in some instances, contains improvements on the same. ISTominally all religions are tolerated in the Republic, al- though the Roman Catholic predominates for the most part. In the large cities some of the Protestant denominations have obtained a foothold. On the overthrow of the Church party all the real estate held by the Church was confiscated, and by the Constitution of 1857 this class of property was forbid- den to ecclesiastical corporations. Each State of the Feder- ation is declared sovereign, and all the powers not expressly delegated to the General Government by the Constitution was reserved to the States, respectively. The Federal dis- trict and Lower California are, however subject to the Gen- eral Government, and controled entirely by Federal laws. The Codes originally adopted by the Federal Congress for the Federal District and Lower California have since, with some slight modifications, been adopted by most of the sev- eral States, and the laws may therefore be said to be uniform in their main features throughout the Republic. The Republic was declared independent February 24th, 1821; established as an Empire, under Iturbide, in 1822, and proclaimed a Republic December 2d, 1822, by Santa Anna. Iturbide abdicated March 20th, 1823. The Repubhc con- tains 27 States, 1 Territory, and 1 Federal District. The present Constitution was adopted February 5th, 1857. 11 Sducatioa. The principle of obligatory education is now in force in the greater part of the states of the republic, penalties hav- ing been decreed for those who contravene the law, and re- wards for those who voluntarily observe the same. Primary instruction in the schools of the republic consists of the fol- lowing branches: Reading, writing, Spanish grammar, arith- metic, tables of weights and measures, morality, and good manners; and moreover, in the girls' schools, needlework and other useful labors. In some of the states the study of geography, national history, and drawing are also obligatory; whilst, in the schools that are not supported by the govern- ment, a knowledge of algebra and geometry is taught, with the elements of general and natural history, ornamental and lineal drawing, and the French language. The number of primary schools in the whole of the republic reaches 8,103. Of the number referred to, according to the work of Seuor Diaz Covarrubias, 603 are supported by the state gov- ernments, 6,240 by the municipal authorities, 378 by private corporations or individuals, 117 by the Catholic clergy, be- sides 1,581 private establishments that are not gratuitous, and 184 not classified. These schools are attended by schol- ars of both sexes. Secondary instruction, as well as profe-- sional education, are under the charge of the state, with subjection to the programmes established by the law, which prescribes as a mandate the liberty of education and profes- sions. In the republic there are 105 establishments of secondary and professional instruction. These embrace preparatory schools, civil colleges of jurisprudence, s-hools of medicine and phar.iiacy,(no one can practice medicine or keep a drug- store without a diploma from the government) schools for en- gineers, naval schools, commercial schools, academies of arts and sciences, agricultural schools, academies of fine arts, con- servator) es of music and oratory, military colleges, concilia- tory seminaries supported by the Catholic clergy, blind school, deaf and dumb school, and secondary schools for girls. In these latter, mathematics, cosmography, geography, domestic medicine, history and chronology, book-keeping, domestic economy, and duties of women in society, natural, figured, and ornamented drawing, manual labors, horticulture and gardening, music, the French and Italian languages — cer- 12 taiuly, a youug lady who graduates in these schools may be said to be accomplished, and our female seminaries might find some suggestions in a finished education. The whole number of educational establishments is 8,208, with 364,809 pupils. Besides these are eight model schools; 285,509 males and 79,300 females receive instruction, and this does not include the education under private tutors. There are 20 public libraries in the state, containing, in the whole, 236,000 volumes; and private libraries, containing from 1,000 to 8,000 works, are innumerable; and there are some with as many as 20,000, and collections of manuscripts and books upon history and travels, literature, law, biography, elo- quence, encyclopedias, classic authors, mathematics, phys- ical sciences, and antiquities, relating to America, Asia, Egypt and liJ'ubia. The most remarkable museums of the Republic are those of antiquities in Mexico, Campeche, Puebla and Merida; those of paintings in Mexico, Oaxaca and Puebla; those of natural history in Guadalajara and Mexico. The ]^a- tional Museum of Mexico, to which is annexed that of Il^atural History, contains a rich collection of Mexican antiq- uities, hieroglyphics, manuscripts, arms, utensils, idols, jewels, and every species of ornaments. The Museum of Natural History at the Mining College, now the School of Engineers, is composed of two cabinets. In the first, there is a well classified collection of geological specimens, and another of zoology, which contains a large assortment. In the second, are found two collections of minerals from Europe and Mexico, arranged according to the chemical mineralogical system of Berzelius. The Academy of San Carlos, named in honor of Carlos the Third, of Spain, is one of the most notable institutions of the City of Mexico. It contains several galleries, where nu- merous original and valuable old Spanish and Italian paint- ings are to be seen. Among others, are works of Leonardo de Vinci, Murillo, Vernet, Coglietti, Cauova, Van Dyck, Cor- tona, Perugino, Ingres, Decaen, Reni Marko, and other works of Podesti and Silvagni, and several of the Flemish and Dutch schools. In the other saloons are to be seen the paintings of some of the most proficient students of the Academy; also, many remarkable paintings of ancient Mexican artists, as Cobreza, Aguilero, the Juarez family, Ybarra, Arteaga, Vallejo, Echave, and others. In the republic there exist 73 institutions dedicated to 10 O the cultivation of arts and sciences, of which 29 are scien- tific, 21 literary, 20 artistical, and three of a mixed char- acter. Resources of Mexico. There are now being established, in the greater part of the states of Mexico,, cotton, woolen, silk, earthenware, glass, and paper factories, which will add to her present prosper- ity. If all this great territory were populated, even in pro- portion to Guanajato and its territory, ihe census of the republic would reach 58,000,000 to 60,000,000, instead of only 9,000,000 to 10,000,000. This scarcity oi population is the one great cause of the undevelopment of the vast agricultural resources of Mexico; and when they are fully developed, they will constitute an element of enormous wealth. Within the territory of the republic, there are more than 5700 haciendas, (landed estates) and 13,800 farms, (ranchos) and not a few other locations, of immense extent. The value assigned to landed property, based simply on its valu- ation for taxes, is $101,397,311. The real value may be said to be double that amount, or about 1323,000,000. The maize which is grown all over the territory, the wheat in the upper table-lands, the rice in the warm and damp sec- tions, the coffee, vanilla, toba<}co, sugar, and cotton in the hot countries, and many other articles, among which may be mentioned the "agave Mexicano," with its _ abundant returns, constitute the principal branches of national agri- culture, and the annual products may be safely estimated at $100,000,000. If colonies were settled in this vast territory, employing their activity and inteUigence in making such rich and extensive lands productive, under the influence of the varieties of chmate, the benefits derived to Mexico are almost incalculable. The rich and varied mineral productions of the republic have placed its mines in the niche of fame; and were it not for the scarcity of population before mentioned, they would produce a revenue that has never been dreamed of, in the imaginations of their Spanish conquerors. The mines of Guanajato, which have been the most worked, and yielded enormously, still present immense wealth, with no signs of their being exhausted. The soil of Guerrero has been pronounced, by a Spanish^ mineralogist as one extensive crust of silver and gold. This seems like exaggeration, j^et it has in a measure proved to be true in 14 the immense deposits there found. In Sinaloa the waters have submerged rich treasures, some of which have been rediscovered. The states of Zacatecas, Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, San Luis Potosi, Hidalgo, Mexico, and Michoacan contain with- in their mountain ranges veins of gold and silver in inex- haustible riches. Although the best portion of the mineral district lies in the northern states of the republic, yet throughout its whole territory metaliferous deposits are found. Silver and gold are mostly worked, while the other metals and mineral substances, such as copper, iron, zinc, lead, magistral, antimony, arsenic, cobalt, amianthus, and copperas are almost neglected. The mountain of Popocata- petl is. said to be one vast pile of sulphur. Salt mines are found at Peiion Blanco, in San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and in the islands of the Gulf of Cahfornia. The Lake of Texcoco and its adja- cent lands possess an extensive supply of carbonate of soda. In every state there exist quarries of white and colored mar- ble. The alabaster of Tecali, in the state of Puebla, has at- tracted great attention, and the extensive coal-fields, platina, and quicksilver mines all add to the wealth of this great ter- ritory. Precious stones are not unknown; the opal with as varied and beautiful hues as those of Hungary, the turquoise, garnet, topaz, agate, and amethyst besides, are found exten- Bively in many places. Building stone of a great variety is plentiful, from which magnificent structures may be built. Aside from the amount of ores that are worked outside of the republic on account of the law permitting free exporta- tion of mineral ores, the annual coinage in gold, silver, and copper is on an average of $20,500,000, and the whole amount of coinage since the establishment of the mints up to 1875 being $3,001,237,281.62. In the colonial period (1537 to 1821): Silver, $2,082,260,657.44; gold, $68,778,- 411; copper, $542,893.37— total, $2,151,581,961.81. Since the independence, or establishment of the republic (1822 to 1875): Silver, $797,055,080.71; gold, $47,327,383.11; cop- per, $5,272,855.93— -total, $849,655,319.84. Total silver, $2,879,315,738.21; gold, $116,105,794.11; copper, $5,815,- 740.30. Grand total, $3,001,237,281.62. Within the last five years, since the investment of addition- al foreign capital, the amount additional, on the average of twenty and one-half millions a year as the lowest estimate, would reach $102,500,000 more, which would make the sum total in 1880, $3,103,737,281.62 as the amount coined by the republic of Mexico. 15 To show the increase of production, from the records of the mints, we herewith give the amount coined up to 1865 to compare with the amount coined m 1875 from official records, the first being taken from "El Minero Mexicaoio of December 2nd, 1880, and the second or latter from Gubas valuable work, which he claims to have obtained from the records at the mints. Amount of Money Coined in the Republic of Mexico from 1772 to 1865. In the Mints of Silver. Gold. Total. $2,163,836,764 1,321,545 15,626,400 12,795,505 35,294,581 28,288,333 164,591,216 48,745,584 910,927 204,234,941 2,063,958 1,551,249 959,116 $77,753,472 1,286,695 4,735,283 3,139,889 754,487 15,094,529 ' 236 120 550,008 2,311,104 ' 203,534 $2,241,590,237 1,321,545 16,912,495 17,530,791 38,434,470 29,042,820 179,685,745 San Luis Potosi 48,745,584 1,147,046 204,784,949 Guadalupe y Calvo 4,375,062 1,651,249 Tlalpam 1,162,650 1865.— Total $2,680,220,119 $106,064,534 |2,786,28i,654 1875 — Total amount coined from 1772. 1865 " " deducted...., Increase in 10 years (or about $21,495,262.76 cents annnally.) 53,001, 237,281 62 2,786,284,654 00 $214,952,627 62 The average annual production of the mines of Sonora, from 1835 to 1842, was given by Francisco Velasco at a rough estimate of $1,500,000 annually, or $10,500,000 during the period of seven years. In 1828, Don Juan M. Riesago estimated the annual production at $2,000,000. The laws originally demanded that all bullion should be brought to Mexico to be coined, and the cost of carrying was so great that the rich mines in these border States be- came almost neglected by capitalists, and the poorer ones nearest to Mexico City were mostly worked. This resulted in the smuggling of bullion out of the mines in the northern states of the republic, and no record could be kept at the mints, of those mines — in fact, there are no reliable records that give any account of the exports of bullion either from ivlazatlan or Guaymas, although some records exist covering IG ^ the last few years; while it is well known that the mines in those States have been extensively worked in certain locali- ties for over a century. -i Lower California. ^ This embraces a territory or peninsula, washed on its western shores by the Pacific Ocean, and east by the Gulf of California. Its area is over 60,000 square miles. Its capital is La Paz, which is the principal town. The whole of the center is traversed by a volcanic range of mountains of tlie Sierra Nevada. It is bounded on the north by California and north-east by the Colorado River, di- viding it from Sonora. The soil is generally not productive, though, at the base of the mbuntains and in small valleys, where the decompo- sition of lava has been going on for ages, it possesses an in- credible fecundity. The formation of the whole State is volcanic, and the coast subject to storms. The scarcity of rivers bars much of its prosperity. The productions are maize, manioc, wheat, beans, etc. ; grapes, from which wine of a very rich flavor is produced; oranges, limes, lemons, citrons, prunes, dates, figs, pine- apples, bananas, plantains, and other tropical fruits; stock of various kinds graze in the valleys, consisting of horses, Bheep, cattle, goats and hogs. Fish, in its waters, abound to a great extent, such as halibut, salmon, turbot, skate, pilchard, large oysters, thornback, mackerel, cod, lobsters, etc., and pearl oysters. The pearl fishery is much pursued at La Paz. In this region, a gold mine has been worked to some extent. There are about c.0 towns in the state, six bays on the east coast and ten on the west, twelve islands in the gulf, and eight west of the coast. The territory of Lower California is divided into eight municipalities — La Paz, San Jose de Comondu, Mulege, Santo Tomas, San Antonio, Todos Santos, Santiago, San Jos^ del Cabo. Population, 25,000. La Paz, the capital, has about 3,000 inhabitants This territory is about to be colonized, as \^e learn from the " Diario Official ' that a contract has been signed by the Acting Secretary of Public Works, in virtue whereof, Messrs. J. Kelly & Co., of Mazat an, engage themselves to colonize 36 000 hectares of public lands in Lower Cali- fornia. lY The Climate of the Table Lands of the Northern Part of Mexico. The altitude of the table lands of Mexico has a marked effect upon the climate. In the summer the thermometer records a mean temperature of 85 decrees at El Paso, 380(1 feet above the sea. It sometimes reaches 105 degrees in July. The constant breezes, however, make the helit more bearable. In December — the middle of the winter season— the mean temperature is about 48 degrees, the mercury fall- ing sometimes to 5 degrees below zero. Snow fails some- times two feet in depth, and ice forms a sblid sheet on the ■ Rio Grande, andthe streams are sometimes frozen to a con- siderable depth, strong enough to bear a heavy mule team and loaded wagon. The frosts are severe, therefore, and grapevines at El Paso and other points have to be protected by burying in the earth from eighteen inches to two feefc beneath the surface. The Eio Grande generallv freezes so as to make the fording an impossibility during^the coldesfe weather. The whole of the table lands is subject to ex- tremely cold weather, and travelers not only often suffer se- verely but actually perish from the cold when not carefulitr protected. In the mining region of Jesus Maria, in Chihua- hua the ice frequently forms to a considerable thickness in the houses The rainfall reaches from six to fourteen and htteen inches, and when accompanied by sleet and snow makes traveling anything but pleasant in the fiice of some of the winter storms that sweep over the elevated plains. Iravelers recount some very disagreeable experiences in midwinter traveling. Mr. Ruxton speaks of riding through one ot these storms when his blanket, used as a protection against the storm, froze stiff and hard as a board while ho he was in the midst of a storm of sleet and rain. His feefe were frozen, and he came near perishing. Stopi.in^^- and squatting upon the ground, having lost his way in the ni-ht he cirew his blanket around him as best he could and'' re- mained till near morning in that position, with his' blanket oyer his head. He says that before morning he was com- pletely snowed in, the snow being over his head on a level. J^rom this we should judge that the climate of these table It L"'"'-^' . ?^'r^ }"" ^"^ somewhat similar to the climute of the Mississippi Valley, bordering Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Ihe statement, therefore, that the climate of Mexico is trop- ical will not apply to these table lands. In most of the min- ing regions of this portion of Mexico snow tails and ice forms. 18 All the mines of any value or located in the mountains or cold regions. Durango, Coahuila and part of New Leon and Tamaulipas have about the same climate as in Chihuahua, with a less proportion of snow in New Leon and Tamaulipas. The table lands are healthy, and the air is pure and bracing. The altitude produces every variety of climate on the plateaus until the low lands or plains are reached, when tropical features alone prevail. The low, marshy regions are to be avoided not only on account of the " vomito" — the scourge of those regions — but also the malarial fevers which make such localities dangerous for the settler. The climate of Chihuahua City is about the same as at El Paso, with perhaps more cold weather, since the altitude ia higher, and the mountains adjacent reaching several thou- sand feet above the level of the plain, and in the wintertime are perpetually covered with snow. The peak of Jesus Ma- ria, in the southwestern portion of the State, is 8456 feet above the sea, and La Tarumara 8340. The city of Durango, Humboldt says, is about 6845 feet above the sea, and the Cerro de Mercado, or Iron Mountain, adjacent is 8220 feet, making the climate, consequently, from the altitude and sur- roundings, cold in the winter season, with considerable snow and ice prevailing. In the mountainous part of Siualoa the same may be said, though the altitude of the whole State is much lower, since the highest peaks, viz.. La Bayona and Cabeza de Caballo, make only 5614 and 4365 feet respectively above the sea. In New Leon, El de la Silla and Sierra de Gomez are 7800 and 6602 tee\ respectively above the sea level. The State of Tamaulipas has the highest mountain peaks ot any of the Northern States of Mexico. Los Gallitos is the highest, being 9633 feet, while Orcasitas is 7562 and El Me- tate 7144 feet above the sea. Sr. Don Perez Hernandez, in his work published in 1862, gives much valuable information, from which we extract the above figures. Ruxtou says. "The City of Mexico is 7470 feet above the sea level, and La Villa de Leon 6020, thus showing that the table land of Mexico does not decline so suddenly as is imag- ined. Indeed, excepting in the plains of Salamanca and Silao, there is no perceptible difference in the temperature, and, I believe, in reality but little in elevation in the vast region between the capital and Chihuahua. Snow falls here oc- casionally, and the mercury is sometimes seen below the freezing point. For the greater part of the year, however, '>the heat is excessive, and a low, intermittent fever prevails." SOI^ORA. CHAPTER I. Boundaries and General Description. The name of Sonora is derived from " Sonot," an Opata Indian name, which means "Senora," an appellation bestow- ed by the Spanish conquerors upon an Indian woman who treated them with great hospitality, when they visited the settlements of that tribe. The Indians, in attempting to imitate the Spaniards, pronounced the word "Sonora." The State comprises nine districts: Hermosillo, at which is located the capital; Ures, the former capital; Guaymas, Alamos, Magdalena, Altar, Oposura or Moctezuma and Sahuaripa. The state originally extended its boundaries from the river " de las Canas " on the south, to the river Gila on the north. The southern boundary extended then from the state of Jalisco on the south to Arizona, and in- cluded a part of the same. Yuma, with Tucson and other towns and ranches south of the river Gila, were originally included in the state. The state was then 1,395 miles in length, but in 1830 it was divided, and the south-eastern boundary fixed 54 miles south of the city of Alamos, on the border of the Mesquite rancho. This constituted the di- viding line between the states of Sonora and Sinaloa; the distance from the former capital, Ures, to the southern boundary being 354 miles. The northern boundary ex- tended to the Gila River, until the boundary hue between the United States and Mexico was fixed south of the same river. The length of the state is about 700 miles. Mean breadth from the state of Chihuahua on the east to the Gulf of Cal- ifornia on the west is about 300 miles. The exact measure- ment is not known, as the state has never been completely surveyed. The most narrow breadth between Mesquite and Alamos is about 120 miles. The area in square miles ia about 128,466. The general direction of the state is from north-west to 20 south-east, along the Gulf of California. Its whole western boundary, from the mouth of the river Colorado on the north, extends along the coast south-east to Sinaloa. It is bounded on the north by Arizona and 'New Mexico. Along the coast the surface is diversified by valleys,, plains, and foot-hills. Some of the plains are 30 to 40 miles, some reaching to 90 miles, in extent. In the neighborhood of the Sierra Madre mountains it is lofty and broken. The surface may be said to possess three distinct features outside of the mountainous district. First, dry plains; second, elevated plateaus, or ta- ble lands; and third, agricultural valleys, or bottom lands. The dry plains are located in the north-western part of the state, between the head-waters of the Gulf of California, and the valley of Santa Cruz, bordering upon Arizona in the north. The table lands lie in the north-eastern part of the state, extending from the Santa Cruz valley and the soarce of the Bapetito Kiver, the main branch of the Yaqui on the west, to the base of the Sierra Madre mountains, which ex- tend along the boundary line between the state and Chi- huahua. From Guaymas to the northern border line, the surface is generally level, diversified here and there by isolated moun- tains, conical or table-topped, which give grandeur to the landscape, without occupying much arable area. The soil is of great depth and richness, resembling in many locali*- ties the famous brazos of Texas, but happily exempt from the malarias of the latter. In the interior, plains and valleys of immense extent are crossed by the traveler, in some instances 200 miles in length. The largest river of the state is the Yaqui, or Buenavista, which is only navigable for flat-boats in high water. The river Mayo may also be mentioned. Both of these rivers empty into the Gulf of California. The source of each is in the copious springs of the Sierra Madre, and they are never dry in the seasons of most drought. The river Sonora or Arispe passes through Ures and Her- mosillo, and loses its waters in the sandy plains of Siete Cer- ritos, about 21 miles west of Ilermosillo. The Ilorcasitas, or Rayon, a small stream, joins the Sonora about five miles east of Ilermosillo. The same stream is also called Opodepe and Cucurpe. The Oposura, Aribechi, Santa Cruz, San Jose de Pimas, Tecoripa, Altar, and Caborca, are mere creeks, fordable when their waters are high, and almost en- tirely disappear in dry seasons, some of them entirely sink- ing in the sands. The Colorado Elver on the north-west ex- 21 tends along but a small part of the boundary. There are many sand-plains along the coast, as well as large sterile tracts in the interior, and only on the banks of the streams or river bottoms are the lands capable of irrigation. The principal sand-plain extends from the mouth of the Colorado to the Salinas Bay near port La Libertad. The only port suitable for commerce is that of Guaymas, to which we-will call particular attention hereafter. Some trade is also done at La Libertad. In Santa Cruz de Mayo, of the department of Alamos, in the southern part of the state, there is a small bay or roadstead called the port of Santa Cruz. That portion lying between Mesqnite on the south along the base of the Sierra Madre, extending north to the ancient capital city Arispe, is sterile in places, but has never been completely explored by surveying or civil engineers, while the region further north is, in places, very fertile. This territory will demand a more particular description hereafter. The most valuable agricultural lauds are situated on the banks of the rivers and creeks, or river bottoms. Irrigation is necessary for almost the entire territory, either natural or artificial. The yield in this case is vastly greater than is produced in countries where the sole depend'ence is rain. The dry plains are generally level, with a hard sur- face, and adapted for purposes of wagon-roads and railroads. Experience has shown that artesiau^well-water may be ob- tained. The arid spots cannot be cultivated. Tne table- lands are covered with a short and luxuriant grass, upon which immense herds of cattle have been and may still be raised. Wo herewith give the following from the pen of an able Spanish writer, Velasco, who impartially describes the state, in his valuable work on Souora, which has been translated by Mr. 'Nxe. Page 14: " The most thickly settled places are upon the banks of the rivers and creeks, while at the interior settlements be- tween Alamos and Ilermosillo there is so great a scarcity of water on the roads that the traveler is compelled to carry a supply with him. It is not uncommon to travel eight or even sixteen leagues, (about three miles to the league) with- out finding a stream or a place where water may be procured hj digging. Un that part of the coast called Tiburon, to the west of Hermosillo, the distance between Wciteriug-piaces is still greater, and the supply more scanty, and on the old road of CieneguiUa, which is from fifty to sixty leagues in length, 22 there are but three watering-places, including one well. On the road from Hermosillo to the port of Guaymas, in the dry season, no water is to be had for thirty-six leagues, ex- cept at La Posa and La Cieneguilla, and it is occasionally so Bcarce at these places that foot passengers perish from thirst. The coast is so dry that the rancheros have sunk wells in different parts of it, thirty and forty yards in depth, without finding moisture. The region between Arispe and the Gila, however, is well watered by numerous creeks, and abounds in pools aud swamps, and the mountains are well supplied with water, and timber of various kinds, such as cedar, pine, evergreen oak, ebony, etc.; well stocked with deer and birds, and containing medicinal herbs of marvelous efficacy, one of which, called ' colorada,' is used by the Apaches for the treatment of wounds. The valleys are expansive and beautiful, abundantly watered, and clothed in verdure dur- ing the entire year; and nature has lavished her vegetable and mineral wealth upon these frontier regions with so prod- igal a hand that they may well be called the Paradise of Sonora. The inscrutable decree of the Almighty has be- stowed them upon savages, incapable of appreciating or en- joying his munificent gift." Thus we see the region north-east and bordering upon the State of Chihuahua, outside of the valleys of the Y'aqui and Mayo rivers, is the best portion of the state, and includes the valleys and foot-hills of the Sierra Madre. In this re- gion there are now many cattle-ranches of large extent, that may be purchased at very low rates, we should judge, tak- ing our data from the prices prevailing in Sonora. The mineral belt also extends through this region, including valuable mines of gold and silver, galena and coal, to which we will give a more extensive description hereafter, under the title of " Mining Districts and Mines." CHAPTER IL 1. Climate. The climate is varied in the mountain region from ex- t^'eme heat to the freezing points In the winter season, the cold weather commences in the latter part of October, and reaches the lowest degree, or freezing point, from Novem- 23 . ber to March. Ice sometimes appears in October, but not usually till November or December. In the settlements nearest the mountains the frosts set in earlier than in the interior. In the latter region, three or four years often pass without any frost, especially near the coast. This is true of Hermosillo, Buena Vista, Alamos, and in the valleys of the rivers Yaqui and Mayo. The warm season commences in May, and the heat becomes extreme during the months of June, July, and August. At Hermosillo, Guaymas, Ures, Buena Vista, and San Antonio de la Huerta, the mercury reaches above one hun- dred degrees during the months last mentioLcd. In Sep- tember refreshing rains fall, and continue during the winter season. A hot wind occasionally visits Hermosillo during the months of June, July, and August, which blows from eleven in the morning till four in the afternoon, during which hours business practically ceases. The inhabitants seek shelter in their houses, and no one ventures forth un- less driven by necessity. These hot winds are a terror to the Sonorians, and they remember, with some degree of ap- prehension, a time in which the wind scorched the skin like the heat of a furnace, and drove the hares, deer, coyotes, and other wild animals to the settlements for refuge, while plants and trees were literally scorched out at the root. This ^^viento caliente," or hot wind, also springs upon Guay- mas suddenly sometimes, and blows for twenty-four hoars without intermission. On reaching the coast it meets the damp and cooler atmosphere, and by the time it passes about three miles over the gulf, its heat is absorbed, and it vanishes. Water may be kept cool, however, in jars, even during the prevalence of this wind. In the beginning of June the poorer classes abandon the interior of their adobe houses, and sleep in the corridors or court-yards. Others often sleep in the streets before their doors, for the heat is insufferable within their houses. At Hermosillo and some other towns a southern breeze springs up about eight o'clock, and continues during the night, making the attempt to sleep more bearable ; but, if the breeze fails to put in an appearance, the sleepy god is courted in vain. At Arispe, Bacuachi, and Frontreras, the winter lasts longer than the summer ; and at Santa Cruz, near the northern boundary of the state, the altitude of the surrounding mountains is such, that the temperature varies from the cool and pleasant to the freezing point. Serious epidemics are unknown; and at Hermosillo the only dis- 24 cases that prevail, and that to a limited extent, are phthisis and diarrhea. On the rivers Oposura and Sahuaripa, "goitre," or swelled neck, appears on the necks of men, bat most) V on the women. The disease is called " 6w(?Ae " bj the Spaniards. Intermittent fevers often prevail, prob- ably caused by the immoderate use of fruit, in the interior; but they are of short continuance. We may justly affirm that the climate is, on the whole, salubrious, and is really more healthy than that of the adjoining States, or the cen- tral part of the republic. The atmosphere is pure and dry, entirely free from malaria, with but one exception, in the neigh borliood of Santa Cruz, where the adjacent swamps sometimes induce fever. The interior of the State is en- tirely free from noxious vapors. The air is pure and healthy, swee[)ing over the plains and through valleys from the sier- ras and the sea. Ill Guaymas, Matape, Ilorcositas, Arispe, and Altar, per- sons are found who have attained to ages ranging over a century. The average duration of life, with the observance ©f pradence and temperance, ranges from seventy to eighty jears, says Velasco. " Owing to the practice of vaccination, smallpox rarely makes its appearance. Venereal diseases are nofe common, except in the neighborhood of the rivers Yaqui and Mayo, and on the coast. Catarrhs frequently ap- pear in a mild form during the changes of the seasons. One may sleep in the open air with perfect impunity, and experience no inconvenience. The diseases that aft'ect chil- dren are diarrhea, intermittent fevers, vomiting, ophthalmia, eruptions of the face, and other difficulties that accompany teething. These diseases, owing to the lack of medical skill, produce a mortality among children that carries off ©ne-fourth from birth up to the period of teething, annually. After this critical period, good health generally attends them to the age of puberty." 2. Soil and Productions. • The soil along the coast, from the valley or delta of the Colorado to the Altar or Magdalena River, is mostly unfit lor productions of any kind, and the land south of the Altar River is used for grazing purposes, from the port of La Lib- ertad on the coast, in places where the sand plains are not prevalent, to the Yaqui River. The exceptions are on the Altai* or Magdalena Creek or river and its branch the San Ignacio, and the river Sonora. Wherever no streams exist, 25 it may be safely said the soil cannot be cultivated. Very good gi'azing lands are found occasionally, from La Libertad to Guaymas or in its neighborhood. On the San Ignacio, sweet and sour oranges, lemons, citrons, limes, pomegranates, and peaches are raised. The territory between the San Igna- cio and the river Altar, produces cotton of excellent qualitj'. Several large plantations are in this vicinity, one of which is devoted to the raising of this valuable production. Cotton- mills are here erected, owned by the Ortizes of Ilermosillo. Also the "guava" is cultivated, and the plantain-tree at- tains a large size, bearing a heavy burden of fruit. In and around the territory of Hermosillo large vineyards are located, from which considerable quantities of '■'•agua- diente'' or brandy and wine are produced. Wheat is also grown in this locality, with beans, lentils, Chili peppers, garlic, onions, and sweet potatoes. The fruits are abaudant, and the grape, muskmelons, and watermelons, are raised of excellent quality. Orchards containing figs, apples, peaches, pears, apricots, etc., are found in this neighborhood. Cotton was first experimented upon in 1811, but was soon after abandoned, and was again continued in 1842, and carried on up to the present time at from 12 to 20 miles west of Her- mosillo, on the plantations of Tennaje and Palomos, and at Chino Gordo, 12 miles east. Sugar is prodnced from the cane, on the coast near the Yaqui River, and at San Ignacio and Ceris. The average yield of wheat is 250 to 300 from one bushel sown, upon the haciendas of Messrs. Antiserues, called th^ Topahui, and upon the haciendas of Hermosillo it rates from 150 to 175 from one. Indian corn and beans are extensively grown at San Antonio, Santa Rosa, on the rivers Sonora and Yaqui and Santa Cruz, and 'other locali- ties. The bottorp lands of the Yaqui, Mayo, and lands bor- dering upon the Sonora and Santa Cruz rivers, produce wheat, also. On the river Yaqui, beans, lentils, sugar-cane, cotton, flux, indigo plant, cofiee, tobacco, and various kinds of fruits, are raised. Sheep and cattle and horses in immense herds are raised, as well as many domestic fowls. The to- bacco has a narrow leaf, owing to the lack of proper culti- vation. Extensive salt-pits are also situated near the mouth of the river Yaqui, on the coast. In the same place, and in the mouth of the river Yaqui, are located the great oyster-beds of common and pearl oysters. The distance from Coccori to Cochori is about 90 miles, across the valley of the river Yaqui. The whole of this tract of land is susceptible of a 26 high degree of cultivation. We will give, hereafter, a special description of this region. The soil is here moist and alluvial, capable of raising all the productions of the temperate and tropic zones. The irrigation is produced by annual overflows of the river, and suffices for the produc- tion of wheat, maize, and every class of productions yet ex perimented upon. This section may well be compared to the rich lands qi Egypt lying along the banks of the Nile. Immense sugar plantations may be here established, and produce fortunes for the possessor. The best portion of this land has been granted by the republic to a gentleman re- siding in Mexico. Near Altar, on the Magdalena or Altar river, pomegranates, figs, and grapes are raised, and immense herds of horses and cattle are seen grazing in the vicinity; also extensive ranchos that are exceedingly fertile are here located. In the northern part of the state, near Santa Cruz, is lo- cated a beautiful yalley, clothed in verdure the year round. It is well watered by the Santa Cruz River, that takes its rise from a perpetual spring located t > the north of the valley. Immense quantities of stock are here raised, and all kinds of grain, especially wheat, which is of excellent quality. It also produces the best red pepper of the state, and its hides find a ready market. The distance from Santa Cruz to Villa de Guadalupe, by way of Occua, Santa Ana, Santa Marta, San Lorenzo, and Magdalena, is 120 miles. When heavy clothing is necessary at Santa Cruz, f3ther parts of the state are subjected to immense heat. Many s\;famps are in the vicinity, which produce fevers. The Presidio of Bacuachi raises cattle, sheep, and horses, and produces good wheat, which is mostly grown, owing to the early frosts. Near the Presidio of Fronteras, the lands produce excellent wheat, maize, etc.; also, delicious peaches, apples, and the famous bergamot pear. A creek runs through this valley, which is used t^ irrigate the neighboring lands. Wild game is abundant in the neighborhood. The plains adjacent are all fertile and well watered. The climate is cool and healthy, and would be an excellent place to es- tablish a colony. Indeed, the whole of the north-eastern part of the state presents advantages that no other part of the state combines. It is well timbered, has abundance of water, and is one of the richest mineral regions of the state. To convince one of the remarkable resources of the state, a visit to the Hacienda de la Alameta, fifteen miles from Hermosillo, owned formerly by the Artazernes, will be suf- 27 ficient to satisfy the most skeptical. On the Alameta are miles of wheat, corn, and sugar-cane, and cotton. On this hacienda is erected a flour-mill of the best description, with abundance of water power, and a sugar-mill and works, a manufactory of blankets — the wool of which, and the dye- stuffs, are grown on the place. A wagon manufactory, car- ried on for the sole use of the hacienda, is also located" in its limits. Tobacco also is produced of excellent quality. Or- anges, lemons, pomegranates, and other tropical fruits of de- licious flavor are grown in abundance. These places are simply principalities, where a man has all the products of the earth under tribute and at hand. The large cotton-mill near La Labor, at San Miguel, was offered to San Francisco capitaHsts on liberal terms, but was purchased by the Ortizes of Hermosillo. The cotton is raised at its very door. Lidigo, brazil-wood, cochineal, and other dye-stuffs, grow spontaneously on the Yaqui and Mayo rivers; also coffee of the best quality. The agricultural resources we thus see are rich beyond that of any state in the Republic of Mexico. If the state were well settled by an energetic class of immigrants, the future of this famous state would be of the most flattering character. We anticipate jus such an immigration on the completion of the Southern Pacific and i~-anta F6 Railroads. We shall hereafter give some attention to the railroads of the state. CHAPTER m. Guaymas. The port of Guaymas is situated on the Gulf of California, about sixty miles above the mouth of the river Yaqui, in lati- tude 27 deg. 22 min. north, and longitude 104 deg. 30 min. west of Cadiz. It is completely sheltered from the sea, and is one of the best harbors on the Pacific. The entrance runs north and south, and is formed by the island of Pajaras on the east, and the islands of San Vicente, Pitayas, and Tierra Firma on the west. There is also another entrance, called Boca Chica, formed by the island of Pajaras on the south, and the beach of Cochin on the north. The length of the bay is from four to five miles. The bottom is muddy, and 28 when vessels remain for some time it is necessary to sight the anchor every fortnight. The depth of water at the island of Pajaras is seven fathoms, which gradually decreases to two, along the side of the mole. The latter, according to the opinion of mariners, is one of the best on the Pacific, excepting that of Callao. The depth of water at the an- chorage is three fathoms ; and vessels drawing fifteen feet are loaded, discharged, and hove down with facility. There are three landing-places, but no fortifications, although there are several points well suited to the purpose. The tides are irregular and uncertain, being influenced by the winds from the gulf. In time of full and new moon tbey rise and fall eighteen to twenty inches ; and in the autumnal equinox, about four feet. Sailing-vessels are often delayed by calms in passing up the gulf to reach the harbor ; but since the era of steamships has arrived, it will have no appre- ciable eflfect on the commerce of the. port, save only with sailing-vessels. The harbor abounds in various kinds of delicate fish and shell-fish. The latter comprises the shrimp, crab, lobster, oyster, and mussels of difiierent kinds. The town is situated on the north of the bay, and is surrounded by a range of hills of moderate height, which leaves but one single entrance from the land side. There is but one prin- cipal street, called " Calle Principal," from the entrance to the Plaza ; the others being short and narrow. The soil is dry and rocky. The climate is not severe in winter ; but the north and north-west winds blow with great violence, and cause much inconvenience. The summer heat is exces- sive ; the thermometer occasionally rising up to 104 deg. in the shade, and never falling below 90 deg., from June to September ; and when the north wind blows, during this season from the dry and parched land lying adjacent and north of the city, it is so dry and parching in its effects that it ruins the finer articles of furniture. The health of the place is good. Water, for drinking, is drawn from four pub- lic wells on the skirts of the town, which is carried in carts and on the backs of donkeys, in leather bags. There are no trees in Guaymas but a few stunted ones in the Plaza. In the suburbs is a large orange-grove planted by Mr. John A. Eobinsou of this city, who resided some fifty years in Sonora. The grove is now owned by Mr. iT. Graft", of Guay- mas. Wood is scarce, and is brought from nine to fifteen miles from the interior ; also from the river Yaqui in boats, by the Indians, and constitutes the only fuel ; it is sold by the " carga," or load. There are two kinds of carga — the 29 " burro," or donkey carga of 150 pounds ; and "mule " carga of 300 ; 50 sticks, or billets, as thick as the wrist, are counted out, 18 inches long, for the "burro" carga, and sell for 25 cents per carga ; and the same number of twice that length for the "mule" carga, and a corresponding price is demanded. The wagon-i used are the latest im- proved, although one sees occasionally the awkward cart coming in from the ranchos with wheels hewed or sawed o3 the end of a log. The houses are mostly adobe, with here and there a substantial brick building. There are about one-half 'dozen wholesale importing houses, and quite a num- ber of retail houses. The former import direct from Europe and the United States. Lumber is scarce, and is brought from San Francisco and Puget Sound. It sells from thirty to fifty dollars per thousand. Lumber is admitted free of duty. There are no banks either in Guaymas or in the State of Sonora ; and business is carried on with foreigners by ordi- nary bills of credit, and by drafts on San Francisco, London, Hamburg, and Paris banks. The principal business firms are Aguiiar & Co., Sandoval & Bulle, Domingo Carrez, G. B. Fourcade, W. Iberri, Arvillez & Co., J. J. liodgers, Luis Jarequi, Ramon Carrizosa, Aguayo Bros., Echiquyen & Esco- bos, and some others, who do a large wholesale as well as retail trade. An agency of Wells Fargo is the only American institu- tion finding a foothold in Sonora. The American Consul is also stationed at Guaymas. There are quite a number of hotels, among which might be mentioned, " Cosmopolitan '' and "Hotel de Guaymas." There is also a shoo manilfactory, a soap factory, an ice factory, one Roman Catholic church, and public and private schools. It is not generally known that compulsory educa- tion is one of the Mexican institutions. Courts of the first and second instance, a hospital, and a railroad depot, are also found in Guaymas, of A. T. & S. F. R. R. The popuUiT tion is about 5,00 J. The Atchinson, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, called the Sonora Railway, commences at Ardilla Island, so called, and runs north, crossing a bridge across a portion of the bay near the old rancho of Guaymas. The land is level beyond this point ibr ten miles, and no grading is necessary. The completion of this railway will add to the commercial importance of Guaymas, and it will open up one of the richest portions of the Republic. Capital is flow- ing along the line of the railroad, and new towns are being established with the accustomed energy of pioneer settle- ments. 30 East of the town, the country is more adapted to agricult- ure and grazing. East and south-east, commencing about sixty miles distant, are located the rich bottom lands of the Yaqui River, which supply the town with fowls, sheep, and grain. Flour and meat are brought from the interior; San Antonio and Santa Rosa furnishing corn and beans for the Guaymas market. Hides and bullion, flour, and, in fact, nearly all the exports of the state, are shipped at this point. There are two Justices of the Peace, a judge of the first in- stance, and a prefect and board of aldermen. The custom- house is very much lacking in store-houses and offices. The future of Guaymas is yet to come, through the energy and industry of foreign capitalists and immigrants. This will remain the port of the state on the gulf, and it will hold its influence upon the commercial relations of Sonora. It will eventually be the most important town in the state. The railroad will soon connect it with San Francisco and the East. Another road is in contemplation, connecting it with Mazat- lan in the state of Sinaloa, and from thence to the City of Mexico, which we will notice more particularly hereafter. A new port, La Libertad, above Guaymas, has been opened, giving an immediate outlet to the valuable district of Altar and north-eastern Sonora. A considerable amount of east- ern capital has been invested in Guaymas and landed prop- erty adjacent. The foundries of San Francisco are turning out engines, mills, and costly machinery for the several mines owned in part here. The steamship lines established between San Francisco and Guaymas and Mazatlan are carrying this machinery to those ports, and from there trans- ported to the interior. A new steamer has lately been built for the gulf trade above Guaymas. Alamos. The city of Alamos is situated some 240 miles south-east from the port of Guaymas, on the direct road by way of Buena Vista, on the Yaqui River. The town is situated in a rolling or hilly country, at the base of the Sierra Madre mountains, and is devoted principally to the mines in the vicinity, furnishing supplies to all the surrounding region. The population is about 5,000. We will give a more par- ticular description of the mines in this district hereafter. There is much business done here with Chihuahua, and the northern part of Sinaloa. The principal business houses are Thomas Robinson Bours, Vincente Ortiz & Hijos, and A. Goycoolea & Co. 31 Altar. Altar is a small mining town of about 2,500 inhabitants, and was formerly called Santa Gertrudis del Altar, and it is eometimes now called Guadalupe. It is watered by a small stream called Rio de la Assampcion, branching from the Altar or Magdalena river. The stream is insufficient for irrigation in the dry season. The town is situated near the banks of the stream upon a plain about 80 miles northeast from the gulf coast, and about 100 miles from La Libertad, which is located southeast on the coast. The plains on the west are dry and sandy, and are a part of the great Colorado desert, which extends down the coast near Lobos, about 50 miles distant in a south-west direction. The discovery of mines of gold and silver in the vicinity of Altar gave it a great impetus at one period in its history. It is mostly built of adobe houses, and contains several retail shops, one church, two justices of the peace, a prefect, and judge of the first instance. The town is garrisoned by a few soldiers, and the streets are irregular. East of the town are situated ranchos exceedingly fertile and abundantly watered. The place is distant from Santa Cruz about 120 miles, which lies in a north-east direction by way of Magdalena and Arispe. Santa Magdalena is about 70 miles distant. The latter town is also called San Ignacio, and is located due east of Altar, in a beautiful valley. The number of inhabitants is about 3,000. The stage connects at Magdalena with Hermosillo on the south-east and thence to Guaymas, and on the north with Tucson by way of Tombstone and Benson, Arizona. Hermosillo. Hermosillo is the largest town in the State and numbers about 12,000 inhabitants. It is situated in a valley about three and a half leagues, or about ten miles in length and five in breadth, sheltered on the north by valleys, hills, and on the west by the range of hills called "Chanate," and on the east by the "Cerro de la Campana" — hill of the bell — so-called because its rocks, when struck together, produce a sound similar to that of a bell. The base of this hill is bathed by a small stream or river called the Sonora, run- ning from east to west, which is sufficient to irrigate the lands between San Juanica and Chanate, cultivated by the inhabitants of the city, and of the pueblo of Ceris, which is 32 in sight to the south; the said lands being in length, from east to west, 12 to 15 miles. A large aqueduct passes through the middle of the settle- ment, which serves for irrigating the neighboring lands. Another passes near the liver and Uie Cerro de la Campana, and a third divides tlie city north and south, furnishing water to the houses and orchards of orange, citron, lime, and iig trees, [omegranates and peach trees in the neigh- borhood, as well as immense fields of wheat, corn, and other cereals. The average annual quantity of its agricult- ural products reaches to about 70,000 bushels of wheat and about 300,000 bushels of Indian corn, and au immense quan- tity of other cereals. Largo vineyards of grapes, from which brandy and wine are produced, and plantain trees of enormous growth, mingle with the rich landscape. The wine produced is hard to keep, owing to its tendency to sour, and it is mostly manufactured into brandy or aguadi- ente. The Teunage and Paloraos cotton plantations are located from twelve to twenty miles west of the city, and at the Chino Gordo, about twelve miles east. Sugar-cane has not been very successfully grown in this vicinity ; but at San Juaiiica and Ceris it is raised in small quantities. The capital of the State is located here, and the Legislature meets biennially, the same as under the Constitution of California. The Constitution of the State of Sonora is mostly copied from the old Constitution of Cahfornia. The streets of the nity are kept clean and are well paved. The principal street is called the "Callc Principal," the same as in Guaymas. The public buildings are, the capitol, the mint, the assay er's office, and municipal buildings, includ- ing the prison and public school, and one or two churches. The school is held in a building purchased by the city, and consists of two departments, male and female. The number of pupils is about GOO. Pubhc examinations are held every six months. There are several hotels. The principal ones are, the "Iturbide," " ISTacional, " " Cinco do Mayo," and "Cosmo- politan." All are one-story adobes, with a court in the center, where the guests are obliged to sleep in tiie summer season. The houses are nearly all one-story adobe build- ings, with occasional brick residences and buildings. A new Catholic church is in course of construction. The principal plaza, in front of the church, is the most attract- ive feature of the city, and is set with orange trees and evergreens and covered with lawn grass, with enticing paths, 33 meandering through flower beds, and bordered with orange trees, which afford an excellent shade. Ic is kept open ail the time, and is provided with convenient seats for the leisure-taking Sonorians. Ad eje-witness pronounces it, in " size, beautv, and arrangement, as excelling any in S.in Fran- cisco." The whole is surrounded with a very prettj- irou fence. In the center is a grand stand, from which music is wafted upon the evening breeze Thursday aad Saturday nights, on which occasions it is the favorite resort of the people of the city. The ladies of Sonora are very beauiif al, and, indeed, the town is known as the place of beautiful women. The ladies of Hermosillo of the higher class never go on the street with their faces uncovered. The '• mantilla" of rich and gorgeous material is very gracefully thrown over the head, and one portion, with that indescribable driipery for which the Spanish ladies are noted, is carelessly thrown across the lower part of the face, conceahng the features, and over the shoulder, while the beautiful eyes, some lus- trous black and others of blue, only are revealed to the gaze of the spectator, as they float along with that grace of car- riage and modest demeanor for which the Spanish ladies are 60 celebrated. The latest styles from Pads are ordered, and ^'orth has many customers throughout the repubhc. The descendants of the ancient Castilians are lo be seen in blondes as well as brunettes ; and although the taste of the people is generally in favor of bright colors,. still fashion has been wielding her scepter in Mexico as well as in the United States. Hermosillo is celebrated, as well as the rest of the state, for the fecundity of its women. It is not unusual to see a family with from 15 to 25 children. As an instance in point, there is a lady residing in Hermosillo weighing 260 pounds, tall and handsome withal, in spite of her corpulence, who is the last of a family of 23 children. This fact is vouched for by a well-known citizen of this city. Another gentleman, an American by birth, and at one time a prominent citizen of Guaymas, but now residing in this city, married a Span- ish or Mexican lady, and is the fortunate father of no less than 17 children. The children of Sonora go almost naked, and thrive remarkably well, since the statement of Velasco that there is a great mortality among children, to which we have already referred. The prominent citizens even dress their children only with a shirt, hat, and boots. The business of the place is confined to the j ort of Guay- 34 mas and the interior of the state. There are about 30 shops and mercantile estabhshments in the city. The town is the favorite resort for travelers through the state. The princi- pal business men of the place are the Ortizes, Camous, Pes- t^uiera, liuix & Mascareuas, Carlos Maneti, Alvistiqui & Alatorre, and Antonio Calderon. Most *^i these business houses import direct from Europe and the United States. The houses of Ortiz and the Camou Bros, are probabl}' as strong financially as any in the republic. The Ortizes, besides owning a large number of haciendas, comprising several hundre i thousand acres, stocked with immense herds of cattle and horses and flocks of sheep, and several of the best mining properties of the state, own the large cotton-mill, called ''Industria Sonorense," which employs about 300 men and women; also a sugar-mill and tannery. All these mills are located at Los Angeles, on the San Miguel River. The Camou Bros, own several large haciendas, also, with their thousands of cattle and horses, mules, sheep, and large mines. They also own the steam flour-mill, located at the city of Hermosillo, and another at El Molino Rancho. The town of Hermosillo is orderly, and the police regulations good. There is a very good market-place for the sale of meat and vegetables, but no bakeries, such as are seen in the United States, in the city. Water is found in abundance in wells, at the depth of 20 or 30 feet. Wood is plentiful, and brought from the timber, about two or three miles distant. A natu- ral cement stone is within the town limits, that is easil/ •quarried, being soft, until it hardens on exposure. It may be quarried and used for building purposes. There is also •a fine clay, used in the manufacture of brick, in the vicinity. There is also a shoe factory and wagon factory, and plenty of carpenter and blacksmith shops, etc., worked by foreigners. Wardrobes and other pieces of furniture are manufactured in the town. The railroad now being built from Guaymas will add to the business energy of the city, and its future is assured as the most important inland city in the State. There is a club in the city called the " Casion," of about one hundred mem- bers, of the principal citizens of the place, located in the former magnificent residence of Gov. Pesquiera ; also a theater ; and society is of the gayest during the sessions of the Legislature, when balls and receptions are quite frequent. Thtre is no gas in the city ; but an attempt is being made to organize a company for that purpose. The streets and incuses are lighted by lamps. Seuor Falizardo Torres is the 35 superinteiident, and Mr. Edward Norman is the cashier of the mint which is located here. This mint and those of Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Dtu-ango, are leased to an English company. Hermosillo is the centre of the richest mining and agricul- tural district in the State, and is the distributing point for the supply of numerous mines and haciendas surrounding it. The principal merchants are Germans, who are doing a large and prosperous business. A view of this part of the State may be enjoyed from the summit of the Cerro de la Campana, which lies within the city limits. The Sonora railway runs from Guaymas, on the Gulf of California to this city, and thence northward through the Yalley del Bar*ica, passing the City of Magdalena, and from thence through the Valley of the Santa. Cruz to Kogales on the border, and connecting with the Southern Pacific at^ Benson, Arizona.; The distance from Benson to Guaymas is 352 miles, making a run of about 20 hours, or at the present time, of 19 hours and 40 minutes. Besides the natural growth of travel over the line of this road in the increase of trade, we predict an immense travel by tourists over this line as well as over the Mexican Central. For the benefit of the tourists, we call their attention to the wonderful Aztec ruins lately discovered about four leaaiues southeast of Magdalena. These ruins consist of a mammoth pyramid, and a mountain palace. The pyramid has a base of 1350 feet, and rises to the height of 750 feet, with a winding roadway from the bottom leading up an easy grade to the top, wide enough for carriages to pass over, which is said to be twenty-three miles in length : the outer walls of the roadway are laid in solid masonry from huge blocks of granite in rubble work, and the cncles are as uniform and the grade as regular as they could be made at this date by our best engineers. The wall, however, is only occasionally exposed, being covered by debris and earth, and 'overgrown with plants and trees, giving the pyramid the appearance of a mountain. The mountain palace lies to the east of the pyi-amid, and is honeycombed by hundreds of rooms cut in the solid rock, with hieroglyphics on the walls, and innumerable stone relics are in and about the rooms. The size of the rooms ranges from 6 by 10 to 16 by 18 feet, and are cut even and true, with an entrance at the top. The ceiling is about 8 feet high. The rooms are one above the other, to three or more stories high. Here is a rare chance for some American archaeologist. The increase of the sale of mines promises well for the State, no less than six mines, said to be valuable, ranging in 36 price from f200,000 upwards, having been sold to New York and Chicago parties in the last six mouths, and more are coming every day. "For the gold mine of Los Mulatos, $1,000,000 has been refused." The distance from Ilermosillo to Ures is about fifty miles, situated north-east, and to Arispe, 150 miles north-east of Ures, and Santa Cruz, about 250 miles ; thence 170 miles to Tucson by way of Magdalena, distant 300 miles, and is about 100 miles by stage from Guaymas. Ures. , This town was formerly the capital of the State, and is Bituated in a most beautiful valley, stretching from east to west, the soil of which is exceedingly fertile and suitable for the production of all kinds of fruits, excellent wheat, sugar- cane and cotton of superior quality. The eovirous are picturesque and pleasing to the eye of the visitor. It is located on the Sonora River, and on the road from Ilermo- sillo and Alameda, a road lined with trees on each side similar to the Alameda between San Jose and Santa Clara in this State : the road in this instance oeing bordered with trees on either side for four miles, and presents an elegant drive for the residents of Ures. The town originally was environed with numerous creeks that threatened it with inundations, when it was re- moved upon a neighboring plateau. The town is not so large as Ilermosillo, yet its neat and elegant gardens of rare and beautiful flowers, lime, orange, and citron groves, make it a gem of a little city. There are some very sub- stantial residences of brick scattered here and there among the adobe houses, and even elegant residences, among which may be mentioned Gov. Pesqueira's residence, hand- somely fu rnished. A large orchard is attached to his resi- dence and grounds, with orange, lime, lemon, peach, and olive trees bearing finely, besides an extensive vineyard. Since the capital of the State was removed to Hermosillo the population has shrunk from 10,000 to 5,000. There is quite a rivalry between the two cities, and the dispute over the capital is not yet ended. If the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fd Railroad passes up the Sonora river to El Paso, it will pass through this place. There is a vast agricultural and mining country around and adjacent to the city, and business is quite extensive. There are some heavy com. 37 mercial firms in the city, among which may be mentioned Lauro Morales, Joaquin Villaes, Cusa & Co., Francisco Iler- nandez, Manuel Morales & Co. and Francisco C. Aguilar. The climate is much cooler at Ures than at Hermosillo, and one is able to sleep within doors. Among the important haciendas of arable land may be mentioned, Santa Rita, Molino, Guadalupe, Tc pahui and others. There are no im- portant public buildings except certain small houses pur- chased during the administration of General Urea to form a palace, a penitentiary or House of Correction. Excellent stone for building is in the neighborhood of the city. The principal hotel is the Gubion, kept by a Frenchman. The Rancho of Gov. Fesquiera, called Las Delicias, is lo- cated about 60 miles distant by way of Canada Andia, El Puertecito, El Molinate, Soqui, San Jose, La Estancia, La Concha and Baviacora. The last named town was once an important place, with a population of 3,000, and is situated in a pretty little valley one mile from the Sonora River, in one of the most fertile and beautiful districts of the State. The grounds of the hacienda of Las Delicias is fenced in and laid out with orange and lime groves and flower gar- dens, containing rare flowers. The hacienda consists of a little over 30,000 acres of arable land, and about one-fifth is first-class agricultural land, devoted to the raising of wheat, Lidian corn, potatoes, etc.; the balance is very good grazing land, covered with alfalfa and gramma grass. It is situated in a valley of considerable extent. Gov. Fes- quiera has made this hacienda his residence, owing to the existence of rich mines in the vicinity, which are owned by him, and demand his attention in worldng them. Among the reptiles that are found in the State may be mentioned the scorpion, whose sting is deadly. Rumor says that they are more deadly in the interior than on the eoast. One citizen near Guaymas was recently bitten by one of these reptiles on the hand. He simply twisted a strong India-rubber band around his wrist to keep the poison from communicating to the rest of the system, and took some ammonia, and the wound soon healed, without any serious result following. Strong spirits are generally used to work oft' the virus from the system. Santa Cruz is the most northern town of Sonora, distant about 120 miles from the boundary line of Chihuahua and ten to fifteen from the boundary line of Arizona, and situ- 38 ated on a road direct to Guadalupe or Altar, which passes through Occua, Santa Ana, Santa Marta, San Lorenzo, Santa Magdalena, or San Ignacio, Teneuate, Imuris, and San Lazaro. The population is about 800. The town is located in a beautiful valley, clothed in verdure the entire year, in latitude 32 degrees 15 minutes north, and in a region that is pronounced to be the best agricultural region of the State, outside of the bottom, lands of the rivers Yaqui and Mayo. It is also the best timbered of any portion of the northern part of the state, and in other respects presents advantages to the settler. Indeed, the valley of Santa Cruz, with its adjacent districts, where there are several rich and highly- cultivated haciendas and missions, must become the future granary of Arizona. The Santa Cruz River rises in a broad vaUey, or rather plain, north of the town, and passes the base of a mountain range through an open country, studded with oaks, into an open plain covered with luxuriant grass, without tree or shrub. It then passes between a low range of hills into the valley where the town is located. The river then flows south nine miles to San Lorenzo — a consid- erable ranch — and then takes a north ei^ly course, winding its way through a beautiful valle^^ until it is lost across the line into Arizona, in the desert plain or sands some ten or fifteen miles north of Tucson. It is about 150 miles in length. Its width varies from 20 to 100 feet, and during dry seasons portions of it disappear. This valley was traversed by the earliest Spanish explorers in 1535, seduced by the flattering accounts of Cabela de Vaca. Marco de Niza and Coronado led their deluded adventur- ers through it in search of tlie famed cities of Cibola, north of the Gila River ; and before 1600, its richness having been made known, it was soon after occupied as missionary ground. Remains of several of these missions still exist. The Mission Church of San Xavier del Lac, erected during the last century, was the finest edifice of the kind in Souora. Tumacacori, a few miles south of Tubac, was the most exten- sive. The towns and settlements of the Santa Cruz valley, across the line, in Sonora, are, Santa Cruz and San Lorenzo. The lands of this valley are suitable for stock-raising and all kinds of grain, especially wheat, which is produced of ex- cellent quality. Bacuachi. The town or Presidio of Eacuachi is located about 50 miles south-east from Santa Cruz, on the road to Arispe, 39 whicli is located on the Sonora River. It was at one time rich in cattle, sheep, and horses; but the Apaches swept them away, and the town became almost a heap of ruins. It is located in a very fertile valley, near the base of a range of mountains on the west, on the Sonora River, that rises in a valley north of the town and across the boundary line, in JS'ew Mexico. It also lies in a straight line drawn from the boundary line between Arizona and ISTew Mexico, and is distant from the boundary line of the United States about 40 miles within or near the lower part of the prohibited belt. There are gold mines in the neighborhood of marvel- ous richness. The rich placers on the Sonora not being very distant, great quantities of this precious metal was extracted from the mines in the vicinity, of twenty-two carats fiuCc The miners were driven off by the Apaches, and the minea were, consequently, abandoned. The gold is coarse, and pieces have been found weighing twenty-five marcs. These mines might be made to yield a magnificent return if they were opened. The future of this mining district is just to Dpen, since the suppression of the Apaches. A colony of miners will here find a rich field; for the whole region is rich in minerals, and but awaits the hands of man to develop their vast resources. This locality has been peculiarly ex- posed to the incursions of the Apaches, and for that reason,, its mineral wealth has been withheld from the prospector. We predict a tremendous immigration to this point and all along the headwaters of the Yaqui River. The climate is cool and healthful, and epidemics or fevers are entirely un- known, while the soil is of the most fertile character, producing wheat, corn, etc., and presents a grazing region unexcelled anywhere; and there is an entire absence of swamps that are found in the Santa Oruz valley, which sometimes induce fevers. There are here two justices of the peace, subject to the sub-prefect of Arispe. The town of Fronteras is situated in latitude 31 deg. N., north-east 01 Bacuachi, distant about 35 miles, and 20 miles from the boundary line of 'New Mexico. The t :wn contains but one street, at the foot of a creek whose waters irrigate the neighboring lands, whicli produce excellent wheat, maize, etc ; also, the delicious peaches for which Sonora is celebrated, apples, and bergamot pears. The town is sit- uated 35 miles north-east of Bacuachi, and the greater part of the road is between dense thickets. This point was the most exposed to the Apaches of any in the State, but is now comparatively safe. The climate is cool and healthy^ 40 timber is abundant, and game plentiful. The plains are fer- tile and well watered. Two justices of the peace are located here. Bapispe is situated about 18 miles west of the boundary line of Chihuahua, on the banks of a small creek which empties into the river Bapepito. It is isolated from all other towns, and is situated about 40 miles south of the boundary line of the United States at New Mexico, and east of Bacuachi about 90 miles. The creek passing the town rises in a valley south-east of the town and flows north-west into a plain about 20 miles; then south-west into the Bapepito, near Oputo. A road con- nects this town with Janos in Chihuahua, about 40 miles dis- tant. This territory of the Bapispe district contains the towns of Guachinera and Baserac, and haciendas Santa Ana and Loreto ; it formerly comprised a number of wealthy ranchos, but all have been despoiled by the Apaches. Bapis- pe possesses excellent grazing lands and abundance of water. The population is about 800. They are engaged principally in the manufacture of soap and leather. About six miles east is located a rich silver mine, that has not been worked much on account of the Apaches. Arispe is situated south-west of Bacuachi, on the river So- nora, in a valley skirting an immense table-land or plain, and a range of mountains extending north-east and south-west. Extensive silver mines are located south-east in this range of mountains, called the Babiconicora and Banamiche ; also, south-west, the San Rosalio mine is located, also of silver. The hacienda of Las Belicias, owned by General Pesquiera, is also situated south-west of Arispe. A road runs from Bacu- achi along the river Sonora, in a south-westerly direction, through Bacadobabi, Chinapa, Guipaberachi, Ciniriasanta, Arispe, Bamori, Sinoquipe, Monteport, Bamanitchi, Hue- paca, Mochobavi, Aconche Babiacora, Concepcion, Purete- cito, San Francisco, and Ures, distant about 100 miles. The same river passes Ures and Hermosillo in the same direction, until it is lost in the sandy plains on the coast, south-west of Hermosillo, and is about 200 miles long. Moctezuma, or Oposura, is situated on .the Soyopa River, in a large plain, that extends from the head-waters of the river Soyopa, which runs almost due south for about 100 miles, and then taking a south-easterly course, empties into the river Yaqui, about 20 miles further. A road runs from Moctezuma, down the Soyopa River to the Yaqui, and thence along the Yaqui to Comoripa and Buenavista. This plain 41 is oiiG of the largest in the state, and over 100 miles in length, and about 40 miles wide at its widest point. In the mountain ranges west of the head-waters of the Bapepito are situated the silver mines of El Pintos, Sesentero, San Pedro, El Rosario, Cinco Senora, El Humacal, and Plomosa. South-west of Soyopa, on this river, is located the Mina Prieta copper mine, and the silver mines of El Paste, and Los Brouces. East of the latter, the La Barranca, and the great gold mine called the San Antonio de la Huerta; the latter two of which are located near the mouth of the Soyopa River. Sahuaripa is a small town located on a branch of the Bapepito, east of the river of that name, and distant from Bacuachi about one hundred and fifty miles south-east by way of the road through Bapepito and Oputo, crossing the branch of the river ; thence south, along the Bapepito, to Cienega, Guainipa, lascotol, and crossing the Bapepito to Huasavas; thence to Baca de Huachi, crossing again the same river ; thence south-east tojSTocori, on the river" Viejo, which empties into the Bapepito south-west about fifteen miles ; thence to Palmar, Casa, San Gabrielle, through the silver mine of San Felipe to Sahuaripa. This region is well watered, and abundance of timber is found in the mountains. Several large haciendas are also in the neighborhood, along the stream and between the two streams ; the stream on the north being the Rio Viejo, which takes its rise in the same neighboring mountains on the east. JSTorth-east of Sahuaripa, distant about fifty miles, is located the great gold mines of Cieneguita and the silver mine called the Minas Prietas Yiejas, both of which are lo- cated at the base of the mountains ; the Cieneguita being north of the latter about fifteen miles. A road runs direct from the town through a rancho to the Minas Prietas Viejas mine. This is a rich mineral region, and will ere long be completely settled. The region north of these mines has never been completely explored, and has not yet known the tread of the American miner. The second main branch of the river Yaqui, called the Papigochi or Mulatos, runs south of this region, taking a north-easterly course and emptying into the Bapepito about fifty miles bouth-west of Sahuaripa. Gold placers are located east of Santa Cruz, about forty miles; and the mine of La Cananea south-east of Santa Cruz thirty miles ; and the Santa Teresa silver mines and San Rafael Valle silver mines, forty miles south-west. The 42 Planchas de Plata silver mines are located west of Santa Cruz about fifty miles. The Altar mine, or mines surround- ing Altar, are located in mauj districts. West of that place the gold mines of La Basura are located about seventy miles, and silver mines north-east of the same mine about ten miles. The Cajitos gold mines are located south- west of Altar about seventy miles ; and south-west of La Basura, the placers of gold Micaray, and Alamo de San Fehz, silver, are also located about seventy miles ; also, the silver mines of Los Palomos are located on the river Assump- cion, south-west of Altar about ninety miles, and about seventy miles north of La Libertad, on the coast. South of Altar about thirty miles, are located the Alamitos, sil- ver, and La ToUena, gold mines, near. The Mina Grande silver mine is located about eighty miles south of Altar, and Latesote near Cienega, east about ten miles. Ca- borca gold mines are located near the same river. Kich gold placers are also found west of Altar on the elevated plains about one hundred miles distant ; and the Quitovac gold mines, which were once rich, about one hundred and fifty miles north-west of Altar. So that the town may be said to be completely surrounded by mines. Rivers Yaqui and Mayo. The river Yaqui, or Buena Vista, rises in the Sierra Madre Maicova, and takes a south-westerly course through Bapispe, Todos Santos, the pueblo of Soyopa, Honavas, Tenichi, San Antonio and Comuripa, to the city of Buena Yista, where it enters the Yaqui settlement and finally empties into the Gulf of California, in front of the pueblo of Rahum. It has many branches, and may be said to drain all the region east of Arispe, Ures and Hermosillo, to the summit of the Sierra Madre range, which divides the states of Sonora and Chi- huahua, and north of the river Mayo. One of its branches culled the Bapepito rises in the south- eastern portion of Arizona; and another called the Papi- gochi, or Mulatos, at the base of the Sierra Madre, across the boundary line in south-western Chihuahua. It is the largest river of the state, and is estimated to be four hundred miles in length, from its source to its mouth. Its waters pass through the richest agricultural portion of the state, and through immense placers of gold, and along the base of ledges of silver, copper, galena, and tin ores. Its rich bottom lands are the most fertile of any in the state, 43 and raise in spots now under cultivation, wheat, sugar-cane, corn, cotton,' the indigo plant, tobacco, and the various cer- eals. At and near its mouth, where the soil is not under culti- vation, immense cane-brakes of a kind of bamboo extend 'along its banks for about sixty miles. If brought under con- trol by proper agriculture, its valuable lands could produce immense quantities of all the products that an alluvial soil, well irrigated, will produce. The best portion of the lands are in possession of the Yaqui Indians, with some exceptions, but its lands are so extensive that after reserving sufficient for the Indians, millions of acres of arable lands would remain to be brought under cultivation. Here is an opportunity for colonization that is unrivaled in the United States or the Republic of Mexico. The land is easily irrigated from the river, and would provide homes for colonization of a large population. In time of high water the river is navigable for small vessels for from fifty to sev- enty-five miles. Flour-mills are located on its banks, owned by foreigners — the result of foreign capital and energ3^ At its mouth are located the best oyster-beds on the coast of the gulf. We are assured by parties who have tested the quali- ties of these oj^sters, that they are equal to our best Eastern bivalves. San Francisco will soon have the pleasure of test- ing them on the completion of the Sonora Railway con- necting Guaymas with San Francisco. Packed in ice man- ufactured at Guaymas, they can successfully be exported direct by rail to San Francisco, on the completion of the railroad, thus opening up a new avenue for some enterpris- ing gentleman who will take the initiative. San Francis- cans would like to try some of the Yaqui 03'sters if they are as represented. "We understand that Dr. Charles McQues- ten of this city, and Rafael Escobosa of Guaymas, are now the bona fide owners of these oyster beds, and the extent of their possession comprises one league square in the delta of the Yaqui at the old mouth. The oysters are found in the sloughs which extend from one to two miles inland. The basin of this river at its widest point is about ninety miles wide. After the rains have ceased, the river is fordable, though still deep until the droughts in April, May and June. Near Soyopa, Buena Vista, and Honavas, are located a greater proportion of the best bottom lands. The salt-pits of the river, located near the coast, supply the interior towns, and are considered the property of the Yaquis. The annual overflow of the river supplies sufficient irrigation for one crop of wheat, maize, beans, len- u tils, and various kinds of fruit, at the points thus irrigated. Cotton, flax, and coftee, are also successfully raised. "We are told by Velaseo, the sheep raised upon its nutritious grasses attain the size of a yearling calf, and make excellent mutton. Beef cattle of the Best quality are raised. At one time the Mission of Huirivis alone owned 40,000 head. The tobacco raised by the Indians upon the banks of this river is of very good quality ; and the plant miglit, with proper cultivatio:i, be equal to that of Havana. Immigration to this region must be of incalculable value to the state in the increase of its productions. The river Mayo rises also in the Sierra Madre, and though it is smaller, and its bottom lands more narrow than those of the Yaqui, yet its fertility is the same, and may produce like results proportionate to the extent of its lands that are sus- ceptible of cultivation. The Mayo Indians are located on its banks. The two rivers are separated by a low range of hills or mountains, and the intervening hills are good graz- ing lands. Tlie pueblos of the Mayos, from the sierra on the east to Conicari on the west, are Macollagui in the sierra, Conicari, Camoa, Tecia, ISTabajoa, Cuirimpo, Guitajoa, Echo- joa, Santa Cruz, and Masiaca. The Yaqui settlements extend from Buena Vista to Belen, over a territory of 84 miles in length. A brig might enter the mouth of the river Mayo, ancl a harbor is located at the port of Loreto, at this point. It was the first settlement of the gulf, and renowned for its pearl fishery, which has pro- duced splendid fortunes. In the gulf, many large whales are sometimes caught, of various kinds; also, sharks of enormous size haunt its coasts, to the great danger of the pearl fish- ermen, who are Yaqui Indians. They always carry a long, keen knife with them while diving after pearls, to defend themselves. Ihe " mauta," or blanket fish, also, is another great enemy of theirs, and very formidable. It has fins like the arms of a man, says a writer, by which it seizes its prey. The Presidio of Buenavista is located on the laqui Hiver, on the main road to Alamos, about 300 miles from Arispe, by way of Hermosillo, and about 260 miles by way of the road of Matape, which runs along the banks of a stream by that name, south of Hermosillo. It is situated upon a small rocky promontory or hill, and is, consequently, very hot. It claims some importance as a military position, and is sup- posed to present a barrier against th^ revolt of the Yaquis and Mayo Indians. Its soldiers are poorly supplied and sel- dom paid. 45 The recent attempts to survey the lands of the Yaqui and Mayo rivers have been suspended, awaiting a petition from the Legislature of Sonora to the general government to supply a force of 1,000 soldiers to keep the Yaquis in sub- jection during the survey and location of certain govern- ment grants upon those rivers. For this purpose, a return grant by the Owners to the general government of a portion of the lands is to be made to cover the expense of maintain- ing the military in this district. The lands adjacent to the town are of the fertile character that belongs to the bottom lands of the Yaqui and Mayo rivers. From this point, the Yaqui River is navigable during tlie greater part of the year, and timber, grain, and other productions can easily be transported to Guaymas, Mines of gold and silver are located at Cumuripa, Cendra- ditas and San Fr.tncisco de Borja, which, when worked, yield abundantly. The current of the river is rapid at Buenavista and many other points. Ore might be transported from this place and shijjped from Guaymas. Along the river, above Buenavista, there are hundreds of veins of gold and silver that could be worked profitably. The placers are located near this place, and are said to be very rich. The town of San Pedro de la Conquista is situated south of Ilermosillo, on the river Sonora, a short distance. Cattle and horses are here raised, and different kinds of grain grown. There have been no mines of any consequence discovered here. The land is well timbered with iron-wood, the mesquite, the huayacan, (a very sol id and compact wood) and the huevito. An herb is here found, called the "con- fituria," which is much esteemed, as possessing medicinal qualities, and is said to be used as a specific for hydro- phobia. The land is fertile, producing wheat and Indian corn or maize, beans, pulse, lentils, Ciiili peppers, sweet potatoes, etc. Figs are raised in profusion, grapes, peaches, apri- cots, pomegranates, quinces, sweet and sour oranges, limes, citrons, and the guava. Wheat is sown from October to December, and sometimes as late a? January, and is harvested from May to July. Two crops of beans are raised annually. The first is planted in Foi)ruary or March, and the second in July and August. Two crops of corn are also sometimes raised, the most abundant being gathered in IlTovember and December. That gathered in July or August is generally of inferior 46 quality. Grain, flour, and other products are transported to Giiaymas and other places, in wagons drawn bj mules and oxen. There are several grist-mills turned by water-power at this place, the best grinding from 25 to 30 cargas (of 300 lbs. each), in 24 hours. Sugar-cane is also raised. The climate is healthy, and the population about 1,200. The town has two justices of the peace, subject to the tribunal of first instance at Hermosillo. The Indians and Presidios. The Yaqui and Mayo Indians inhabit the cane-brakes on those rivers, and are depended upon mostly for laborers all through the state. They are not averse to labor, and are employed in every capacity. They possess remarkable natural abilities, and soon learn the trades of blacksmithing, carpentering, etc. They have been known to manufacture fireworks, and are skillful players on the harp and violin. Their character is resolute, and they are very jealous of their lands. They are generally copper-colored and well formed. The women are of medium height and corpulent. In some of the settlements, the women are exceedingly fair and handsome; but these latter are mostly half-breeds. The Yaqui, with few exceptions, has but few wants. A cotton shirt and drawers for the men, and shawl and petticoat for the women, sufiices; while the children run naked, with the exception of a cloth ai'ound the loins. Their nature is joy- ous, and they are very fond of music and dancing. They are suspicious, and a supposition of deception serves as well as the reality. They have been known to revolt against the government and commit great atrocities. They are brave, and have been known to fight steadily for hours against the government troops. They shun the society of the whites, and only live near them for the sake of employment. Ve- lasco says, " They will steal, gamble, and drink, and have no generosity or gratitude " — a rather peculiar trait for the Indian — yet they work in the mines, till the soil, build houses, and perform nearly all the labor of Sonora. They alone of all the Indians are skillful pearl-divers ; but so "great is their love of robbery," says Francisco Velasco, an impartial Spanish writer, " that they abandon any occu- pation, however profitable, for the purpose of stealing cattle and horses from the ranchos in the neighborhood of the river. This they practice even in times of peace." 47 But Mr. Andrade tells us that this is not so at present. They have greatly improved since the writing of Velasco's book. Their population amounts to 13,500 in the state, ac- cording to Cubas. The May OS possess the same characteristics as the Yaquis. Being located on the Mayo, they are called Mayos. The Ceris are more allied to savages, are filthy, drunken, and bitterly hostile to the whites. They are located by the gov- ernment upon the pueblo of San Pedro de Ja Couquista, where they have lands assigned to them for their support. They are lazy, and dress themselves in either the skins of the pelican or a coarse blanket wrapped around the waist. Some wear nothing but a strip of cloth about the loins, and none wear shoes. They paint their faces in black stripes, and many pierce the cartilages of the nose, and append to it pieces of a green stone resembling glass. The women per- form the greater part of the labor, gathering the crops, etc. The men are tall, erect, and generally stout. The women are copper-colored, and wear a petticoat made of the pelican skin, with the feathers, which covers the form from the waist down. They worship the moon, and prostrate them- selves, beating their breasts, and kiss the ground on the appearance of the new moon. The Opatas are more frank and docile, and are friendly towards the whites, many of them serving as soldiers. They are brave to the last extremity, and have been known to withstand an onset of the Apaches outnumbered eight to one. They are just and humane in their dealings, and ca- pable of a high degree of education. They are the bitter foes of the Apaches, showing them no mercy in an en- counter. The Opatas live in several of the towns, where the mixed race predominates, called Opodepe, Cucurpe, Suaque, Acon- chi, Babiacora, Arivechi, Santo Tomas, Bacanora, and Kuri in the center ; Oposura, Guayavas, Baca de Huachi, ijTacori, Mochop, and Oputo in the sierra ; Chinapa, Bacuachi, Cuquiurachi, and Cumpas, to the north. The Opatas are able-bodied, and as fleet as the game they pursue. Their haughty character is illustrated by the following, related by Cubas, of a band of them in rebellion : '' Persecuted by General Gandara with very superior forces, in consequence of an insurrection, they refused to surrender themselves, even after each one at his post had shot his last arrow. Their captain, with some few who had survived the contest, took refuge on the summit of an almost inaccessible mount- 48 aiu, and there awaited the approach of General Qandara's emissaries, who had intimated their submission. Believing themselves humiliated at the demand for the delivery of their arms, they declared to ihe envoi's of the general their resolution to deliver themselves up to their conquerors, with- out abandoning their arms. Upon General Guudara's insist- ing in his demands, and they in their resolution, their conduct decided him to take them prisoners by force, which they avoided by an act worthy of the ancient Spartans, in throw- ing themselves over the precipice at the moment the gen- eral's troops were ascending the heights." The Opatas are most useful citizens, and have on many occasions proved their loyalty to the Mexican Government by resisting the attacks of the Apaches. They seldom go barefooted, every man has a blanket, and every woman a long scarf. They are good carpenters, masons, shoemakers, and house-paint- ers, and manufacture blankets, shawls, coarse cottons, sad- dles, pack-saddles, bridles, etc., and considerable quantities of soap. The Papajos are numerous, and located in the western part of the state, subsisting principally on wild fruits, espe- cially the " pitaya, " from which they manufacture a deli- cious syrup, and carry it to the settlements for sale in earthen jars. In the winter they resort to the settlements of La Pimeria to trade, exchanging skins and baskets. This tribe is also the sworn enemy of the Apaches. The Apaches are divided into the Coyotes or Pinelores^ the Tontos, Chiricahuis, Mimbrenos, Gilenos, Mescaleros, Sacramautenos, Mogollones, Carrizallenos, Gipanes, IJ^ara- ones, and Kavajoes. They have had no fixed habitation, and reside in the mountains and on the plains, and often make incursions into Sonora, near Altar and Magdalena, and also in the north-east, in the mountains of Chihuahua, near Janos, and in Coahuilla. They are the most savage of all the Indians of Mexico, and are exceedingly fleet, both in trav- ersing the vast plains and in climbing the rugged eminences of the mountains ; and, besides, are excellent horsemen. Their arms are mostly the bow and arrow ; but some few have fire-arms, and a lance with a flint point. They use a leather quiver, and a shield of leopard's skin, orname jted with feathers and with small mirrors in the center. They are cowardly, and only attack unawares ; crafty and treach- erous, and scalp their victims. They make use of smoke for telegraphic signals. They are fond of hunting deer and wild boars, "ci hallos," or Mexican bull^, black bears, wild 49 goats, and Rockj Mountain sheep. Their dress consists of a strip of linen passing between their thighs, and fastened at the waist, and leggings of deerskin vrith fringes, ornamented with beads, and garnished with leather strings, and wear pendants and ear-rings, and in their hair thej fasten a long false braid, adorned with trinkets, shells, or silver buckles. The women, who are as active as the men in their habits, use very short garments of deer-skin or kid, which thej call "tlacalee," with fringes of leather strings, on the edges of which are hung casebels, tassels, and red beads. They wear, also, a kind of jacket called "bietle," made of the entire deer-skin, open in front, ornamented in the same manner. They wear moccasins of deer-skin, the same as the men, which are called "teguas," and are fastened to the leggings. They are all of swarthy complexion, well proportioned, wear long hair, and no beard. Both the men and women liave very small feet. The women decorate themselves with enr- rings of shells, or small green and white stones, resembling crystal ; and in some instances the men are decorated in like manner. Their huts are simply poles covered with grass or skins, and a small door, admitting a grown person. If the place is wooded, they encamp at the foot of a tree, and cover the branches with grass to protect them from the rain ; but generally they live without any protection what- ever. Their atrocities are well known, and they have long been a terror to the Sonorians ; but the dispersion of Vic- torio's band subdued them, with the exception of small rov- ing bands, that do not hesitate to attack even the stages, as they did but a short time since, near Mesilla, in Xew Mexico. Comparative peace may be said to exist, though settlers may do well to keep on the lookout, and travel well armed. DISCOVEEY OF GOLD. In 1799, the first discovery of gold in the western part of the state was made at San Ildefonso de la Cienegiiilla, about forty miles south or south-east of Altar, of which many incorrect accounts have been published. This discovery was accidental, and occurred as follows : _ " A company of soldiers from Altar, on their way to chas- tise the Ceris, having gone in a south-east direction, en- camped in that neighborhood. One of their number, who was strolling about one hundred yards from the camp, observed that the bed of a small ditch formed by the rain was of a yellowish color, and on further examination, he collected a number of pieces of gold from the size of a lentil to that of a bean. He reported this to the commander of the detachment, who immediately ordered a careful examination of the surrounding country, the result being the discovery of gold in all parts in greater or less quanti- ties. The gold lay upon the surface, scattered like grains •of corn. The gambucinos followed its direction to the west to the distance of six or nine miles, where they encountered a natural ph. nomenon. The beds of all the ravines within a circumference of more than 12 miles was covered with particles of gold, hundreds of these weighing from one to 27 marcs, and presenting the appearance of having passed through a furnace." — Velasco. After the surface gold was exhausted, shafts were sunk and tunnels run through a vein of calcareous stone in some places, and in others through a stratum of red stone, both of which contained gold, and from which large quantities were extracted. The mine was actively worked until 1803, when a second mine was discovered, called San Francisco, 21 miles east of Cieneguilla, which is about 40 miles south- east of Altar. " This mine proved extremely rich, the gold being scattered about on the surface in great abundance, ■especially in the ravines. In the ravine called San Miguel- '©na, the gold was so abundant that three, four, and even five 50 51 marcs were often collected iu five minutes ; the grains being the size of a bean. Large lamps were occasionally discov- ered. One found by a Yaqui weighed 100 ounces, and an- other weighed 28 marcs. Qui to vac, San Antonio, Sonoita, El Zone, La Basura, San Perfecto, Las Palomas, El Alamo, El Muerto, and Vado Seco, are gold mines discovered from 1834 to 1841 in the vicinity of Altar." Mines of Sonora. The mines of Sonora have been worked from time im- memorial. The immense number of old mines that have a history clouded with early traditions prove the ancient char- acter of the mines of Sonora. Some have been known to reach back one hundred years, and others have no data to determine the first period in their history. The number of abandoned mines are considerable, some of which were un- questionably exhausted, while others were abandoned on account of the ignorance of the miners on reaching ores that were refractory or hard to work. Right here it might be well to caution American capitalists against buying holes in the ground, solely because, at one period in their history, they had yielded millions. Most of the abandoned mines, or quite a large number of them, and of the richest, have been ruined by the class of minersof Mexico c;alled "gambucinos, " a poor class who had no capital, and were in search of " bonanzas," or rich spots, working these solely, and filling the drifts and shafts behind them with rejected ores and rubbish, so that, when they finished a mine it was almost entirely ruined. In some in- stances, they have extracted the pillars of old mines of great value, and the walls have fallen in, thus doing an incalculable injury to the mines of the state. There is an old Spanish Ijroverb that tersely states: "It takes another mine to work a mine." This is undoubtedly true of every mine abandoned by these miners. We use strong language on account of the destruction following in the wake of the "gambucinos." The warning of Mr. Mowry to capitalists in his valuable work on Arizona and Sonora, we herewith quote, and leave its lesson with our readers. He says : "As it is desir- able that, in the investment of foreign capital there should be no error committed at the outset, than which nothing would retard the progress of this new mining field more; all persons new to the country had better leave abandoned mines 52 alone, unless directed to them by persona long resident io the country, whose character and veracity are undoubted, and who, after the investigation of all the facts, current ac- counts, and traditions, have full confidence in some abandoned mine or other. There are, undoubtedly, many abandoned mines that are well worthy of attention and outlay of capital, but strangers are not likely to know at once which of the many deserted mines it will be prudent to meddle with. Under the present state of things, the safest investments for new comers will be those mines that have bona fide owners^ Jor^ as long as a mine can be loorkcd according to the custom of the count)'!/, it is hardly ever abandoned altogether. The owners are fully alive to the value of their j^ossessions, and as they are already in a more or less independent position, and always in expectation of a sudden fortune, they are not anxious to sell unless induced by a fair ofi'er. It is not advisable to enter into any arrangement with Mexican miners to furnish capital to open up a mine, but it is better to buy the whole at once." The Mexican people are shrewd and full of grandiose language, extravagant in speech, and due caution in taking their description of properties, with some allowance when they are anxious to sell, is of the first importance. It may be well to remember that where an anxiety to sell is appar- ent, that the purchaser will do well to make haste slowly, and look further for investment. The properties that are being worked, and where a fair examination can be made by reliable mining engineers, are the ones to buy. These are mostly not for sale, but they may be purchased on a liberal otter. Another way to obtain properties of value, is to prospect for new mines, and when a discovery is made, by " denouncement " a title may be obtained under the laws of Mexico that is perfectly valid; and indeed, this is one of the safest means toobtain valuable mines; for the whole state is rich in veins of gold and silver. In the appendix m-dj be found an abstract of the mining laws of Mexico, with direc- tions as to the obtaining of properties in the republic. As an instance of the unreliability to be placed on repre- sentations of the riches of mines that are for sale in Mexico, we give the following data : A company of gentlemen of this city were induced to open up an abandoned mine, called Santa Gertrudis, near Altar, which was represented by the parties interested, to be very rich. The vein first discovered was narrow, but was followed down on the assurance that it would become broader and richer. Extensive plans were entered upon; a stamp mill and engines purchased, ready to 53 be sMpped as soon as the mine was developed sufficiently to warrant the erection of the works. The vein was followed for nearly 200 feet, and some $30,000 were expended. The result was unsatisfactory and the mine was abandoned; the representations being entirely erroneous, to say the least, as far as the experiment progressed. Thus, it is easily seen that experiments in mines in Sonora are as unsatisfactory as in California ; and it is well to be cautioned in advance in regard to abandoned mines and properties that are found up- on the market. We could point out other instances with simi- results. The jmying mines, as a rule, are not for sa?e, though there are some exceptions, and no greater mistake can be made than to expect a rich mine in as old a mining state as Sonora, to be bought for a mere nominal sum. There are exceptions, but they are rare; a fair offer has to be made to purchase a valuable mine. Mining Districts of the State of Sonora, and Location and Description of Mines. The Alamos mining district is situated some 240 miles south-east from the port of Guaymas, on the direct road from that point to El Fuerte in Sinaloa, and on the road also from Arispe on the north to the same place, and from thence to Culiacan and Cosala and Mazatlan. This district is partic- ularly rich in silver leads. The principal mines are as fol^ lows: The most ancient and richest mine is the Quintera, several millions having been taken from it since its discov- ery, over 100 years ago. It is of immense depth, and has been abandoned, and is worked occasionally by gambucinos, and is mostly exhausted. There are many old mines of whose origin we can obtain no data, their origin being known only by tradition. Among the Promontorio mines in the small Ileal of Promontorio, iive miles north of Alamos, may be mentioned the Kuestra Senora cle Vabranora, which was owned and worked by the family of Almados for the last century. Don Jose M. Almado reached a deposit of black ores at a depth of 600 feet with surprising results. The present owners are an English company, who purchased the mine from Mr. Robinson of Guaymas. The ores are reduced at the works situated at Las Mercedes, about two miles east of Alamos. The Promontorio mines contain the best ores in the district. The Promontorio mine, from which the mines were named, especially has produced exceedingly rich and abundant ores. The Tirite mine, to the south of 54 and adjoining the Promontorio, is said to be still richer, but its vein is not so wide. It was formerly owned by James Brady of Guaymas, who reopened it by running a tunnel into the heart of the vein. The pillars in the old shaft and drifts were taken out some years ago by Pascual Gomez, and two of them yielded $80,000. The Dios Padre mine, adjoining the Promontorio on the north, was, prior to 1860, owned and worked by Fernando Aduana, son-in-law of Jose de Almaclo. In August, 1860, Mr. Andrew J. Wiley from California purchased the mine, and associated himself with Messrs. W. W. Light, D. Maddox, U. F. Moulton, Skiuke, Backus, Beard, Sanborn, Oatman, Robinson, and L. A. Gar- net. The mine was reopened by a shaft and yielded very profitably. The Quintera and Libertad mines are located north of the Dios Padre. The Pulpito, on the same lead, was discovered by a Mexican, who worked it secretly. In January, 1861, Mr. Benjamin Rouutree purchased the rights of both parties and associated with himself Messrs. W. W. Light, Johnson^ Price, Thos. Finley, Robert S. Stillwell, J. R. Hardenburg, and others, and the^'^ proceeded to open up the mine, but found it unprofitable and abandoned it. The ISTacharama mine is situated nine miles from Alamos, and is one of the most celebrated in the district, but it was abandoned on ac- count of the influx of water. In 1860 the mine was pur- chased by Messrs. W". T. Robinson, J. G. Baldwin, Thomas n. Williams, Wm. S, Long, Henry Fouche, and others. The mine had the reputation of being rich at the time of its purchase. The Vista ]^acacharama mine was purchased by Messrs. Robinson, Ira Uatman, Goggins, Bowman and White- side, and was called the Sacramento Company's mine. The Mina Grande, Europia, Iglesia, and Palomos are well spoken of by tradition. The first two were denounced by Michael Gray in January, 1860, and afterwards sold to John Heard. The Pietras Verdes, 15 miles north of Alamos, and Kar- vayez, in the Promontorio, are filled with water. There are three large haciendas for the reduction of metals in the city of Alamos, called La Aurora, 'La Ubalama, and Las Cabras. The district or Real of Minas !N"uevas is located about two leagues west of Alamos, and contains many rich mines, among them, San Josd Ubalama, which is situated six mile? ffom Alamos, and was owned by W, J. Hill and E. B. Johnson, who erected machinery at the mine to work it. Tradition spoke of it as exceedingly rich. The Uescubri- 55 doia, Rosario de Talpa, Sambono, and others, are located in this district. The Eosario de Talpa and the Sambono were once suc- cessfully worked by Mr. Robinson of Guaymas, and T. Rob- inson Bours, formerly of Stockton, but who now resides at Alamos. The San Jose mine is situated six miles from Alamos, in this district, and was owned by W. J. Ililland'E. B. Johnson, in 1861, who placed machinery at the mine to develop its riches, which tradition declared to be fabulous. There are many other mines in the vicinity, as we have only mentioned the principal ones, and the district is unquestion- ably one of the richest in Sonora. The mine called Balvaneda, situated in Promoutorio, for- merly belonged to Josd Maria Almado. It was formerly rich, and yielded -handsomely up to 1861, though the water flowing into it caused such trouble and expense that it was afterward abandoned. La Europita, in the Promontorio, was worked by Don Manuel Salido up to 1861, with good re- sults. Lead is found in the ores of the Promontorio mines, which may be used for smelting, although most of the ore is re- duced by mills. La Europita was once one of the richest mines of the district, and with Quintera, produced an im- mense amount of -silver. These two mines gave to Alamos its greatest celebrity. The former was worked up to 1861. Although Aduana is generally included in the district of Alamos, yet it possesses a group of mines that are distin- guished from the Promontorio mines. The A duaila is sit- uated about three miles west of Alamos. Li this district, which, with that of the Promontorio, comprises an area of eight leagues, with the face of a small mountain range in- cluded on the south, are located many old and new mines over the whole area, which Velasco pronounces, that "with- out exaggeration, there is not a hand's breadth of the soil which does not contain some vein of the precious metal." La Cotera and Santo Domingo, and l!ifacacharama and La Liber- tad in the Aduana, were all worked up to 1861. Calesaand Los Cangrejos are full of water. There are five haciendas in Aduaiia for the reduction of ore — one in Talajiossa called Zarragoitas, La Espinosa, and the old hacienda of Promontorio; also, two in Minas ISTuevas; making eleven in all. The district of Alamos contributes very Lirgely to the ex- port of silver from Sonora, part of which is exported from the port of Santa Cruz de Mayo, south of Alamos, on the 56 coast, distant about 100 miles, which is said to be one of the favorite points for smuggling bullion out of the state, while the larger proportion is carried to Guayraas. San Ildefonso de la Cieneguilla. This district is located in the western part of Sonora and north-west of Ilermosillo about 100 miles, and south-eas of Altar the same distance. Scarcely any region equals this in its number of veins of gold and silver. Its first mine, called Descubridora, was discovered four years after the first pla- cers, to which we have referred under the heading of " The Discovery of Gold." This mine yielded abundant quantities of silver ores, the yield of the poorest being five to seven and the best 12 to 15 marcs to the " bulto " of three cargas (900 lbs.). Its owner received from it, in less than four years, 12,000,000. Fifty small establishments for crushing ores were erected and in constant operation, from which large profits were realized. The vein was crossed, after the mine had been worked for five years, by a species of hard rock, called " caballo," which was again repeated. This discouraged its owner, and the pillars were removed, which yielded $500,000, and supports of strong timber exchanged for them; but the gambuciuos soon left the mine in ruins. Many other mines were discovered in the neighborhood, but none so rich or abundant in ores. Only one exceeded it in the quantity of its ores, viz: the Cerro Colorado, in the Cieneguita district, six leagues to the east of Cieneguilla, on the right of the road to the placers of San Francisco. From the appendix of the work entitled "Sonora," a translation of Francisco V^elasco's great work, by Mr. Wm. F. Nye, published in 1861, we quote the following interest- ing fact in relation to the Cerro Colorado mine. He says : " The Cerro Colorado mine is situated some eight or nine leagues from the city of Alamos, on the bank of the Mayo River, and derives its name from the reddish color of the mountain in which it is located. It was formerly owned by Castro and Don Manuel Salida, and afterwards by Dr. W. J. Hill, of Alamos, who sold one-half his interest some few months since for |12,000. Messrs. J. S. Garwood, E. D. Wheeler, Michael Gray, and others of San Francisco, were the fortunate purchasers. The last owner of this mine, Don Manuel Salida, took from it more than a million of dollars, and, at the time of his death, gavo orders to blow the mine up, which was accordingly canned into eftect by his peons. 67 The writer visited the mine in company with Dr. Hill; but, on account of its dilapidated condition, could not explore it. At a depth of 70 feet is a chamber 20 feet in diameter and 25 feet high, the walls of which, impregnated with virgin silver, glittered like diamonds by the light of a solitary can- dle. In working the mines of this district, it is not unusual to discover spots of exceeding richness, called by Mexicans ' bonanzas,' and from one of these, from two to three hun- dred thousand dollars are frequently extracted." Gold Mining Districts. The district of San Francisco is located seven leagues to the east of Ildefonso de la Cieneguilla, and was discovered Oct. 4th, 1803, by Teodoro Salazar, who was searching for a mine of which he had received notice. This mine proved extremely rich, the gold being scattered about on the sur- face in great abundance, especially in the ravines. The ravine called San Miguelena was the richest spot, and the grains were coarse, being about the size of a bean. Large lumps were occasionally found, one of which weighed 100 ounces, and another 28 marcs. In portions of this mineral region the gold was mixed with white quartz, which led to a ledge of very rich gold-bearing quartz. Here a mine was opened by Teodoro Salazar, and he occasionally struck ex- tensive pockets that were very rich. The mine was eventu- ally abandoned, and another found one league distant from San Francisco, not so rich as the former, but yielding very fine gold, of 22 and 23 carats fine. In the Sierra to the south, veins were found near the creek of San Bias, a small town near the northern border of Sinaloa. The water in the creek having failed, this mine was abandoned. The annual yield, on an average, of the mine of San Francisco, Velasco puts at from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Quitovac, San An- tonio, Sonoita, El Zone, La Basura, San Perfecto, Las Palo- mas, El Alamo, El Muerto, and Vado Seco, w^ere the gold mines discovered from 1833 to 1844. Since that time, many other mines have been found, bearing both gold and silver. The great drawback to the mines of San Francisco, which are so rich in gold, is the scarcity of water, which has been brought from the river Arituava, 21 miles distant, and com- manded fabulous prices. If the waters of the river were conducted to the placers, or artesian wells sunk and reser- voirs formed, the mines would yield immensely. The district of Mulatos is located to the north-east of 58 Alamos, and nearly due west of Jesus Maria in Chihuahua, upon the slope of the Sierra Madre towards the gulf, and is called the Mineral of San Jos^ de Mulatos, which was dis- covered in 1806. Two gold mines were here found, from which were taken several thousand marcs of gold, 24 carats fine. The region is located near the eastern border of the state, in tlie pass of Mulatos, about 70 leagues, or 210 miles, from Hermosillo. It is said that several millions were ex- tracted from these mines. The gold was first found in a small stream which descends to the. river below. Adjoining this ravine and near the placers, three elevated crests were discovered, one of them over one hundred varas in height, which were intersected in all directions by small threads or veins of gold-bearing white earth, or rotten quartz, that were so rich that the ore of inferior quality was sold at $12 and $15 per arroba (25 pounds), while the rcibest sold for $200. These crests have been extensively worked. The gold is nearly pure, the lowest ore being 23 quilates, while it some- times reached 3J grains. A number of Indians at first work- ed the vein by being suspended by ropes from the side of the rocks from the crests above and picking out the earth with wooden sticks and knives. The mines were abandoned some years ago, but have since been denounced by an Amer- ican company^ who are working them so profitably, we un- derstand, that they have lately refused $1,000,000 for them. The ores are reduced by an extensive stamp-mill, located on the Mulatos River, below the mine. This river has some- times been called the Aribechi aud Papigochi. The district of San Xavier is distant from the port of Guaymas in a north-east direction, and about the same dis- tance from Hermosillo, approachable from both points by an excellent wagon road. This is one of the oldest aud richest mineral districts of the state. There are many mines situ- ated within a radius of turee miles — namely, Los Bronces, owned by Don Alsua of Guaymas; Las Oruzecitas, Las Aguas, Senor, Las Cumbres, La Division, La Naguiila, La Barranca, Las Animas, La Sierra, and many others. Among the most important, Los Bronces may be mentioned, which is work- ed by Don Matias Alsua of Guaymas, who has erect- ed extensive reduction works, with stamps, barrels, fur- naces, etc. His ores are worked by the German or Frey- burg process, and the mine has yielded about $1,000 per day. Near this mine is located the La Bari^anca, in which a vein of coal was found nine feet in thickness. It is supposed to be anthracite, but this is denied by some experts, who 59 claim it is more of the nature of bituminous coal. "We ex- amined a piece of this same coal, and it appeared to Us to be Bimilar to the bituminous coal of Pennsylvania.^ About 200 yards above the Los Bronces mine is situated the Las Cruzecitas, which is owned by the Las Cruzecitas Mining Company. It has been extensively developed, and ten tons have been raised daily ; and when further devel- oped, will yield much greater quantities. The vein, which is particularly well defined, increases in width and richness as it descends ; and at a depth of 145 feet, the vein was nine feet wide. The ore of the pillars is very rich ; while that from the mine averaged over $150 per ton, all through. The "Petanque" has rich sulphnrets of silver, which are extracted from the lower excavations, and assay over $3,000 per ton. The Company have erected reduction works at the mines. La Naguilla is situated on the highest hill in this region, in sight of the main road; its ores were formerly abundant, and their "ley " in silver, ten marcs to the carga. It however filled with water, and although an attempt was made to work it out, it was abandoned upon reaching a " caballo." Las Animas is also one of the old mines, and is now choked with earth ; the " ley " of its ores was four or five marcs to four arrobas. Its vein was narrow, but con- tained an abundance of ferruginous ore, which, though re- jected by the miners in former times, yield three to four marcs of silver to the carga. The amalgamating ores are also abundant, and of about the same " ley.'' In Los Afur- nos, the vein is half a vara in breadth, and was profitably worked by Castillo. The mines of La Grande were equally rich with the others. The re-t of the ores of San Xavier are smelting ores, or reducible by fire, with some exceptions. Enormous quantities of silver v/ere remitted to the City of LJexico from this district, and prove it to have been very rJah. " The mine of Zubiate is situated eleven leagues (33 rules) south-east of Ilermosillo. It was discovered in the year 1813. Its first owners were not able to pay their ex- penses, and sold out to two persons called Monge and Muuoz, who derived a handsome profit from a mine hitherto worthless. Muuoz, having acquired sufficient wealth, sold his interest to Francisco Monte verde, who continued the op- eration, in company with Monge, until the death of the latter, who left a large fortune. Monteverde then became sole owner of the mine," and worked it up to the time of his death, leaving it to his sou, M. Monteverde, ex-Governor 60 of Sonora, who is now in this city. " Its average ley did not exceed five to six marcs to three cargas of 300 lbs. each, or about from $06 to $45 per ton; but occasionally ores are found which yield two to three marcs ($3.20 to each marc) per arroba of 25 lbs. each, or from $-i80 to $720 per ton. Water flows into it, and for some time the sole profits of the owner were derived from furnisliing supplies to his work- men." Governor Monteverde informs us, that since the publication of Francisco Velasco's work on Sonora, from which we quote the foregoing, that he has found the mine to become very profitable, and it now assays from $80 up to $1,000 per ton, having reached ores on a lower level that are very rich. This mine is for sale, and can be purchased of Governor Monteverde. He also informs us that $12,000,- 000 have been extracted from the mine since its discovery, or in a little over 67 years. San Antonio de la Huerta. This district is located about 15 miles from San Xavier, and contains La Minas Prietas, Musidora, and other valuable mines, both of gold and silver. The Minas Prietas was purchased of Mr. R. 1). Johnson, of Guaymas, by the Jau- nin Bros., of this city, and sold to a company in New York. The point of location on the maps of this mine is erroneous, and should be at the point marked Haygame, about 85 miles south-east of Hermosillo. A new 40-stamp mill is being erected for this mine. There was an old 10-stamp mill on it, which, with arastras, were used to reduce the ore. Cienegulta District. The following official report on the Mineral de la Ciene- gulta, of Robert L. D'Aumaille, official assayer of Sonora, is copied from the valuable work of Mr. Mowry, " on Sonora and Arizona"; our object being to give all the information available on the mines of Sonora, and also within the limits of the states of Chihuahua, Duraugo, and Sinaloa. On the mines of this district, his vsport reads as follows : " About 300 yards from the hacienda is the mine La Carjona, of trifling depth. The metal is plombiferous, vein one foot in wi6th, and assays $16 to the 100 pounds. The water from the rivulet adjoining, has filled the shaft, which is not deep. Two miles distant in same direction, lies the hill that con- tains the veins of La Chipiona, La Colorada, La Plomosa, 61 and another fallen in, whose very name has perished. The veins have been opened in many parts by the Spaniards, who content themselves almost invariably with sinking shafts for the extraction of the superior decomposed ores, abandoning the mine on reaching sulphurets, from ignorance of the proc- ess for the extraction of silver. In these sulphurets, and below the old galleries are situated the present workings. La Colorada, on the north side of the spur, is a portion of the Veta Madre (or main vein.) The workings are dry and firm; the galleries 50 feet in length and 45 in width. An- other shaft, 22 feet, is opened 80 feet farther down the mount- ain, where the ores are uncovered to the same width. The vein in the lower places is about 18 feet in width, in parts 30; running north and north-west, with an inclination to the south-east of about 15 degrees, an excellent course and dip in Mexican mines. The assay was $172 silver, per ton, and traces of gold. La Chipiona is also upon the Veta Madre; vein same direction and dip as La Colorada; shafts, two, 30 feet apart; depth 30 feet, and partly full of water. The vein is 20 to 36 inches; same depth, and quality of metal uniform. The ores are more difhcult of reduction, being bisulphurets of iron, with a compound sulphuret of silver, lead, iron, and copper; by the German process, assays 160 ounces per ton. The ores of La Colorada by same proc- ess, gave 212 to 320 ounces. There is not half the superficial excavations of the ancient mines, which have been cleaned out from this vein, and the falling in of the labores. The vein can be traced 250 yards, across the crest of the hill, up to the mouth of the La Colorada. Above the main vein is a cross-vein of 4 to 6 inches, cutting it nearly at right angles. The ore is said to yield 318 ounces of silver per ton. Nine hundred feet distant, in a straight line, in a spur of the same cerro, is the adit of La Plomosa; the upper workings being badly planned, have fallen in from the pressure of rubbish in the old drifts, and the miners have driven a level in the solid rock 150 feet farther down. The ores are ar- gentiferous galenas, with a matrix of stratified ' calishe,' and are said to yield 18 per cent, of lead, and 96 ounces sil- ver, per ton, up to 190 ounces. Both this vein and La Chi- piona run across the valley and strike the opposite mountain. Old mining shafts are seen all the way across at different points. These mines can all be drained by a tunnel, as the Chipiona debouches upon an abrupt descent, by many hun- dred feet. The walls are firm and vein regular, presenting every indication of permanence. A quarter of a mile south- 62 west of the Yerba Buena, are the mines of Los Tajos. The hill-side is covered with the buried workings of the ancients, and the superior position of the vein is in a very precarious condition. The vein i^ something like one-half a yard in width, with a heterogeneous medley of ores. It runs com- pletely through the mountain, as very considerable works are visible on the opposite side; but whether 'en metales,' or not is unknown. " The ores are said to yield 60 ounces per ton, but they are loaded with titaniferous and zinciferous metals. La Descomulgada is situated about a league west of south-west of the Yerba Buena. Its matrix is a very hard, silicious rock, which crumbles with great rapidity when exposed to air and moisture. The vein is said to be wide, and the su- perficial ores easily worked, costing $1.00 per 300 lbs., and to be easy of reduction. " La Yerba Buena is a modern mine, said to have been very rich. The mouths have fallen in a few hundred yards from the Yerba Buena, on the road to the Descomulgada. Nothing more is known concerning it. " Las Ostimuris, on the road to Yerba Buena, about half way from the Cieneguita, has two open mouths, and is full of water, the drifts running under the brook. Mr. Mouge says it was abandoned on the outbreak of the Opatas, and as the shafts were shallow, the vein wide, and the ores yield- ing 450 oz. per ton, he entered into a contract with a skill- ful miner and put up whims and machinery for drain- age. His partner died just as they were approaching com- pletion; the Apaches drove off their animals; and, being ig- norant of mining, he abandoned the mine. " La Prieta is on the rancho of Matarchi, about six miles east of Cieneguita. The vein is from four to six feet wide. The opening is merely a trial pit. The ores of the outcrop are a melange of different sulphurets, heavily charged with copper. " El Potrero, 24 miles distant, is said to be an immense 'clavo' of volcanic origin, and unknown extent, at the in- tersection of two veins. The ore is without alloy of silver, but contains much oxide of lead and spar. It forms an ex- cellent flux for the ores of La Prieta, and Los Tajos. The cost of carriage is the only expense. " La Yiruela, east half a mile from the site of La Armar- gosa, is a lofty hill, from which large quantities of gold have been extracted, but the whole hill has fallen in. " La Armagosa, and the rivulet which runs beneath El Re- 63 alito, are constantly searclied for gold. The water of the creek is not sufficiently abundant for machinery, and an ex- amination was made of La Armagosa, one-quarter mile east, where a stream was found that is permanent and may be conducted by a tunnel. It furnishes a considerable volume of water, with a natural fall of 100 feet within a space of 100 yards in its own valley. " Yerba Buena is three and a half miles south-east from the real, four and a half from La Chipiona, and four from Los Tajos. This district is located near Sahuaripa, about 50 miles south-east. The river is the Arroyo de los Ootimuris, which is permanent ten months, and sufficient to turn the wheels during the remainder of the year. Wood is abund- ant, and consists of oak, pine, juniper and ash. Pasturage, everywhere. Animals are said to fatten all the year round. Salt can be purchased at from $8 to $10 per carga of 300 lbs.; wheat, $6 per fanega. Freight from Guaymas,$80 to $90 per ton; from Sahuaripa, $3 per carga. Cattle are purchased from $10 to $15; hides, $1.00 each; mules and horses, dear; powder of the country, $7.00 per 25 lbs; flour, $7 per ar- roba." The ores are hard and require blasting, but, as seen before, are very rich. " The Real of the Cieneguita embraces the mines known as La Chipiona, La Colorada, La Cajona, La Prieta, and the vein of copper in Matarchi, La Descomulgada and Los Ta- jos, La Viruela, and El Realito, San Rafael, Ostimuris, Yer- ba Buena, and El Potrero. All of these mines are within a radius of three miles. " The principal vein appears to be that of La Chipiona. The origin of the real is- unknown. The general belief is that it is the long-lost Real of Tayopa, famous in the early Spanish annals. The ores of the Chipiona, Colorada, and others, are refractory, being mostly hard ores and sulphurets. The titles to the mines, except those of El Potrero or La Prieta, and the copper vein in Matarchi, are on the ranchos of La Yglesia, a fine grazing estate of eighteen square miles in extent, belonging to and in the occupancy of Don Jose Yrenco Monge. The title is said to be perfect and undis- puted, a Spanish grant of Carlos III. It is wooded and watered, and contains sufficient arable land. The rancho of Matarchi, which bounds it on the westward, is a beautiful pine forest, with some excellent cultivated laud, containing nine square miles, well watered, and is likewise a Spanish grant of the last century. It contains the veins of La Prieta and the outcrop of copper. 64 " The mines Los Tajos, La Descomulgada, and El Realito^ with four pertenencias, El Potrero, and La Viruella, are each the extent of La Chipiona's and La Colorada's possession, which was given by the Prefect of Sahuaripa on the 13th of September; is 1,800 feet in length; width, GOO feet on La Plomosa, and 1,350 feet in width, including all the present workings in the three mines. The sites called El Potrero, La Armagosa, La Cieneguita, and Yerba Buena, were de- nounced as "Haciendas de Benefico," or position for reduc- tion works. The Real of Cieneguita is situated in a pretty little dell, embosomed among lofty mountains, almost at the foot of the Sierra de San Ignacio, and partlj'^ embraced by the unbroken ranges of the great Sierra jiadre. These mines are now worked by a 30-stamp mill, and are produc- ing immense profits. "It is distant, perhaps, by tlie road, 42 miles south-east of Sahuaripa, nine miles south-east of Tarachi, and 72 miles west of Mulatos. The real contains about 20 acres of cultivated ground, and is supphed by a spring and perpetual brook, which traverses its center. The climate is mild. In winter^ the snow falls occasionally two feet, and ice forms two inches thick. The road leads from Sahuaripa through mountain passes. From Aribechi to the real it is all mountain, except the plain of Las Cazadores, in the rancho Aoyua Blanca, and the valley of the Rio de Ostimuris, from which the road runs from Santa ¥4 to Tarachi. A considerable portion of the real is covered by the foundations of houses and ruins of smelting works, or immense piles of scoriae and rubbish, proving incontestably to the practical eye the vast extent of the ancient mining operations." And another proof, we might add, of the former richness of these mines. We give this extended description, in order to show how an aban- doned mine looks to the traveler as well as the mining engineers, although these same mines have since been reopened and worked by a 30-stamp mill, as before stated. We are indebted to Mr. John A. Robinson, of this city, for the following : " Some fifteen miles north-east from the famous gold mine of Mulatos, lies a cluster of mines known as ' Mineral de la Cieneguita.' There are some fifteen mines in all ; the prin- cipal of them are the Chipiona, the^Colorada, and the Plo- mosa ; the two first being very rich in silver and gold, and the last in lead and silver. The country surrounding offers' every facility for mining and reduction works. An abund- ance of water, heavy forests of pine, hemlock, various species 65 of oak, juniper, etc. Building-stone and fire-clay in :he ioi' mediate vicinity, with pasturage for the animals. The mines are at present worked on a small scale by some Ger^ man gentlemen; but parties are now examining them with the view of establishing reduction works on an extensive scale by the lixiviation process. These mines are extreme- ly rich in ' ley,' and abundant in ores. Some sixty miles to the east of the above are situated those extremely rich copper mines called 'Huacarbo,' in the Barranca de Tarra- rique. Here also the facilities for working are great. The river Yaqui runs immediately at the foot of these im- mense lodes ; and the country is thickly covered by heavy timber. The Yaqui River, in places, runs over the copper- vein, leaving the ores in sight for a long distance. Both of the foregoing mining districts were fully explored by Robert L. D'Aumaille, a most famous mining expert, chemist and amalgamist, sent there by Don Juan A. Robinson, formerly United States Consul for Guaymas, Sonora, and at present residing in this city. D'Aumaille reports that the copper vein is intersected in different places, by narrow gold veins of a very rich 'ley.'" The district of Babicanora was discovered at the end of the last century, eight leagues south-east of Arispe and four from Sonoquipe, in the Sierra, running north and south. It was, at one time, very rich, and had a hacienda for the re- duction of ores below Sonoquipe, one mile from the bank of the creek. It was abandoned by its owners some years ago, until Mr. Hunter, an American, lately obtained possession of two of the mines. One is called JMendoza, which has a vein three feet wide, and assays $80 per ton in silver. The other is Santa Ana, and has a vein one vara in width, (33 inches) with an assay similar to the other. Mr. Hunter has erected a ten-stamp mill, and is now working the mines profitably. The hacienda of Gov. Pesquiera, called Las Delicias, is situated about 20 miles south-west from Arispe, and con- sists of about 30,000 acres of good land, about one-fifth of which is first-class agricultural land, and being in the neighborhood or west of the Sonora River, the soil is some- what of the same nature, and produces wheat, corn and other cereals, as other lands on the Sonora River. The bal- ance is good grazing land. The Santa Elena mine is located about four and a half miles from the hacienda, on a ridge of mountains, and is owned by Gov. Pesquiera who erected a teu-stamp mill at the hacienda. 5 6Q It is not in working order, and is fast goiug to pieces. The mine Las been mostly worked by arastras, and pro- duced, in one year, $200,000, but has never been j^roperly worked. The best ore assays $5 per ounce bullion, gold and silver. The shaft is about 200 feet in depth, with a varying vein, sometimes reaching 15 feet in width. The mine is dry, with walls of porphyry and quartzite. The Curcurpe district also contains many mines, among which may be mentioned the ancient mine of El Tajo, which is now full of water and in a ruinous condition, having been destroyed by the gambucinos. The Santa Teresa de Jesus mining district is located 69 miles south of the boundary line of the United States, on the northern frontier of the State of Sonora, and 30 miles from Magdalena; the latter being only about 140 miles from Tucson. We copy from a report of Mr. L. Jannin on tbe mines of this district, which has just been published, the following : " Leaving Cucurpe, and passing by the cultivated fields of its inhabitants, we find the road to the mines leading up the San Miguel River, sometimes emerging into an open plain. After fallowing the course of this river some twelve miles, and passing El Pintor and the deserted Pueblo de Dolores, the road leads us over table-lands and meadows, the former adorned with oak and ash trees, the latter covered with waving grass, until we reach a broad belt of thickly wooded land, where the San Miguel first makes its appearance in the dry season. From this point the river always contains running water. In the rainy season it rushes violently iilong, sometimes overflowing its banks, but in the dry season it floats along tamely, scarcely covering its bed. All the land between Cucurpe and this point is of the richest descrip- tion. It is unsurpassed in fertility by any portion of Sonora, and grain of all kinds can bo raised without the slightest trouble. In former times, the whole valley was populated, and the number of cultivated fields and the numerous herds of graz- ing cattle proclaimed the wealth of the inhabitants. But the continued incursions of the Apaches since 1832, by driving off the unresisting inhabitants and gathering the harvests they had planted, have -depopulated and ruined the •country. Deserted ranches are met along the road. "No one lives here. I^J^o one dares to plant grain, and, as it is ihere, so it is also throughout the northern part of the State. ILeaving the belt of wooded land that I have mentioned, the 67 road still takes us over meadows and table lands, up the valley of the San Miguel and toward its source, the Canon de Santa Teresa, a distance of 15 miles. Here, low ranges of hills, isolated peaks, and broken country, becoming more and more frequent, herald our approach to a mountain range, and soon we are in the canon, with steep hills on each side. The range of mountains in the foot-hills, in which are the mines of Santa Teresa, is known by the name of Sierra Azul, and its culminating peak is the Cerro Azul, which towers high above all the range, forming a most prominent object for a distance of over forty miles. The general course of the range is north and south, but spurs of the Cerro ex- tend in all directions. The country is mountainous in the extreme. There are no table-lands, no valleys, and no open space of any extent, nor are the ranges of foot-hills contin- uous, but are broken up by side ravines and canons, down which, in rainy seasons, the water finds its way to the vari- ous arroyos. These arroyos form the circuitous roads by which one point is reached from another. The position of the Mineral de Santa Teresa is correctly indicated by Col- onel de Fleury's late map of Sonora. From it can be seen the relative position of the Mineral to the neighboring pueblos, owing to the mountains around it. The only broad road leading to the mines is the one I have described. All others are, and can only be, foot-trails. The mines are upon three distinct veins, known as the Trinidad, San An- tonio, and the Santa Biviana. The openings on the Trini- dad and San Antonio are in the Real de Santa Teresa, while those on the Santa Biviana vein are in a neighboring real of the same name. The Real de Santa Teresa is approached by a canon of that name, and is situated some three miles from its outlet. The bed of this canon is a dry arroyo, and its sides are formed by a range of foot-hills rising up several hundred feet, and inclined towards the bed at an angle varying from 50 to 70 degrees. The arroyo varies in width from 50 to 300 yards, and forms the only road to the mines. In the rainy season, the water flowing down from the various ra- vines and from the Salto, (the source of the San Miguel) fills the arroyo and renders freighting in wagons difficult, but does not impede transit by mules and pack-trains. At the time of my visit it was perfectly dry, and generally re- mains so during nine months of the year. The Canon de Santa Teresa has a generally north-easteirly 63 direction, although subject to many turns. In the neighbor- hood of the mines, its direction is as indicated, and the vein pursues a nearly parallel course. The mountain mass of this Mineral — in fact, the whole range — is a hard, dark-blue limestone, distinctly stratified, and dipping to the east at an angle of 60 degrees. Its strike is nearly north and south. The course of the veins is contrary to the stratification of the limestone, which forms its walls; and they have all the appearance of being true fissure veins. The walls are gen- erally firm and enduring. The Trinidad vein crops out at various places on the northerly slope of the canon. Its general direction is north- east by south-west ; but it changes its course with the slope of the hills, and at places it is heaved by faults and cross- veins. The outcroppings can be traced at various heights above the head of the canon, until it reaches the opening called El Arroyo. Here the vein leaves the northerly slope of the canon, crossing over the arroyo in a diagonal direc- tion, and finally emerges on the opposite slope, still preserv- ing the same general direction. The San Antonio vein, on the other hand, is entirely on the southerly slope of the caiion. Its ge leral direction is north-east by north, but it also changes its course with the slopes of the hills. These two veins converge toward one another ; but although they have been followed for many aweary mile, their point of junction has not been discovered. The general appearance of the out- cropping is the same in the two veins, with some slight local difi:erences. It is a hard, compact quartz, sometimes thickly impregnated with peroxyd of manganese, and at others, m,erely colored by its presence. It is seldom found with a honey-comb structure. At places the veins outcrop boldly to the height of several feet, and at others, disappear be- neath the soil. The width of the vein does not remain con- stant ; but the general average may be put down at two-and- a-half to three feet. The San Antonio vein shows somewhat larger at the various openings than does the Trinidad ; but the ore in the latter is found more uniformly distributed. Wherever the veins outcrop, openings have been made. On the Trinidad vein there are six in number ; and on the San Antonio, there are seven. The different mines opened, are the El Loreto, that assayed, at a depth of cO feet, $70 to $80 per ton ; vein small at surface, broadens out to 2^ feet in the shaft; angle of inclinat on, 40 deg. north-west. La Cruz lies north-east of the Loreto ; depth of shaft, 30 feet ; assay, $70 to $90, in first opening ; second, depth 60 feet; 69 veiQ 2 to 2^ feet thick ; dips about 45 deg.; assay, same as former. La Falda assayed $118 per ton. The Trinidad is the principal mine ; shaft 150 feet deep, with some of the pillars extracted ; some left standing, that would as- say over $80 per ton, while the ore in the lower gallery assays $150. Water comes into ihe lower levels. The miners, in abandoning the property, have of course left no rich deposit in the mines ; but the evidences are that an abundance of rich ore must have been extracted. The Ar- royo miue was said to be very rich, and is 70 feet deep ; filled with water, but could be cleared for about $600. The San Francisco is 30 feet deep ; the ore sometimes occurs in large bunches and pockets (or " bonanzas") ; sometimes in small nodules, and sometimes disseminated throughout the mass in minute particles. The vein is never free from metal. The San Antonio vein has seven openings, viz., San Pedro, La Biirra, Consolacion, San Antonio, Corazon de Maria, Santa Gertrudis, and Las Animas. Of the first three lean say but little in their present state, as they all need clearing out. The Consolacion is in a better state of preservation than the other two, and a fair average ore can be taken from it. The San Antonio enjoys a great reputation; but at present it is in a dilapidated condition. The mine is filled with rubbish. Li the Corazon de Maria the miners left nothing rich in sight. Santa Gertrudis contains good ores, and will assay $200 to $500 per ton. The average value of all I saw at the mouth is $270 per ton. The others will average $80 per ton." By comparing the locations on the map of Col. Fleury on Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Durango, it will be ob- served that these mines, of which we have reproduced a con- densed description from Mr. Jannin's report, are located but a short distance, about forty miles, south-east of Santa Cruz, and in the neighborhood of the richest mineral and agricult- ural region of the state, outside of the rich lands of the Yaqui Kiver. La Alameda is situated in the Hacameri district, 21 miles west of the pueblo of jSTacameri. This mine was discovered in 1835, and was once extensively worked. The mines of this district are all of silver, with a very good "ley/' about $60 per ton. Batuco also possesses some mines. The Eio Chico district is in the south-western part of the state, 120 miles from Ilermosillo, near the Yaqui River, is one of the most ancient mineral regions of Sonora, and in the last century produced great quantities of gold and silver. 70 Placers of gold were also discovered here. The gambuci- iios are still working some of the mines. El Aguiija is an old mineral region of the last century. Its principal mines are Guillamena, Ubarbol, and La Grande. These mines are mostly abandoned, though worked by gambucinos. Suaque contains many mines of gold and silver, which are but little worked. La Trinidad is one of the oldest mineral regions of the State, situated at the base of the Sierra Madre, on a branch of the river Mayo. Its area is comprised almost en- tirely of mines, the principal ones of which are worked by Mr. Alsua of Guaymas, by a modern stamp-mill, who is tak- ing out in bullion, monthly, about $100,000. This district is reached by a road from Sahuaripa through Babicanora, south, on the Bapepito River, a branch of the Yaqui ; thence to Conichi, Ouava, Rio Chico, Kury ; thence north-east to Canija, San ISTicolas, Santa Rosa, and Trinidad. The district of Bacuachi is in the northern part of the State, as well as the copper mines of La Cananea. The gold found in this district is coarse, and pieces were found weigh- ing 25 marcs. In fact, the. whole of this region is covered with veins of gold and silver, and are as yet undeveloped. We have called especial attention to this district in another place. Among the old mines, we may mention the Cajon, six leagues from the San Francisco placers and twelve from Cieneguilla, and those of the hacienda of Santa Rosa, near Cajon, which yielded great quantities of silver from 1798 to 1802. The average proportion of the ley of the best or picked ores was six, eigl t and twelve marcs to the arroba; of the i30orer or second class, two to four marcs. There was a scarcity of ore in the Santa Rosa mines, on ac- count of the hardness and narrowness of the veins. In the mines of San Francisco, water is scarce to the extreme, and could not be obtained nearer than 21 miles, and sold in the dry season at $1 per barrel. The timber, also, in the vi- cinity, is unlit for building. These mines are very rich, but the expense is too great to work them profitably. The mines of Vado Seco, to the north of San Iguacio Puel^lo, on the road to Tucson, are re- ported to be rich, as well as the famous placer of Sobia, on the main road to the city of Alamos, half way from Bar- royaca. The Cajon district contains a group of some three or four mines, and are all owned by a JSFew York company. The nephew of General Magruder is the superintendent, and 71 OWDS one-half interest in the mines. The mine contains gold and silver-bearing quartz, which assays, on an average, about $65 to $70 per ton. The deepest shaft is only down about 125 feet. Rich spots are occasionally found in the vein, but after they get down a certain distance, the veins commence to pinch out. Some of the veins have entirely disappeared. The mine has, however, paid well, as they have taken out already enough ore to pay for the claim, mills and expenses, and have now on the dump, in sight, about $50,000 worth of ore. The mill has ten stamps, and is not quite completed, but will shortly commence to reduce the ore. The Las Cedras, belonging to Don Santo Terminal, is sit- uated in the district of Barroyaca, near the small town of Teropaco, 135 miles from Guaymas, in the direction of Alamos, south-east. This is a very rich mine, and has been extensively worked. It is surrounded by rich, arable lands, and a permanent stream of water flows in the vicinity of the mine. Negotiations are being made to purchase it. During the years 1863 and 1864, many new mines were opened, among which were Las Cruzecitas, Corral Viejo and El Refugio, the latter on the border of Chihuahua, and the mines of La Cananea. On the Cerro Prieto, between the ranchos de la Palma and La Casa Pintada, is an old mine, called Tarasca, almost forgotten. Tradition places it very rich, although it has not been worked for over a century. In this same neighbor- hood are many old mines, and vestiges of buildings may yet be seen on their antiquated sites. In the district of San Jose de Gracias, a celebrated mine was worked in 1809-1810, by Juan Jose Carumina,who expended all his capital in bailing out the water from the old shaft, and in two or three hours, after clearing it of water, he took out a lump of ore weighing 75 pounds, which yielded 112 ounces of pure silver. The water began to gain on him again, so that in his eftbrt to keep it down, he broke his bailing apparatus, and aving contracted some debts, he could not return to his bor ; the mine refilled in six or seven hours, and he abai ined the enterprise. A company afte]:wards under- took ) clear the mine, but after expending a considerable sum, abandoned the mine on account of an accident to one of the workmen," says Velasco. This seems incredible ; but for the fact that the mines are mostly worked by Yaqui Indians, who are very superstitious, and believe that devils inhabit the mines, says Ruxton, in his " Adventures in Mexi- co." The accident to one of their number would prevent 72 others from working in a haunted mine, or one inhabited by evil spirits, in their imagination. Velasco further says : " Some of the old inhabitants of San Jos^ de Gracia, in speaking of this mine, testify that the vein in many places was of virgin silver ; and that in others the ore yielded fifty per cent, of pure silver ; also, that there was a stratum of red earth that yielded great quantities of gold, they having frequently witnessed the extraction of two or three hundred marcs on one single occasion. The depth of this mine ex- ceeds one hundred varas. " Taking into account the unreli- ability of traditions, and the extravagance of some Mexi- cans, still there may be some truth in the tradition, as the famous mines of Batopilas, in Chihuahua, and others, have produced like results. If the mine is still in the condition that Carumina found it, a steam pump would soon reveal its hidden treasures. The mines of La Cananea, 80 years ago or more, were worked on a large scale with great energy, by the house of Guea, of Chihuahua. We undersrand that these mines, or the principal ones, are owned and worked by Gov. Pesquiera, of Sonora, and are now bonded by him to Eastern par- ties. Nevertheless, we give a description of the district from the pen of the celebrated chemist, Robert L. D'Au- maille, mining engineer and official assay er for the State of Sonora. General Pesquiera has worked five mines in this district, viz: El Ronquillo, La Chivatera, San Rafael, (or La Plomosa) La Terdilla, and La Cobre Grande. The report was written by M. D'Aumaille in i860, and is as follows: " La Cananea is situated about 36 miles south-west of the Presidio of Santa Cruz, about 54 miles south-east of San Pedro, probably 35 miles southerly from Fort Buchanan, and not far from the American line. The mines worked are seven in number, of which th^ principal are El Ronquillo, La Chivatera, San Rafael, Santo Domingo, La Minade Cobre Pobre, and La Mina de Plomo de Arvallo. In addition to these mines are La Mariquilla, (of white copper) El Tajo, (the ancient mine), and others — ui fact, the whole region is strongly mineralized and of the most prepossessing ex- terior. The hacienda de Beneficioy ."Perez y Arvallo is on theEl Ritto, a permanent stream at the foot of the mount- ains, about a mile and a half from the mines. The groiter portion of the road is excellent, and the i emai/ider can be readily made so. The hacienda is a mass of ruins, over- grown with rank vegetation. The machinery was destroyed 73 by natives carrying away the iron available. The situation is pleasant, on the border of a vast plain covered with wild mustangs or horses, and which stretches away to San Pedro, and contains much arable, with any quantity of grazing land, and lies immediately around the site. Half a mile or soup the valley brings us to the mine of El Ronquillo, called also from its refractory ores. La Maletiosa, with its ancient ha- cienda. This mine was the property of Arvallo, but the miners were driven off by the Apaches. El Rouquillo has a thickness of from three and a half to four feet of very good ore, worked to a depth of 80 feet. It has several shafts full of water to the brim, which comes from copious springs in the lower workings, and a ravine which passes across the vein, and from its situation upon the gentle slope of a hill which gradually merges into the plain beneath, it cannot be drained by a tunnel, but recourse must be had to steam machinery. The ore of this mine assayed from $30 to $80 per ton. Passing through the ravine, copper croppings are seen. One-quarter of a mile further, is located the mine of La Chivatera, situated on a steep declivity, admirably adapted to tunnel drainage, and is half full of water. It bears every external evidence of being a powerful vein, but we are told that it is really an irregular deposit. Three hundred yards higher up lies a great open cellar, for I can compare it to nothing else, with a small pile of refuse lying at one side. This is the mine of Tajo, of San Rafael. Judging from the small amount of earth visible, and the statement of the old administrador, it is nearly a solid mass of ore. You have ore on all sides in the level, so that it is impossible to tell where the vein is. This ore is ductile and most easily reducible. It flows like water in the furnace. The supply is apparently inexhaustible. .Further up the glen is the Miua de Plomo de Arvallo, of the same character as San Rafael, The ores of these mines appear to consist princi- pally of oxide and sulphate of lead; although vast masses of galena are found, and are so soft that a single barretero can throw down many tons a day, while the cost of extrac- tion is nothing. The shafts appear of trivial dimensions, yet they have been worked from time immemorial, and the litharge or jugos, from San Rafael, have supplied all north- ern Sonora with that necessary article ; and they have even formed an article of export to Jesus Maria, and other great mining districts of Central Chihuahua. The ore of the Cobre Pobre Mine in the vicinity is boundless in extent, but 74 of inferior quality, "^ear this point is also located the great vein of La Mariquilla. "We have been assured that it was in the sierra of La Mariquilla, twelve miles to the north. This mine, from its alleged dimensions, and the richness of its ores, has great interest attiched to it, as the cause of its abandonment was the fact of its producing white copper, something like the " paktong" of China, or the white cop- per of Heidelburghauseii, the prototype of German silver. But the accounts of this mine are so obscure, conflicting and contradictory, that nothing can be made of it, but actual discovery of the mine. Some have denied the existence of this mine or vein, and others claim to have smelted it, who pronounced it an alloy of copper and silver. El Tajo, the most ancient mine, is a huge rent in the earth like the Pamys mine in Iglesia, but the ores changed at the depth of 30 feet, suddenly, into pyrites. It is probable from analogy that these pyrites are argentiferous. Immense masses of black rock were abandoned by the ancient miners 1^ the walls, under the supposition, probably, that they were black slate, which were subsequently assayed and proved to be a semi-stratified silicate of the dinoxide of copper. Other mines of argentiferous galena, varying from 12 to 320 ounces per ton, are alleged to exist near the Ojo do Agua de Arvalla. Besides the oak, there are vast and most accessible forests of chamunque, a species of pitch pine of great strength and durability, excellently adapted for ma- chinery and building materials. The mines are accessible by a good wagon road via Santa Cruz from Fort Buchanan, Tubac, La Piedra Parade, and Guaymas, and are surrounded by the great depopulated ha- ciendas of San Bernardino, El Ojo de Agua de Arvalla, an- other Ojo de Agua, Cuitahaca, El Agua Escondida, Las Animas, and Banaraichi. Another road, called a wagon road, but poorly deserving the name, passes by Eacuachi, Arispe, Ures, and Hermosillo, to Guaymas. Its position is romantic and delightful. Pas- tures exist green ii Bacuachi all the year round, and of the most nutritious quality. Cultivable land of considerable extent is found in the same hacienda, which is the natural feeder of the real. The mines themselves are said, by Felipe Perez, to be on public land, a narrow strip or sobrante between two ranchos. All the necessaries of a great estab- lishment — building material and fluxes — abound in excess. Building stone, granite, fine marble, tepustete, arenillas, 75 jugos and syndas are plentiful; and, during the search for the lost mines of Las Lamas, Espiritu Santo, on the road to Banamichi, a vast deposit of most refractoiy furnace sand- stone was found, the first seen in Sonora. The water is good and the locahty healthful, and in proximity to the American military stations of Fort Buchananand Arritoypa," and the Southern Pacific K. R., which passes within about 150 miles of the district. " Ange Robert L. D. Amuaille, Ensayador Oficial de Estado de Sonora, 29 de Mayo de 1860." La Basura is the first mining region discovered in the country of the Papajos, and is situated twenty-four miles north-west of Caborca. Its veins nre numerous, especially those of gold ; but although they are of marvelous richness, this lasts but a short time, as the deposits extend but a short distance below the surface, San Perfecto was the second dis- covery made in the Papajo country. Qnitovac was the third discovery, about seventy miles north-west from Ca- borca, and the same distance from the town of Guadalupe or Altar. The placers were first worked, they being very abundant in gold, which lay in grains on the surface, as at San Francisco and Cieneguilla, Afterwards many mines were opened to the depth of ten or fifteen varas, (about 33 inches to each vara) some of which yielded from four to eight ounces of gold to the bowl (or '' batea "); others not more than a few cents. Occasionally pockets were found of large extent that yielded marvelously. Nuggets of large size were also found ; one weighed twenty-one marcs, (each marc weighing 4,608 grains). A large piece of gold-bearing quartz was extracted from a ledge, that was nearly all gold, and weighed over thirty marcs. San Antonio, another placer, about ten miles west of Quitovac, was discovered a few days after the latter, and was exceedingly rich at the surface". The discovery of these placers was owing to Father Faustino Gonzalez, who prevailed upon the Papajo Indians to reveal their locality, in 1835. Gonzalez made a large fortune, and he was soon surrounded by whites and Indians in great numbers. The placer continued rich for several years, and was worked until 1841, when the Papajos rose, and expelled the whites. After quiet was restored, a few persons returned to Qui- tovac and worked some mines discovered after the placers, in the neighborhood of an abundant spring, capable of sup- plying a population of 30,000 or 40,000 inhabitants. 76 In the Sonoica Valley, which is situated about 86 miles north of Quitovac, on the road to Lower California, the gold discovered was very fine and light. Alamo Muerto, about 48 miles west of Caborca, contains gold and silver mines and placers. It was discovered in the same year as Quitovac, and although its ores yield a fair proportion of silver, the scarcity of quicksilver prevented their being worked to any great extent. There were, how- ever, ten mines in operation at the time of the rising of the Papajos, all of which were abandoned. Las Palomas, six miles to the south of Alamo Muerto, were rich placers of gold, similar to those of Quitovaca. It was also abandoned for the same reason, and is now frequent- ed by a few gambueinos, (poor miners) who are satisfied with enough to provide them with food. El Zone was discovered in 1844, and contains numerous gold mines, some of them quite rich at the surface. From one of them was taken a mass of quartz of 25 pounds weight, yielding 50 per cent, of pure gold. A mine is lo- cated here called Ris Suena; eight or ten shafts are down about 300 feet. Ores are shipped to Aribaca, about 120 miles on the road to Tucson; paj^s about $200 per ton. Cajitos is situated about 24 miles north-west from Caborca, and about 70 miles from port La Libertad, inland, north-east from the Gulf of California. The mines located here are in a low range of mountains or foot-hills. The mines were discovered shortly after the other mines in the vicinity, and have been worked in a superficial manner since 1842. Li 1868, the hostile Indians drove the miners off, and the mines were abandoned until 1877, when small bodies of armed men returned and worked in the old drifts and inclines for a few weeks, then packed the ore on their mules, and slipped away quietly to Basura, about ten miles east, where reduction works were established. The richest spots were thus only mined until 1879, when the mines were again worked by the primitive arastra. The shafts are sunk on an incline following the course of the ore vein. Instead of using the windlass, the ore is packed on the backs of miners in raw-hide sacks, up ladders made by binding cleats of wood upon an upright pole, with raw-hide thongs. The ore is worked by an iron bar called "barreton," about six feet in length, which is used to throw it down, using it as a hand-drill and lever. One end is shaped like a drill, and the other is hammered flat and sharp like the larger end of a pick. The ore is broken into small pieces and thus trans- 77 ported to the surface, to the arastras. For shovels, the horns of cattle are steeped in water and flattened out, and attached to pieces of wood with raw-hide thongs. In this manner,. these mines have been worked for the last 35 years, an I about four millions have been extracted from the four mines in the vicinity. The present depth of the shafts is as follows : The Tajilos, 275 feet; Puerte- citos, from 90 to 100 feet; Gahlea, 80 to 90 feet; Oro Blau-. CO, 180 feet; Santa Rosalia, 200 feet; with two levels and stations. " The gold has only been extracted, although a large per- centage of silver is found in the ore, which has been al- lowed to waste, owing to the lack of materials to save it. Mr. C. E. Hoffman, mining engineer of this city, although his residence is in San Jose, some months since was sent to Tucson to examine some mines in Arizona, und while there,, met a Mexican, who showed him some of the ore from, these mines, which, on being assayed, was found to be very rich. He accompanied the Mexican to the mines, was sat- isfied with their richness, and purchased the four mines, and thirteen others in the vicinity in the Juarez and Cajitos mining district, for himself and some gentlemen in this city, who subsequently organized the Caborca Mining Co. He re- turned again last April, and has been superintending their development, building reservoirs, and preparing a site for a 20-stamp mill. The water is abundant in the vicinity, \vhich is caught in reservoirs, and the one now constructed has sufficient water to supply a 20-stamp mill for eighteen months. " In this district the rancheros irrigate their lands by reser- voirs; though grain, if sown in season, and grass, thrive very well without. Mr. Hoffman has in his employ about sixty Yaquis. These Indians perform almost all the labor of Sonora, and are employed at from 50 cents to y explorations and examinations on the side of a mountain. " In some places, the vein is within about from one to four feet from the surface. This vein can be traced for about 1,000 feet horizontally, and about 500 feet above the base of the mountain, and extending toward the summit of the 99 mountaiD. One extensive tunnel has been run on this vein, following its dip. l!To explorations have been nude above the point above mentioned; but indications show that this vein has a much larger area. The incline of the vein is 20 degrees S. S. E., the dip east by north-east. At a dis- tance'of 22 feet below the point of location of the above- mentioned vein is another vein of about seven feet in thickness. This vein is reached by a shaft on the opposite side of the creek, on the side of the mountain opposite. On the side of the mountain, several excavations have deter- mined the thickness of the vein. At the foot of this mount- ain is a canon about 100 yards wide, on the opposite side of which rises a high and rugged mountain. This canon is about six miles long, commencing at the Taramari mine and ending near the l^aqui River. The coal veins are about one-half the distance between these points, or about two and one-half miles from the Yaqui River bottoms. "The bed of this canon can be made into a good wagon road with little work, from the coal veins to the river. Water is found in the canon at a depth of eight feet. In many places in this canon, slate and many indications of coal are found. The geological formation of the vicinity and the character of the coal is as follows: The mountain ranges in the immediate vicinity of the coal are very rugged, with steep sides, covered with trees, cactus plants, and other trop- ical vegetation. The average elevation of the range of mountains is about 3,000 feet above the sea level. " The range of mountains is continuous for over 100 miles running north, and about twenty south, of the location of the coal beds. They form the mountains bordering on both sides of the valley of the Yaqui River. Placers of gold that have yielded very richly, are located near the valley of the Yaqui, one man having in a single season extracted $30,000 from this same canon where the coal beds are located. The Yaqui River is about three-and-a-half miles from the present workings of the mine; and the coal mine is very easy of access by a road to be constructed through the canon, up a gentle incline. At present there is no road for wagons. Horses and mules are therefore used to reach the mines. With very little work a wagon-road could be constructed, or even a railroad, direct to the river's bank. For a distance of about ninety miles from the mouth, the Yaqui River is navigable for barges or flat boats; and at this point rocks and rapids impede a further passage, except for small boats, which are carried around the rapids by "carriers," at the 100 mouth of the canon opposite the coal fields. The river at this point is about 200 feet wide and four feet deep, during the dry season; but during the rainy season a considerable increase in the volume of water takes place. Engineers state that the river can be made navigable for barges from the point opposite the cauon before mentioned, to the mouth of the river, a distance, by following the course of the river, of about 120 miles. The Yaqui River lands, for a distance of 100 miles above its moath, are noted for the richness of the soil, and the large crops, " as before mentioned." "A rail- road can easily be built from the mine to the river, and fol- lowing near the difierent windings of the river north, to enter the United States near Tombstone, where a market can be found for a large quantity of coal for milling purposes, and also for smelting furnaces, used to smelt the rich argent- iferous and galena ores that abound in that region; and also through northern and middle Sonora, where hundreds of mines containing smelting-ore require a coal suitable for smelting purposes; or south, through the rich valley of the Yaqui River bottom, where millions of acres of the finest land in the world are awaiting the emigrant to cultivate its soil; and on to the port of Guaymas, where a market can be found for a large amount of coal for steamers that regularly ply from San Francisco and that port, and for vessels of war of England, United States, and other nations, that regularly touch at Guaymas. " From Guaymas, barges can ply between that port and Mazatlan, or Cape St. Lucas, in Lower California, where a depot of coal could readily find a sale in supplying ocean steamers that ply between China, Japan, Australia, Pa- nama and San Francisco, with a prospect in the near future of supplying coal to the fleets of steamers that will ply through the Isthmus of Panama Canal. Barges could also take the coal direct from the Yaqui, up the gulf, to the Col- orado River, to Yuma; there supplying the steamers on that river, the several railroads that pass over this river, and the mills on and near this river, where steamers now go up a distance of about 200 miles from Yuma. Vessels could also transport this coal direct from the Yaqui to San Fran- cisco, where a ready demand for anthracite coal will result, in large sales, as at present all anthracite coal used in San Francisco comes from Pennsylvania." (Extract from the report of Charles A. McQuesten, of this city, on the Santa Clara coal fields of Sonora.) We might add that the Mexican Congress has lately approved of the concession to 101 Mr. Robert R. Symon for the construction of a railroad from the above coal, fields to El Morrito, on the Bay of Guay- mas. Thus it will be seen that this coal will soon be on the market. Quicksilver, Graphite, Marble, Copper, Lead, Coal, Iron, Etc. The ores of the mines of Santa Teresa and Santa Ana contain quicksilver, and tradition says that the mineral re- gion of Rio Cliico also produces this metal. In San Jose' de la Pimas there is a small hill entirely com- posed of graphite or black lead. In San Javier is a vein of a dark color on the face of a hill, from which is extracted a compact substance which, when dissolved in water, produces a fine ink, which is sim- ilar to India ink, from China. In Oposura, there is a hill composed of excellent marble, of which the altars and churches of Sonora are built. At Ures, there is also another marble quarry. The celebrated hill of "La Campana," in the city of Her- mosillo, is composed entirely of marble as white as that of Italy, and it is used, in some instances, to pave the streets. Alabaster and jasper are found also at Oposura and Ures. Copper is found in the mduntain range of La Cananea, north of Arispe. Aduaiia, (an old region of gold mines) Tonuco, 36 miles west of Ilermosillo, and Bacuachi and La Cobriza, west of Ilorcasitas, all contain copper ores. Lead abounds in Cieueguilla and Arispe, Batuco, San Jos6 de Gracia, Aduana, and Promontorio. Agua Caliente and Alamo Muerto contain lead, although it is found in the greatest quantities at Cieueguilla and Arispe. Coal is found near Los Bronces and La Baranca, be- fore mentioned, where a vein of from seven to nine feet is found. Ii'on is found in abundance in the southern part of Ari- zona, in the range of mountains called Madera, and in the northern part of Sonora, and at Mogollou. In the neighborhood of Cucurpe there is a vein of in- combustible crystal. SINALOA. CHAPTER I. General Description. From the river Mayo to Alamos, in Sonora, the country is an extension of rolling hills, and from thence down to the coast and the valley of the river Fuerte, bordering Sinaloa. Here the " tierra caliente " plain is encountered that ex- tends all the way down the coast, through the whole length of the State of Sinaloa. The town of Fuerte is located on the river Fuerte, about 80 miles from the mouth. The river is navigable for flat-boats up to this point. An exten- sive valley below Alamos extends almost due south, between the mountains on the east and the low range of hills on the west, until it opens into the valley of the Fuerte and the plains located south. The Fuerte -River is about 200 miles long, and rises north-east in the Sierra Madre, and flows south-west into the Gulf of California. The next river en- countered is the Sinaloa, which rises in the neighborhood of the south-western part of Chihuahua, and flows in a south- westerly course, describing a section of a circle through placers of gold situated east of the town of irdnaloa, about 25 miles. Here the river winds in a curve to the east and again to the west, within a space of about eight miles, then continues its course, passing the town of Sinaloa, situ- ated on its banks, and flows south-west into the gulf. A small peninsula completely hides its mouth from the open waters of the gulf. Another peninsula juts out in an oppo- site direction, forming a very good harbor for small vessels. The river is about 180 miles in lengtb. The Mocorito Ar- royo or creek is next crossed, and another small stream, until the river of Culiacau is reached, which i-ises in the western part of Durango, near Tamasula, and flows south- west into the gulf, the mouth of which is also hidden behind an island, forming a very good roadstead, called the 102 103 Puerto de Altata. The city of Culiacan is located on the banks of this river, opposite the point where the Eio de Hamaya empties into the Culiacan River. This river is about 150 miles long, and on each side of it sp.urs of the Sierra Madre jut out into the plain within about 30 miles of the coast; the valley of Culiacan being at this point 15 miles wide. The Rio de San Lorenzo is next reached, that flows south-west direct into the gulf. The great mining dis- trict of Cosala lies south-east of this river, near its source; the town of Cosala being about 10 miles south from its banks. This river runs through a valley of narrow width, the whole distance, until it reaches the plains beyond. A valley branches from the valley of San Lorenzo up to Cosala, with a gentle incline, when it again commences to slope on the other side down a valley or canon to the Elota River. This river also rises in the western part of Durango, and flows south-west into the gulf. This river is about 110 miles long, and has numerous branches. In the neighbor- hood of its branches, in its canons and ravines, and on the slopes of the mountains adjacent, are' some of the most cele- brated mines of gold and silver in the state. The Rio de Piastla also rises in Durango, in its western part, near the celebrated mines of San Dimas, and flows south-west, pass- ing San Ignacio, and empties into the gulf. The valley of Piastla is also very narrow; but some exceedingly fertile lands are found in its bottoms, as in many other portions of the state. Another small arroyo is reached, and we enter into the thickly-settled region adjacent to the city of Mazatlan. The port of Mazatlan is located on the coast, about half-way be- tween the mouth of the arroyo last mentioned and the river of Mazatlan. This river also rises in the canons of Durango, about 20 miles across the border line of the state of Sina- loa, and beyond the mines of Ventanas, and flows south-west abont 50 miles, and then takes a course almost due south, and empties into the gulf, or rather Pacific Ocean; the moniii of the Gulf of California being now reached. The poiiiu where the river discharges itself into the sQa is about 15 miles below Mazatlan City. The Rosario River also rises acroGo the border line of the state, in Durango, and flows south-west, into the ocean, passing El Rosario, in the neigh- borhood of which are located some very rich mines. Above the mouth of this river, and lying in from the coast, is located the lagoon or lake of El Caimanero, which is about 12 miles long, and about 4 miles in width at its widest point. 104 The Rio de las Canas, at the southern border of the State, separating Sinaloa from Jalisco, flows in the same direction as the E-osario River, and empties into the bay or lagoon of Boca de Tecopan, a narrow inlet of the sea which winds into the plain about live miles, and then spreads north in a narrow body of water about ten miles, and south about thirty-five miles, into an extensive body of water in the southern part. It is said it may be made one of the finest harbors in the world, and would contain all the fleets of the globe. With such a harbor as this at Mazatlan the most power- ful city of the Pacific Coast would spring up upon its shores. This harbor is located about fifty miles below Mazatlan. The Tierra Caliente plain, before referred to, is about 300 miles long, and intersected by the rivers and streams before mentioned; and at its widest part is about forty miles in width, with extensive valleys branching up the banks of the rivers, some of which are 100 miles in length — the valley of the Fuerte being the largest. The foot-hills of the mount- ains are covered with timber, such as cedar, and the varie- ties of oak. The State of Sinaloa extends over an area of nearly 3,600 square miles, and has a population of about 200,000. The surface of the plains of the coast is low and somewhat sandy, though the soil is very fertile. Its pro- ductions are similar to Sonora, though to a less extent. Dye-woods abound on the coast and toward the Sierra Madre, and on the eastern frontier there abound extensive forests of pine and cedar covering the mountain sides adjacent to the streams. The rivers flowing into the gulf are used to irrigate adjacent land during the dry season. The state is divided into nine districts, viz., Mazatlan, Rosario, Concor- dia, Cosala, San Ignacio, Mocorito, Fuerte, Sinaloa, and Culiacan. The state is bounded on the north and north- west by Sonora; and north and north-east by Chihuahua; and east by Durango; and south-east by Jalisco; on the south-west by the mouth of the Gulf of California. The north and north-eastern portion is very mountainous, while it is more level on the coast, which is drained, as well as the mountain^ adjacent in the north-east, by the rivers before named. The interior contains mines of considerable extent, some of which are very rich, to which we will give some at- tention hereafter. The interior valleys are very fertile, espe- cially the valley of Piastla, on the Piastla River, and the valley of Rosario, about twenty miles south-east of Mazatlan. There are about 100 towns in the state, and out of the latter, Mazatlan, Culiacan, Cosala, Rosario, Fuerte, and Sinaloa, are 105 the most prominent. The first town reached of any import- ance is the town of El Fuerte. The situation of the town is charming, being on the south bank of the Fuerte River. This river is about a quarter of a mile wide, and passes along the foot of a plateau that is elevated about 90 feet above its bed. There is a fair view both up and down the river, from this plateau.* The town of Fuerte has about 1,000 inhabitants, and should be the principal inland town of the State. There is no commerce at Fuerte, from the fact that its advantageous natural position is no protection from the competition of Alamos on the north and Mazatlan on the south. The valley in which the town is located is one that might be one of the most fertile in the State and can be easily irrigated from the river, and will raise corn, wheat, sugar-cane, cotton, and the various cereals, but the inhab- itants prefer to use this magnificent valley for grazing pur- poses, and raise chiefly stock. The mules raised here have the reputation of being the best in the State. The road from Fuerte is of the same character to Mazatlan, passing through Mocorita and Sinaloa. The principal family at Fuerte are the descendants of A. Ybarra. Ward, in his celebrated work on " Mexico," says of Fuerte: " The situation is not particularly favorable, as, notwith- standing the vicinity of the river, the country about the town is unproductive, and the heat in summer intolerable. "The Tierra Caliente of Sinaloa extends from El Fuerte, or rather from Alamos, to the confines of Guadalajara (Jalisco). It is one vast, sandy plain, destitute of vegeta- tion, except in the rainy season, or in spots where the vi- cinity of the mountains or the confluence of two large streams insure a constant supply of water. "•This is the case at Culiacan, the most ancient and popu- lous town in Sinaloa, situated upon a river of the same name, 80 leagues south of El Fuerte. It contains 11,000 inhab- itants, and the country about it is well watered and highly productive." Of Cosala, he says: "Cosala, 35 leagues south of Culi- acan, is the next town of any note on the road to Jalisco. It derives its importance entirely from its mines, one of which, called Nuestra Senora do Guadalupe, is very celebrated. Gua- dalupe is free from water, and situated at a considerable ele- vation above theplam. It contains a vein of gold of consid- 106 erable breadth, aud its produce might be increased to teu times its present amouDt, etc." From Cosala to the capital or City of Mexico, or the Cen- tral States of the Republic, there are two routes, the one by Rosario, the Caiias and Guadalajara, which is impassable during the rainy season, and the other due east from Cosala across the Sierra Madre to Durango, The distance from Alamos to Fuerte is 35 miles. This place was originally a military station, but the military are now removed to Mazatlan. The town of Sinaloa is located on the river of the same name, and has about 1,500 to 2,000 inhabitants. The prin- cipal business of this place is in the production of Indian cjrn, pork, and lard, which is exported. The principal busi- ness men are Francisco T. Penna aud K. Nunez, who are ia both the wholesale and retail trade, and II. Carubbio. The town of Sinaloa is located on a small river, and in the winter or dry season it dwindles to a very small stream. The seasons are reversed in the State. They have their dry season while we have our wet, and the reverse. The district around is fertile, and produces the usual agricultural pro- ductions, though the principal trade is as we have stated. The town has but one street. The ladies of this town are celebrated for their beauty in the wiit)le State, as those of Hermosillo are famous in Sonora. Roads of the State. A stage runs from Guaymas to Alamos over the old road, which runs east back of the bay, or north of the inlet form- ed by the mouth of the Yaqui River, crossing the small stream of San Josd, and the river Matape which flows into the gulf; thence to Toriu on the banks of the Yaqui River, a distauce of about 80 miles. The river is here crossed by a ferry in wet seasons, and forded in dry seasons, to Bocam, and thence north, following the course of the Yaqui, to Co- cori, about 20 miles; thence to El Baihoca and south to Co- raque, due east of Bocam, and distant in a straight line only about 15 miles. This short cut can be taken and save about 35 miles of useless travel. From Coraque the road runs south-east to Camoa on the opposite side of the Mayo River, which is here crossed at a distance of about 35 miles from Coraqvie; thence to Alamos, about 12 miles. From Alamos to El Fuerte the distance is about 35 miles, where the Fuerte River is crossed; thence almost due south to 'Sinaloa, 107 about 60 miles; thence across the Sinaloa River and on to the Mocorito River and the small town of Mocorito; thence south-east through Palmas to La Morita; and thence taking a more southerly course to Cnliacan across the Culiacau River, distant from Sinaloa about 85 or 90 miles. Here two routes are presented to Mazatlan, one by way of Cosala, which takes a south-east course through the small towns and ranchos of Las Arayanes, LasFlechas, El Vichi,LusMilpas, Santa Anita, and Casa Blauca on the small stream of San Lorenzo; thence crossing the stream east to Las Vegas, Carriscal, Higuiera, and Cosala, a distance of about 60 miles; thence south, pass- ing Calafanta, Conitaca, Salado, crossing a small branch of the Elota River; thence to Laguna and Elota, about 40 miles from Cosala. The other route from Culiacan runs south to Aguarita and El Carriscal, El Salado, and San Lorenzo on the river of that name. The river is here crossed and a south- east course taken to Avaya, Vinapa, Higuerita, and thence east to Elota on the Elota River. The former route is the most traveled, though longer, as it passes through the rich mining region of Cosala. The latter route is over a stretch of about 80 miles, while the former is about 100 miles. From Elota the road is direct to Mazatlan, distant about 55 miles south-east, crossing the Elota River, and Piastla River at Piastla; thence to Coyotitan, Quebrachi, Quelite, Coma- cho, Aval, Los Otates, and Mazatlan. From Mazatlan a road runs south-east to the Presidio of Mazatlan, and east to El Rosario on the Rosario River; thence south-east into the state of Jahsco to Guadalajara and on to the capital of Mex- ico. The road from Fuerte to Mazatlan and Rosario is a good one, to which we have referred already, and is used for wag- ons and a stage line constantly during the dry season, but it is impassable during the wet season on account of the lack of the bridges over rivers that are swollen to a dangerous depth and swiftness^ and the roads being of clay and sand become boggy. Another road, or rather mule trail, leads from Mazatlan through San Sebastian east and then north, passing many rauchoi on the Mazatlan River, to Morito and east, where the river Mazatlan is crossed twice on account of a bend in the river, and on up the Mazatlan Valley into Du- rango; passing Favor in Sinaloa and Saulito in Durango, and other towns up the canon to the mines of San Antonio de las Ventauas, and the celebrated mines of Guarisamay, and from thence on to Durango, about 150 miles distant from Mazatlan. 108 CHAPTER II. Mazatlan. The coast adjacent to Mazatlan, with its mountain peaks in the background, presents a grand and imposing scenery; and during the rainy season, when the valleys, hills and mountains are covered with verdure, it is one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. The small sugar-loaf mountains rise frequently, near and in the distance, presenting a variety of scenery to the eye that is very pleasing, and to lovers of scenery, it is delightful. The port of Mazatlan is not capacious, nor surrounded by those safe landmarks characteristic of many of the ports on the Pacific Coast. For fear of the southerly or south-west winds^ no vessels can be anchored long in the harbor, as the land is low adjacent, and on the south-west mostly open to the ocean. For this reason, vessels only stop long enough to unload, and proceed on their way. The inner harbor is far from admitting heavy merchant-vessels like the clipper ships arriving in the port of San Francisco. The approach is safe, however, for ocean steamers to approach and retreat when touching at this port. Larger ships anchor under the lee of the island of Creston, which is rather small, but much elevated. In this harbor there are two other islands, called Venado and Pajoros. The dangers to vessels during the stormy season detract much from the commercial position and advantages of Mazatlan; and, for that reason, Guaymas, in Sonora, will be the principal port for the vessels passing up the Gulf of California. The city of Mazatlan is nearly surrounded by water, a mere tongue connecting it to the mainland. Near the water's edge, and back half a mile, the surface of the site is even, and also to the limits of the city, from the fort on the west, for more than a mile eastward; yet, farther back, it is uneven and ungraded. The fort commanding the inner har- bor to the city is located on the side of an elevated plateau, near 1,500 feet above the sea. On its summit, one may en- joy the beautiful scenery spread out before him — a pano- rama of mountains, low undulating hills, and valleys. In this fort are planted some antiquated cannon, commanding the city and harbor. The streets are not laid out regularly. One main street runs from the water front out into the country beyond, on which are located both retail and whole- sale business houses. Some are also situated on the streets of 109 the water front. The whole uumber of shops and stores reach as many as 500. The builclina^s are mostly constructed of soft brick, one foot square, and, in some instances, there are stone buildings. Adobe houses are mostly occupied by the poorer classes in the suburbs. Most of the buildings are one-story; yet, in some few instances, the houses built by foreigners are two stories high. The houses are con- structed roughly, and plastered inside and out, and after- wards penciled. The roofs and floors are made of brick. For the floor, the gromid is raised, and surface leveled, and bricks laid in cement, which makes the floors both durable and cool in the summer. When the floors are carpeted, wool or common cotton is laid down first, then the carpet. Among the poorer classes, no carpet is used, but a native mat. Heavy joists and close together are laid across the walls of the building for the roof, and on these a tight floor of boards is laid, and on this the bricks are laid, one foot in thickness, cemented complete!}^ water-tight. The walls are commonly three feet thick, making each house a complete fortress, and, withal, very cool in the summer season. The style of architecture is a mixture of the Moorish and Gothic. The doors are clumsy and large, generally fast- ened inside by wooden bars. The windows have mostly iron gratings of three quaiters of an inch in diameter, and sometimes shutters, mjking the city look like a city of pris- ons. The inside walls are frequently papered, and the houses well and even elegantly furnishe J. Most of the goods sold hero are imported directly from Europe, and German houses seem rather to take the lead in commercial pursuits throughout the country. There are about 100 foreigners in the city, mostly engaged in com- mercial pursuits, and they are said to own most of the real estate in the city. Gold, silver, and copper, and dye-woods are shipped from this point in large quantities. Many ship-loads are packed in from the interior on the backs of mules. "Burros," or she-asses, are used, to some extent, to pack mortar, bricks, lumber, etc.; but freight wagons and carts are also used, drawn by mules. The streets are mostly paved with round cobble-stones, and in a concave form, so that the water drains ofi:" in the center. These stones are laid in cement, and become quite firm, so that they are not easily misplaced, except during the rainy season. The sidewalks are narrow, some made of hewn timbers, and laid so that two persons can walk side by- 110 side. Others are constructed of soft burnt bricks and flag- stone. On any of them, but two persons can walk side by side. The government buildings, such as the custom houses, forts, and arsenals, are well constructed, airy, and remarka- bly adapted to the torrid zone. These, as well as private buildings, have a species of rain spouts, which, in the rainy season, scarcely extend the dripping waters from the side- walks. There is one church in Mazatlan. The composite architecture of beautiful constructions of arches and pillars give some of the buildings quite an imposing appearance. There are two principal hotels, kept by Frenchmen, who charge about $2.00 per day. Inside the court-yards, flower- ing shrubs, rare bushes, the hyacinth, and the trailing vine are frequently seen. The delicate and refined taste of the ladies of Mazatlan is well known in the republic, and their beauty rivals the maids of Hermosillo. A public plaza is tastefully laid out, with seats on the sides of the square, made of brick, having brick sides, and painted red, with brick walks through the center, coinciding with either point of the compass, and with a circular brick walk inside the seats around the whole circuit of the plaza; and to enhance the beauty of this, every 15 feet orange trees are set on the inside edge of this circular walk, which truly adds beauty to the whole scene. A beautiful fountain of crystal water plays day and night. The marketing is done principally on Sunday morning on the market square, where purchases are made from the country people for the week. Indian corn, beans, Irish po- tatoes, sweet potatoes, eggs, red peppers, bananas, plantains, oranges, limes, several species of custard apples, squashes, pumpkins, watermelons, muskmelons, chickens, turkeys, and a variety of gallinaceous birds, such as the "hoco" or "curassow" and pheasants; also, crockery ware, chairs, and other articles are not unfrequently exhibited for sale. After the sales are ended, to the inhabitants of the city, the bal- ance are bought by local hucksters at a reduced price. A theater is in the city, where the beauty and elite gather to listen to Spanish plays of love and tragedy. Mazatlan is now a commanding commercial city of rapid- ly growing importance to Lower California, southern So- nora. Chihuahua, Durangd, and northern Jalisco, and the state of Sinaloa. Vast regions of agricultural, grazing and mineral lands are adjacent, untouched, that await development by foreign Ill capital and industry. Most of the trade of all this region passes through Mazatlan. This city has but few equals for its surrounding advantages, and invites to her municipal confines an intelligent class of immigrants, who will develop her latent energies and re- sources. Sailing-vessels go leisurely up the gulf, carrying the pro- ductions of the south, though the greater part of the carry- ing is now done by steamers. The principal freight is su- gar, cofiee, rice and tobacco, with foreign and domestic mer- chandise. These are exchanged for flour, fruits, gold and silver, copper, pearls, salt, hides, and tallow. Pome consid- erable sugar, cotton, rice, corn, beans, etc., and tropical fruits are produced in the rear of Mazatlan, in the Mazatlan Valley, which is 45 miles wide in its widest part, neai'lyone hundred miles in length, and well watered by the Mazatlan Biver. Land can be cultivated three miles on each side of the river, on the river bottom lands. There are about 17,000 inhabitants in the town. The river, which empties into the sea, is 100 yards wide in rainy seasons, and is navigable for large barges, for five months, some distance up the river. The stage crosses in barges. The country east of Mazatlan is mostly level to the base of the mountains, diversified by rolling ground. There is one large cotton factory in the city, which manufactures the cotton raised in the vicinity, into goods that are purchased by the inhabitants of the region surrounding. This is a great cotton country, and timber is plentiful. Coal has been found seventy-five miles from the city with a vein cropping out three feet in width, something like an- thracite. An interior valley, of 30 to 40 miles in width, at the widest point, lies beyond the Sierra Madre, east of the city, 40 miles from the river Mazatlan. Kich mines have been found near Cosala. Grazing is carried on extensively. The city commands the trade and supplies the wants of the country people and the inland towns within two-thirds of a circle from 200 to 1,000 miles in the interior. Rich merchants come in from the country with pack- trains, .who have extensive haciendas, gold cr silver mines, or who are exclusively engaged in commercial pursuits. Tbe roads, or rather trails, through the mountain districts are not very good ; and the rivers, in the rainy season, being mostly without bridges, present serious obstacles during that season for travel in the interior. The rainy season commonly in- 112 f eludes the months of June, July, August, September, and a part of October; and during most of this time it rains a little nearly every day. Most of the flour used in Mazatlan, Tepic, and Colima, and the ports of San Bias and Manzanillo, is ex- ported from Guaymas, in Sonora. The flour is nearly as white, possessing the same qualities, as CaUfornia flour. From Mazatlan to the mouth of the Kio Grande, in Texas, near that point it is nearly six hundred miles; and a railroad from this city to the mouth of that river is practicable, and can be made by passing over a distance of 1,000 miles. To Loredo, in Tamaalipas, on the Rio Grande, it is not much more; the latter point being the point oFcoimection with an eastern road running from the City of Mexico, almost due north. A better route, however, might pass Guadalf^ara, and connect with that road south of Loredo. The City of Mazatlan will be unquestionably a powerful rival of San Francisco. On the low land there is not much cultivation on a level with the sea. The hacienda or rancho Taraaulipas of Piastla, on the road to Culiacan, contains about 30,000 acres, and is situated on the Piastla River, about seven miles from the coast, the whole of which can be cultivated, and is easily irrigated from the river. The stream, during the wet season, is navigable as far as the rancho. This rancho is owned by the Laveagas, bat is not for sale. There are small ranchos, however, in the vicinity for sale. There are also very fertile lands near the liio de Rosario, twenty miles south-east from Mazatlan. On this river, and throughout the country, land is cheap. Haciendas of one, two,- and three leagues in extent, can be .purchased for one, two, three and four thousand dollars. Corn sells from 50 cents to X '-" '-' /. 1^ ^ ti ^ f ^:!S d'fv ^-rf' i**. . -8 ?**f v r^-.a^ 'V ^^i- ' i. t ,i. ' X ^ JrV/' l.mMlliil..r ' '1 163 CHAPTER n. , City of Durango. Of the City of Durango he says: " The City of Durango was founded by Velasco el Primero, and it may be consid- ered the ' ultima thule ' of the civilized portion of Mexico. Beyond it to the north and north-west stretch away the vast uncultivated and unpeopled plains of Chihuahua, the Bol- son de Mapimi, and the arid deserts of the Gila." The dis- tance to Mexico City is 650 miles from Durango, the capital of the state, which is situated 65 leagues north-west of Za- catecas. The population is 22,000. The state had, in 1876, 185,000. Both the city of Victoria and most of the other towns of Durango — Tamasula, Siauori, Mapimi, San Dimas, Canelas, Cuencame — take their origin from the mines. The town of Victoria, or Durango, is situated in the plain heretofore mentioned, and is the principal town of the state. The streets are pretty regular, and the town contains a large plaza called the Plaza Mayor, one theater and other public buildings, which were built by Zambrano, a rich mine- owner, who is supposed to have extracted from his mines at San Dimas and Guarisamey, upwards of thirty millions of dollars. The capitol is located here, a mint, and the Casa del Apartado, (a place for the separation of gold from silver) a glass manufactory, a tannery, and a fabrica de tobacos. The police of the town is well organized, and robberies almost unknown. Legal proceedings are summary, the legisla- ture having passed a law which concludes legal proceedings in three days, in cases of robbery. Tobacco is produced, also, in the State, to some extent. There is muuh trade at this point, principally in bullion from the mines, and among the principal business firms may be mentioned, Julio Hildebrand Succesores, Door- man & Co., Giron, Stahlknecht & Co., Francisco Gurza & Co., Juambels Ilermanos, and Francisco Alvarez & Co. The towns of Villa del Nombre de Dios, San Juan del Rio, and Cinco Senores de!N'azas,are almost the only cities in the State connected with mines. The two first are sup- ported by an extensive trade in "vino mescal," (a sort of brandy distilled from the maguey or American aloe, some- times called the century plant, which requires from seven to ten years to develop. The last-named town is supported by the cotton planta- 164 tions situated upon the banks of the river Nazas. The alacran (or small scorpion) excepted, Durango is very pleasant, and the climate is delightful and healthy, and the people fairer and finer-looking than in any part of Mexico I have yet seen. Bath Houses of Darango. We are indebted to Dr. Benjamin of San Jose, for the following. "The hot springs located at the upper part of the city, furnish water for nearly the whole city. A stone aqueduct conducts the water through the centre of the prin- cipal streets. The stream is about three feet wide, by one and one-half feet deep. Near the source of this stream, are built a great many bath houses, all built of stone. The bath tubs are of masonry and a number of them are 32 by 12 feet in diameter and 5 or 6 feet deep. The temperature of the water is about 80°. You can take a bath in the large rooms for twenty-five cents. There are a great many small rooms — prices, six to twelve cents. The population are very fond of bathing, and I do not wonder, when I remember how fine and clean are the bath tubs, and how pleasant is the temperature of the water." Prom Durango to Mazatlan. Further than Durango no wheeled vehicle can go, so we disposed of our ambulances, and took it mule back, paying at the rate of ^12 per mule for passenger and baggage. Four miles from Durango the wagon road gave out, and we took a path which wound up rugged clifi's until near camp. When we came to a mountain mesa. Our course lay to the west- ward, and for the first few miles, our road was good and we had a comprehensive view. In consequence of the dangers which beset the road, it is customary for travelers to ren- dezvous at Durango, and travel in large parties. We made a terrific descent to-day, at the bottom of which dashed a beautiful mountain stream, and up we climbed again to the top of another mountain. Our camp is among beautiful pines, and flocks of noisy parrots are flying over us, on their passage from tlie nut forests. Here is said to begin our dan- gerous road; near by are the skulls and bones of some mur- dered travelers, placed on a pile of stones. The road next morning is quite rough; in fact, a mere path, winding through dark woods, and over precepitous heights. These wild soli- 165 tudes are charming, the pine forming arches over head, the earth carpeted with green grass, and at short intervals cool springs of water. The days are warm, the night cool. On the tiext day we camped in a beautiful pine grove, on an era- inence, overlooking a pretty little vale. In the midst of the grove stands a high rude cross, said to mark the spot where the banished bishop of Durango performed mass. A grand temple, whose pillars are the forest-monarchs, and whose dome bhie Heaven. The next day our path passed through a beautiful mountain country of pine woods and gushing streams, our every step still beset with the melancholy sight of human skulls. Our next encampment, was in the bend of a beautiful bold mountain stream, — a desirable location for a settlement, soil good, building material abundant, and a, natural site for a mill. Shortly after leaving camp the next morning, the foot passengers and some of the horse-men separated from us, taking a nearer but rougher route to Mazatlan. The roads parted near the piloncillos, a collection of curious, cone-shaped rocks. Among the footmen were some mountain cargadores now carrying loads of apples. They carry their loads on their backs, keeping them in place by means of a strap across the foreheads. These men are employed to carry heavy machinery where it is impossible to use animals; they also carry the mails between Durango and Mazatlan, making the round trip in eight days, for which they are paid §15. They keep up a brisk trot all day, munching their tortillas as they run, pursuing their way over places impassable for even the sure-footed mule. They do not wear slices, but sandals orguaraches, as do also the mule- teers, mere!}' pieces of rawhide cut to fit the sole of the foot, and kept in place by thongs; these they prefer to shoes, their feet becoming very hardy, suffering neither from cold nor the gravel which is continually sifting between the sandals and their feet. We had traveled but four hours the next day before the order to halt was given. We have reached the jumping-otf place and must give the mules a good rest for the morning's arduous task. For the last five days we have been shut up in dark primeval forests, pursuing our rough path over heights and along ravines, but now we have reached the pinnacle to which we have been ascending ever since we left Durango, and in the morning will commence to descend. 166 A Grand Vie"W. By ascending a little eminence near camp, and walking a short distance through the woods, I came upon one of the grandest and most sublime displays of mountain scenery, I ever beheld. Standing on a rocky peak, I hung, as it were, over an abyss extending below me for thousands of feet — I may say for miles — I could see a stream, which resembled a silver thread, and farms along its bank; it seemed I could throw a stone so that it would fall within their peaceful premises; far below hung white clouds, and the blue ether seemed to envelop me, and on every hand, rose mountain peak on mountain peak, in awful sublimity. But, from my lofty perch, I could command them all, and far to the west- ward the mountains sank away and the sun's slanting rays reflected from the Pacific Ocean. From this place, although our destination is almost within the scope of our vision, it will take us seven days to reach it, and truly when I cast my eye over this rough vista, it seems the mountain barriers could never be passed. We began the next morning to descend from our lofty em- inence, and reached Duraznito about 2 o'clock P. M. Our road was a winding, terrific stairway of twelve miles; the glimpses of the grand and beautiful filled me with awe and ecstasy. We have changed climates in the course of a few hours. This morning we were shivering from cold, and now we seek the shade ot the fig tree and bless the soft wind. Peach trees are in bloom about us. This little place is situ- ated, as it were, on a shelf of the mountain, by which it is shadowed, and still beneath it lies a deep gorge or valley. We are now in one of the finest gold and silver-bearing re- gions in Mexico. A short distance from Duraznito, and at the foot of the mountain, we found ripe blackberries. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain we had a fine view. Far beneath us was Duraznito, the smoke of its humble, tile-roofed dom- icils ascending in spiral columns, and the deep valley still further down, and the grand mountains, that seemed like the giants of creation, basking in the rosy dawn. Here is cer- tainly mountain scenery unrivaled by any in the \vorld. The lakes of Switzerland would be but drops in the infinity of the natural grandeur about us. A narrow trail winds for the most part along the sides of immense mountains, which is just wide enough to admit our mules single file, with tre- mendous heights rising perpendicularly above us — an awful 167 gulf of space below us. One false step would cost a life. The sun was intensely hot whenever we were exposed to it, but for the most part we were protected by the shadow of the mountains, around and over which we were winding, looking, in comparison, like a procession of ants upon the dome of St. Peter's, Rome. This tiresome and perilous road was cheered by the sound of laughing* rivulets and there is something exquisitely pleasant about these mountain soli- tudes. We had traveled hardly an hour along a more fear- ful trail than ever, a portion of the road called Buenos Ay res, when one of the mules lost his footing and fell, bounding down the mountain side as an india rubber ball would down a flight of stairs, and dashing to pieces below. The train moved on as if nothing had happened, it not being an unu- sual occurence, and camped for the night upon a level eminence a short distance farther on. We broke camp early next morning, and commenced our day's travel bj^ ascending, as usual, and passing along more frightful cliffs — warily, from yesterday's accident. Passed Piedra Gorda, quite a rancho, beyond which we came in view of a mountain called El Pyramido, or The Pyramid, a magnificent freak of nature; the base is covered with dark woods, from which shoots up a shaft of solid bare stone, ta- pering gradually to the top. It is certainly grander than all the pyramids of Egypt combined. As we descended the climate became warmer, and instead of pines, we passed through groves of flowering trees and lemon trees bending with yellow fruit. By midda}^ we had reached the bottom of the gorge, or base, as it were, of the main range of the Sierra Madre, and on the banks of a stream running westward. Our road lay along this stream, crossing and recrossiug it several times; we camped at Agua Caliente. Before reaching camp we passed some mud huts and by El Favor, where an arastra, or atana, was in operation, working silver ore. It is sunset, and tiiousand? of parrots and flocks of biids of beautiful plumage are floating down from the ad- jace::t mountains to roost in the woods along the stream. We . 'carted early next morning, to take advantage of the cool of the day, to cross the El Espiuaso del Diablo, or "The Devil's Backbone" — (hereafter described) a fear- ful mountain ridge, and said to be the last of our very bad road, camping on the river at El Palmar. The next day our trail lay, for the most part, through dense tropical woods. Our attention was attracted by the strange varieties^ of trees, and especially the banyan, whose roots 168 spring from the upper branches, and trend down to the earth and then take root. Great numbers of parrots flocked through the woods, almost deafening us with their screams. Our party shot several, and we made a feast of parrot, which we found very palatable — in fact delicious. After a warm day's travel we arrived next day at Puerto San Marcos, our road pursuing the river all day. We camped at a miserable little rancho, one day's travel from Mazatlan, The weather was quite warm, but the trail was more tolera- ble, passing several ranchos and plantain groves, and fields enclosed with hedges of orgona cactus, planted like posts in the ground. On the next day we reached a broad wagon road, within a few miles of Mazatlan, and on an eminence near the city the sea broke upon our view. Just before en- tering the city we underwent the scrutiny of the Custorn- House officers. — From a traveler's report. The Devil's Baekljone. On the road Irom Durango to Mazatlan one of the grand- est scenes presented by nature is the ridge that juts out from one mountain to another, called " El Espinaso del Di- ablo." It seems that the surroundings suggested the not very euphonious connection with the anatomy of his Sa- tanic Majesty. The traveler cautiously picks his way over a road over this ridge with precipices falling almost perpendicularly for thousands of feet on either side. The trail is very narrow and over hard, smooth rocks that the storms of thousands of years have failed to wear away. It gives the traveler a sensation that he will never forget, as he looks upon either side into an abyss yawning at his very feet, and the sight is so fearful that he hastens over, shuddering at depths that make the stoutest fear to peer into. One traveler describes his feelings by saying that ho involuntarily closed his eyes to shut oflc' the fearful sight befcre him. Another says the precipices on either side are ' .iimense chasms or clefts in the mountains, which are so deep that you can hardly see the bottom if the attem[»t is made to peer into their depths. In every direc- tion high and lofty peaks extend as far as the eye can reach, hfting their rugged mountain tops with bare rocky summits heavenwards for hundreds of miles. This high ridge is re- ally the summit of one of .the mountains and presents the only route practicable for pack trains over the mountains. It is the highway that has been used for many years, in fact 169 ever since communication was opened in this direction be- tween Durango and Mazatlan. A former soldier in the Mexican army says that he was in a company that went over this ronte, and while crossing the ridge the soldiers were ordered to cross on a run. Singularly no accident oc- curred, though he said he shudders yet as he recalls his feelings while keeping his place in file with his comrades rushing behind him. The Short Route to Mazatlan. One of the early pioneers, who came to California at an early day by way of Durango and Mazatlan, describes a trip he made in taking the short route from Durango to Mazatlan. This same gentleman is one of the prominent citizens of Sacramento, and from his own lips we learned the following Says he : We had heard that there was a shorter route, and, being impatient, concluded to risk the trip. We had heard that it was a fearful ride and too dangerous for horses or even mules, and that none but car- gadores, or footmen, dared to undertake the trip, but we concluded that we could go anyvvhere a Mexican could, and so started upon the route, the narrator acting as leader. We found that the road was rough enough at the start, and that it led along a trail on the side of very precipitous mountains, so narrow that it was impossible to pass should any one be met on horseback. At last the trail seemed to dwindle to almost nothing upon the side of one of the steepest mountains; in fact a fearful precipice yawned at our very feet on one side, on the other and above us rose an al- most perpendicular wall. Just ahead a smooth, slanting rock jutted out with its slippery, polished surface inclin- ing into the abyss beneath us. I did not see it until I had passed around a jutting portion of the mountain, and my horse stood upon such a narrow ledge that I dare not dismount; I kuew that if I did that ray horse might topple over and we both be hurled to destruction, so I concluded I must take my chances and make my horse climb over that smooth surface tliat appeared almost certain deatii, although my hair stood on end, as my horse, a faithful and sure-footed animal picked his way carefully across. I arrived safely, but it was the most foolhardy act of my life. Fortunately my companions had not yet arrived at the narrowest point and I was enabled to warn them to dismount and lead their ani- mals across. He concluded by saying that he found after« 170 ward that a Mexican and his mule had tumbled off that same rock only a few days before. The balance of the road was the roughest we had ever traveled, in some places cov- ered with large boulders that it seemed almost impossible for a horse or even a mule to crossover them. We pubHsh this as a warning to the many travelers who might by mis- take undertake to travel over this same route, Rancho de Morteros. The greatest part of Durango is mountainous in the ex- treme. In but few instances throughout the whole of the State are ranches found that make any pretenses at agri- culture, the principal object being to supply the immediate wants of the owner of the property, and perha-ps a limited local trade. Cattle-raising and mining form the principal pursuit. The buildings are mostly of adobe. Among the exceptions to this rule may be mentioned the buildings upon the Rancho de Morteros. All of the improvements are of solid masonr}' and were built by one of the Spanish nobility long before the independence of Mexico drove its wealthy occupants from their possessions. This rancho is situated in the southern part of Durango, some twenty miles north of Nombre de Dios. The main buildings contain two stories and are built of solid freestone masonry, and form an immense square with eighty rooms, the largest of which are twenty feet square. The floor is inlaid with tiles of burnt clay, both on the upper and lower floors. The whole building has the appearance of a fortress or square castle with bastions on each corner loopholed for musketry. The only entrance is through a door of solid timbers four inches thick protected completely with nail heads, entirely cover- ering the outside. An inner square, or court, with no roof is in the center of the structure, with a porch bounding it on all sides, the roof of the porch being supported by solid stone pillars about one foot in diameter. This court admits the only light into the building through inner windows. The upper story is reached by a stone staircase from the lower floor. The ceiling is made of massive limbers, upon which are laid the tiles of the upper floor. The roof is covered witli tiles of the same material, and is flat with barely enough incline to drain the water from the roof. Adjoining this building is the church, also of solid masonry, with tower containing four bells. Stone acqneducts extend- ing for two miles conduct water from a spring to the haci- ^ 171 enda and also to a large mill built of the same durable ma- terial. The corral for the stock, and even the fences extend- ing for miles, are all built of stone. Six large granaries -20x100 feet each are constructed for the grain that is grown on this ranch. The grain patio or threshing floor is also of solid masonry. The huts of the peons surround this feudal castle who labor for their master in the fields surrounding. These large cornfields extend for miles and are cultivated in the primitive^Mexican fashion with immense returns to the owners. Dr. Benjamin Cory, of San Jose, while visiting Durango, stopped for some time at this rancho, and we are indebted to him for the above description. The Doctor was much pleased with his visit to this princely estate and rode over the laud wtth a view to its purchase for jaarties in San Jose. He describes it as the most desirable of any property he found in the State of Durango. Mines- of Durango. The gold mine of La Republicana is located on the side of a high mountain near Guadalupe. It is said to be a very valuable mine, as far as richness is concerned, but the vein is narrow and the rock of the greatest possible hardness. It is owned by the Yi'iarte family, who, unable to work it tor lack of capital, merely keep the mine worked just enough to hold possession. The mine might pay well, as one traveler reports its assays at abont 70 per cent. Five leagues southeast by south of Guadalupe is the old mine of E^piritos Santo, another mine of the Spanish times now under water. There are several other old mines in the vi- cinity ot Guadalupe, but they are so filled up with rubbish that it is difficult to speak of their richness with any cer- tainty, although fabulous stories lare told of some of them, which seem probable enough from the fact that Guadalupe stands in their midst, a proof of mineral wealth and success- ful mining. The Yaca San Marcus and Bismarck mines are described by Dr. Benja^nin Cory of San Jose, as follows . " These mines are located in the district of Parrillis, about sixty miles south of the city of Durango and about twelve miles from the town of Nornbre de Dios. In 1848 these mines yielded \n silver ore |700,000, according to a certificate which I have from the Superintendent of the Mint in Du- rango. The owners at that time were only 450 feet deep iu 172 the mine, but were forced to abaiicloi»the works on account of the quantity of water. Our company organized in Sac- ramento some three years ago have denounced the mine and have been in active prosecution of the work ever since the denouncement. We have steam hoisting-works and pump in operation, the first ever seen in the State of Du- rango. By the latest news our pump has lowered the wa- ter about 400 feet below the surface, and we expect to get into the old bonanza in a short time. We have but a few weeks since shipped from Sacramento a pump of large ca- pacity. We have at the mine an engineer, four California miners, a carpenter, a blacksmith and a number of Mexi- cans emploj'ed in and about the mine. Wood and timber, we find, is very cheaph^ and easily obtained. I had two assays made of the ore from our mines, one by the Profes- sor of Chemistvy in Santa Clara College, who reports his assay at $250.08 per ton and lead 43 per cent. Thomas Price, of San Francisco, assayed a piece for me, and he gives as a net result : silver, $325.02 per ton." Ur. B. Cory, from whom we obtained the foregoing, is one of the directors of the company, as he states, organized three years ago under the name of the " Yaca, San Marcus and Bismarck Mining Company," with Mr. Fred. Werner as President ; P. A. Grace, Secretary ; and E. E. Lyle, Lewis Goodwin, Geo. W. Chesley, Br. B. Cory and Fred. Werner as Directors. The Guarisamey mines are located north of the mines Guarisamey. " There are eight mines in this mineral dis- trict which are known as Serano, Copalaja, Enciuillas, Co- bres, La Gall era, Baragon, and several others, belonging to Mr. Frank McManus, an American resident of Chihuahua. These mines yield ore, the average of which gives $140 per ton. The last person who worked them regularly, Mr. San- chez, extracted yearly a profit of $78,000 in silver. His mode of working was in the old Mexican patio amalga^nat- ing manner — grinding his ores with the arastra. Still, with all the disadvantages attending the want of proper machin- ery he was, as can be seen from the figures above, enabled to realize a handsome yearly profit. Upon the advent of Maximihan he sided with the Imperiahsts and took flight to save his life, having sold his mines for a mere pittance. Some tin placers are also found in this State. ■&l^^=- 173 The principal mining districts of Durango are : San Dimas, Gavilanes, Guarisamev, Tamasula, Canelas, Sianori, Topia, Picachos, Biramoa, Bajada, Papasquiera, Guanacevl, Indee El Oro, Cuencaind and Mapimi. The other mining districts given by Garcia Cubasare: Topia, Tominil, Corpus," Comitala, Durango, IS'oria, Avino and Coneto. The Mapimi mines have been worked for centuries, enrich- ing their owners for several generations. Originally these mines were worked largely by the Spaniards, until their ex- pulsion in 1829. Since that time they have been worked by the Mexicans until a few years ago, when they were pur- chased by Mr. A. B. Sawyer', and have since been worked by him with very gratifying results. The following statement of Mr. Sawyer we herewith present as his report upon the Mapimi mines, that have been consolidated by the Durango Mapimi Mining Company of Council Bluffs, incorporated at Council Bluffs, Iowa: There are eight separate mines consolidated and owned by this company, viz.: Ojuela, San Vicente, Socobon, Santa Rita, El Carmen, Santa Maria, La Soledad and San Judas. Ojuela mine is situated five (5) miles from the works, and is 870 feet in depth, with a shaft 768 feet deep. It is a great deposit of lead carbonates from eight (8) to one hundred "(100) feet in width, and carries gold from $5.00 to $6.00, and silver from 24 to 33 ounces, and lead 15 per cent, to the ton. San Yicente is similar ore, lying about 360 yards to the south. This mine is 675 feet deep, and carries from 15 ounces to 42 ounces in silver, and from $2.50 to $9.00 in gold. The ore body is from five (5) to fifty (50) feet wide. Socobon is situated two hundred yards south-east of Ojuela, and yields from fifteen (15) to twenty-eight (28) ounces in silver, and carries from $3.00 to $4.50 in gold, and runs from 15 per cent, to 50 per cent, in lead. This mine has a tunnel 150 feet long, and has a depth of about 825 feet. At the bot- tom of the shaft, on the Ojuela mine, at a small expense, this mine can be made to communicate by a "cross cut," and also with the San Vicente, working advantageously these three mines through this one shaft, saving two additional shafts. Santa Rita, one of the principal mines, is a continuation of the Socobon, and connected with it ; yields from twenty (20) to seventy (70) ounces of silver, and carries from $2.50 to $20.00 in gold to the ton. The ore body is from three (3) to" forty (40) feet wide, with a depth of from 300 to 450 feet. ^ El Carmen is quartz and carbonate of lead ; new mine ; yields from 50 ounces to 140 ounces in silver, with an ore 174 body from two (2) to ten (10) feet wide. This mine has been worked to the depth of 75 feet, and is located six miles from the works. Santa Maria or Tecolotes is a new mine of quartz ore, worked to the depth of twenty-five (25) feet. It is situated in the main body of the Bufa Mountains, with an ore body from one (1) to four (4) feet wide. This mine has yielded very rich ore, as high as 1,000 ounces to the ton. However, as will be seen, but little work has been done so far on thia property. La Soledad and Las Arcos, one mine with two entrances, not communicating one with the other, is quartz ore, and yields from 24 to 120 ounces of silver per ton, and is from three (3) to eight (8) feet wide, and in some places twenty (20) feet wide, and is about 300 feet deep, lying to the south-east of the Santa Rita. San Judas is lead carbonates, ranging from 15 to 24 ounces per ton in silver. It is a great body of ore communicating with the Santa Hita. It carries gold from $2.00 to $4.50 per ton, and has been worked to the depth of 900 feet. The company in possession of the above property are making extensive preparations for the thorough working of their mines. They have purchased a large engine, two large boilers, two No. 5 Baker blowers, and three large smelting furnaces, with all the outfit, to be sent to their mines, which have cost the company about $50,000. This, with the smelters and works they already have at the mines, should make a handsome return from the investment. We have herein given illustrations of the works at these mines, that are among the most celebrated of Durango. "" " Guarisamey, the head of the surrounding district, owes its discovery to the lode of Tecolota, which crosses the high road to Cosala, in Sinaloa. The abundance and richness of its ores soon brought prospectors, who discovered the veins of Arana, Cinco Senores, Bolanos, Pisamide, Candelaria, Dolores, and Topia, with many others, every one of which was worked profitably. These lodes, or the most of them, were de- nounced by Zambrano, and all produced bonanzas, some of which were very rich. " The mine of Arana was remarkable for containing be- tween two small strips of rich ore, a cavity filled (like the bovedas of the mine in Zavala at Catorce) with a rich metal- liferous dust, composed almost entirely of gold and silver. It was also distinguished by many of those rich spots commonly called 'clavos,' which, although of small extent in a hori- 175 zontal position, were constant in perpendicular depth. The ' clavos ' were worked to the depth of 180 varas, though the mine had no shaft ; and during the whole of this space, the most ordinary ores yielded from 10 to 15 marcs to the monton of fifteen quintals, while the richest are said to have produced from TO to 105."— [Ward on Mexico in 1827.] The tin mines of Durango have lately been opened by the Durango Tin Mining Co., a large amount of capital having been invested. It is stated that the Durango Tin Mining Co. is working some 75 men, and in March last began smelting. 'No shipments of tin have yet been made, Mexican wagon freighters have offered to put the tin down at Laredo, Texas, for two and a half cents per pound, and a German firm has offered to deliver it to New York from the mines at four and a half cents per pound. The Mexican Central Railroad will reach the mines during the present year, and another, the Mexican National, at a later period. When these roads are completed the company can ship its tin by way of El Paso, Eagle Pass, or Laredo. Some specimens of the ore assay as high as 75 per cent, pure tin. Ikon Mines of Durango. — The Journal of Charcoal Iron Workers furnishes the following interesting account of the Piedra Azul (Blue Stone) Iron Works, situated on the banks of the Rio Tunal, some five miles south of Durango, Mexico. These works consist of a blast furnace, 35 x 8 inches; a heating furnace, a puddling fuinace, one train of rolls,*two sinking fires, one wooden helve hammer, and three smith fires. Power is obtained from a masonry dam across the Rio Tunal, giving a head and fall of 17 feet. There are four wheels — two over-shot, one under-shot and one turbine. The blast furnace is built of stone. The bottom of the cruci- ble is 24 inches square ; the top, which is 5 feet 6 inches higher, is 32 inches square. The bosh then slopes, at an angle of 55° from the vertical, to 96 inches diameter. The crucible and bosh are built of sandstone, brought by wagons 200 miles. The shaft of the furnace is constructed of a silica fire-brick, made from clay and crushed quartz. It runs nearly straight for the first ten feet above the bosh, and is then drawn in by curved lines to the open top, 32 inches in diameter. Blast is delivered cold from two 2^-inch open tuyeres, the air being supplied by two iron blast cylinders, 60 inches diam- eter and 5 fpet stroke, placed horizontally, and operated by an over-shot wheel. The charge is raised by hand winch, on an inclined plane, to the tunnel head, and consists of one buggy of oak charcoal, seven to ten "batteas" of ore, two batteas of a 176 rotten limestone, and one-half battea of clay. These batteas are wooden dishes, and each contains two arrovas (501bs,) of ore. The charge may, therefore, be considered at from 350 to 500 lbs. of ore, 50 lbs. of limestone, 15 lbs. of clay to 20 bushels of charcoal. The average daily product of the furnace is 60 quintals (6,000 lbs.) pig iron, the ore yielding 60 per cent, in the fur- nace, and requiring one and three-quarter quintals of charcoal to one of iron = to 175 bushels of 20 lbs. to one ton (2,000 lbs.) of pig iron. Connected with the furnace plant there is a puddling fur- nace and a heating furnace, in both of which pine wood is used for fuel. There are also two sinking tires, in which pig iron and scrap can be converted into blooms. A short wooden helve trip hammer, raised by four cams on a wheel revolving at right angles to the hammer helve, is used for shingling the loupes and puddle balls. The cams strike the helve back of the hammer head, and a spring piece assists in intensifying the force of the blow. The smith tires use pine charcoal for fuel. The charcoal is made in the Sierra Madre Mountains in small heaps, by In- dians, and most of it is brought in upon the backs of burros. As these animals carry only 8 to 10 arrovas (200 to 250 lbs.), and in some instances can make but a trip to and from the iron works in three days, it is not surprising that oak charcoal sella at 12^ cents, and pine charcoal at 15 cents per arrova. Reduced to a bushel of 20 lbs., this would equal 10 cents per bushel for oak, and 12 cents for pine charcoal. The charcoal is of good quality, but much reduced in size by handling and transportation. The price of the charcoal could be considerably reduced if the iron works produced ita own fuel from wood more convenient to it. Besides the iron works before described, the Iron Mountain Compan}', of Durango, Mexico, was incorporated in New York, and now proposes to erect extensive works, consisting of a blast furnace, with capacity of 200 tons of iron per week, and a large foundry. This last-named company hold the title to the whole of this immense iron deposit, called the Iron Mountain, near Durango, with the exception of one seventy- third, which is held by the former company. Ward, in his work on Mexico, in 1821, says, in speaking of the iron mines of Durango : "Durango might in two years be rendered the depot of iron for Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Catoree, Batopilas, and all the mining districts south of Chihuahua [We might add, for the whole Republic], nor would the sue 177 cess of the iron mines already taken up at Encaruacion In- terfere with this prospect, as their market would be cour- fined to the central mining states, beyond which, from the difficulties of communication, their operations would hardly be extended." (Ward on "Mexico," in 1827.) This subject has attained more importance since the con- struction of railroads has been commenced throughout the Republic, and the cost of iron imported for rails is as fol- lows, taken from the "El Minero Mexicano'' of December 9th, 1880: Per Tom. Steel rails in England. „ $28.00 " UnUed States 31.00 COST OF RAILS IN MEXICO. Price in England. . , 128.00 Freight to Vera Cruz ' 9.00 Landing 2. 00 Freight to Mexico according to tariff 54.32 Total. . 193.32 COST OP RAILS IN SAN LUIS POTOSI. In England , .128.00 Freight to Tampico 9.00 Landing 4.00 Freight to San Luis Potosi 60.00 Total . , . . f 101.00 Cost of rails in Kew York I3L00 Freight to Tampico 15.00 Landing 4.00 Freight to San Luis Potosi „ , . . 60.00 Total $110.00 The El Minero Mexicano very naturally deduces from this that the rails had better be purchased in England, and imported to the ports of the republic, on account of the difier- ence in the price of the rails as well as the freight. But if the extensive iron mines of Durango were developed the rails could be manufactured in the republic at a less price than the}'- can be imported from either of the points men- tioned, since the rails could be transported over the table lands of Duranoro, south-east to Mexico, over a railroad now 12 ° ' 178 being built on a highway that is comparatively level, that puts the state in direct communication with the City of Mexico and the numerous railroads that are being built from that poii.t throughout the republic. Then the rails could ^Iso be transported north to the Southern Pacific or Texas raihvaj's and shipped to El Paso, and from thence to Guay- mas and Mazatlan, or to Chihuahua, to the railroad that is being built from that point to El Paso, and through a prac- tical)le pass in the mountains to Mazatlan, by way of Fuerte ■and Culiacan, or to Alamos and Guaymas. A large propor- tion of the terri'ory of Durango, as we have seen, is situated upon the table lands, and the capital is in the midst of a vast plain, or rather in the south-western portion of the plain, that opens up a communication both to the north-east, and south-east to the points designated. On the west, however, and the south-west, the Sierra Madre extends, reaching the valleys and plains of Sinaloa by immense steppes or elevated plateaus, one above the other, which forms a barrier that is almost inaccessible, although a pass is reached on the north-west leading into Chihuahua, where the descent is more gradual, making communication practicable with Chi- huahua and Alamos, in Sonora, thence to Fuerte, and from thence to Culiacan and Mazatlan, and Cosala, a new wagon road having lately been built from Mazatlan to Cosala. The iron industry is a most important one to Mexico; and foreign capital, invested properly, would be of great value to the republic, as well as very remunerative to the owners. A ioundry could be built at the mines, and rails manufactured, and all kinds of mining machinery, and thus a vast trade could be opened. Says Mr. Ward: " Iron abounds within a quarter of a league of the gates of Durango. The Cerro de Mercado is entirely composed of iron ores, of two distinct qualities, (crystallized and mag- netic) but almost equally rich, as they both contain from 60 to 75 per cent, of pure iron. Ihe operation of smelting these ores is attended with considerable difficulty. An iron foundry, lately set up upon the banks of the river, one league from Durango, has failed, from the want of knowl- edge of the proper mode of treating the ores. A hacienda has been built in a situation where there is both water for machinerj' and an abundant supply of timber and charcoal; but as the proprietors do not possess the means of construct- ing a road for carts, (although from the nature of the ground, it might be accomplished with a very inconsidera- ble outlay) the conveyance of the ores on mules to the 179 reduction works materially diminishes the profits of the speculation. With regard to the difficulty of working them, it might undoubtedly be overcome, as from the affinity of the iron of El Mercado to that of Dannemora, Swedish forgemeu woukl understand the nature of the proc- ess at once. Since the writing of Mr. Ward's book, the ore has been successfully treated, and manufactured into excellent mining tools, etc. Mr. Geo. Fl Ruxton, in his valuable work, entitled, "Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains," pub- lished ill 1848, says that " this enormous mass of malleable iron, as he terms it, is isolated on the plain, and is supposed to be an aerolite, and is, consequently, not connected with any ledge or bed of ore. lie also says its composition and physical character is identified with certain aerolites which fell in 1751, in Ilungary. It contains 75 per cent, of pure iron, according to the analysis of a Mexican chemist, and some specimens which Uumboldt procured were^ analyzed by the celebrated Klaproth, with about the same result." We obtain the following data from a valuable pamphlet pubhshed in Mexico in 1878, entitled, "El Cerro de Mer- cado de Durango por Federico Weidner," in which the writer compares very justly the difi'erence of the price of iron used in the foundry at Mazatlan with the price in En- gland and also at Durango, as follows: " At the port of Mazatlan, for example, in all iron of sec- ond fusion (pig iron) which is used in the establishment of Senor D. Joaquin liedo, as well as first material (or iron ore) the price per ton of 2,240 lbs. which is manufactured or melted in England, is as follows: First price of the invoice, per ton $15 to $25 Freight by water, per ton 5 to 7 Unloading and carriage by mules, per ton ... 5 Custom house duties, at 30 cts. per hundred, 5 Total ,., $36 a little more or less per ton, or $1.60 per quintal. " In the place of English iron, if they want to use Du- rango iron, the cost at the foundry of Flores would be $3 to $4 per quintal, or $60 to $80 per ton. ''Adding to this the freight between Mazatlan and Durango at $8.50 per quintal, or $80 per ton, with the purchase price 180 at Mazatlan, at $60 to $80 per ton, makes a total of $156 per ton, more or less, or $7 per quintal." The iron of Mazatlan, at $6 to $10 per quintal, when cast by the piece, costs $12 to $16 for complicated work; but when half-finished or plain, it costs $8 per quintal, or $180 per ton; so that in Durau^o, the minimum price is $15 per quintal, or $330 per ton. Adding to this the freight to Mazatlan, makes the minimum price for finished iron $20 per quintal, or $448 per ton." This is sufficient argument, we take it, for the establish- ment of a foundry at Durango alongside of the Cerro de Mercado, or mountain of iron, in the immediate vicinity. The author goes on to show that since the first cost in En- gland is $20 per ton while it can be procured in their neigh- borhood for $4 to $6 in ore, and carriage to a foundry erect- ed woukl not make it more than $5 to $7. He also men- tions the existence of furnaces, retorts, and other apparatus which were abandoned by various parties np to 1856, ou account of their being unable to successfully reduce the ore, and points out the fact that the ore of the Cerro de Mercado can be successfully treated and manufactured at a very great profit. lie also pubhshes a scientific examina- tion of the ore and the surrounding locality, its extent and analysis, which we condense below. He goes on to explode an error that exists on the part of travelers and scientific men that this immense mass of iron is an aerolite, and pub- lishes in the pamphlet the geological structure or formation around and underneath it, and pronounces the aerolite the- ory a cabal on the Cerro de Mercado, and further that it is of volcanic origin; and points out the fact that the iron mines of England have produced 15,000,000 of quintids an- nually for the last 330 years, amounting to $9,900,000,000, or more than seven times the amount of gold and silver coined from all the mines of Mexico fiom 1690 to 1803. He says the Cerro de Mercado is 1,750 varas in length from east to west, and 400 varas in width, and the height from the surface of the plain of San Antoiio 234 varas, which cuts it, as it were, in the middle horizontally, and the re- sulting estimate in cubic measurement is 60,000,000 cubic varas, and by analysis of the contents or percentage of pure iron it contains, estimates the amount of ore in the whole mass at more than 5,000,000,000 of quintals, from which he calculates that, taking the percentage of pure iron to be 50 per cent., although it assays 75 per cent., the whole mass will then produce 2,500,000,000 quintals of metalUc or pure 181 iron, and, estimating its value at $5 per quintal, it would represent not less than the enormous sum of $12,500,000,- '000, or more than three times all the products of the mines of Mexico since 1772 to 1880, which we have estimated to be about $4,000,000,000. Further, in order to fully comprehend the immense amount of iron in this solid mass, by calculating the amount produced in England at fifteen millions of quintals annually for the last 330 years, the whole amount produced is 4,950 millions of quintals, or only a little over one-third of the amount of pure iron contained in the Cerro de Mercado, which has been aptly termed a mountain of iron, and lies almost un- touched, while the same metal now so much in demand within the boundaries of the republic, is imported from England, as we have already shown ; the difference in freight, as well as first cost, giving the trade to England Curious Caves of Durango. From Cosala, in Sinaloa, to the foot of the mountains, a distance of five leagues due east, Santa Ana, a small rancho, is situated, and near it are some mines of silver and magistral. The road here enters a canon, and the traveler soon gets enveloped in the mountains, which rise almost per- j)endicular]y. Strata of porphyry, granite, limestone and alabaster are found on each side. A small stream runs along the bottom of the canon, and leads up to the table-land, which soon commences. On the boundaries of Durango, immense herds of cattle are seen grazing on the plains, mingling with elk and the fallow deer, and bhick-tailed deer; the latter, however, frequents mostly the inaccessible mountains. The celebrated caves of the state are located 30 leagues from San Antonio, and 16 leagues from Cosala, or about 48 miles. The caves are situated in a small circular valley or basin 100 yards in diameter. The road Hes down the canon, 14 leagues below, to this basin. The caves are called Las Cuevas de San Miguel. The largest is called San Miguel, and is 240 feet in length and 80 feet high, and 150 feet wide, forming a large room. The roof is a regular arch in formation or curvature. In the back wall, opposite the entrance, are found openings of dif- erent sizes. One of them was penetrated by a traveler, who describes them in a book entitled, "The Forth-western Part of Mexico." He says, he penetrated 130 feet, and found intricate windings and subdivisions or openings on each side. 182 The origin of the caves ia unknown, but it ia supposed that they were inhabited by the aborigines or ancient Aztecs, They have never been completely explored, as near as we can ascertain, and the attention of antiquarians is called to them, as relics of the former inhabitants might be found. From the caves, the distance to Plomosas is 40 leagues, and to the city of Durango, 40. Coahuila. The state of Coahuila is divided into five districts: Sal- tillo, Parras, Viezca, Monclova and Rio Grande. The state is e^^tremely mountainous,, and the vast plains called the Bolsonde Mapimi extend throughout the western portion, a deserted region covered with sands and alkali. The princi- pal mountains in the north are El Pico Etereo, La Sierra del Carmen, and Loraerios de Peyotes. In the center, the Sierra of Santa Rosalia, San Marcos, La Fragua, La Paila, Sierra Azul, Coahuila, Chiflon, Angostura, and Sierra Madre. Saltillo is the capital, with 8,000 inhabitants. The whole state is very sparsely settled, and, as yet, is al- most entirely undeveloped, on account of its lack of suffi- cient water and the constant incursions of the Apaches upon the settlements. The principal productions of the state are stock, and agri- cultural products, such as grapes and fruits of various kinds. Some mines are also worked. Nuevo Leon. The state of iTew Leon is bounded on the north and north- east by Tamaulipas, and on the west, north, and south bj'' Coa- huila, and on the west and south by San Luis Potosi. Li the western part, the state is traversed by the Sierra Mount- ains, extending from north to south, and in the north-east it is occupied by extensive table lands broken by mountain peaks extending from the base of the mountains toward the north-eastern border where the table lauds break into canons traversed by arroyos. From the center of the state to the eastern border an extensive plain stretches from the base of the mountains. This extensive valley or plain is traversed by the river San Juan, which rises in the mount- ains in the western part of the state and passes Monterey, the capital, which is situated on its banks, and flows in a north-easterly direction across the border into Tamaulipas 183 and then into the Rio Grande. This is the only river in the state, and its main branches are the Pesquiera and the Kio Pilon. The valley of the San Juan is very fertile on the river bottoms and produces the usual tropical productions. Stock- raising and agriculture constitute the principal tradeiof the state. The capital (Monterey) has about 13,500 inhabit- ants, and the state is divided into 44 municipalities, with a population of about 200,000. Tamaulipas. The . state of Tamaulipas consists of the extreme north- eastern portion of Mexico, and is divided into four districts — namely, Del Norte, Del Centre, Del Sur, and Cuarto Dis- trito. The principal ports are Matamoras, on the bank of the Rio Bravo or Rio Grande, near its mouth; Tanipico, on the Tampico, Soto la Marina. Victoria is the capital of the state; inhabitants, 6,000. The south-eastern po tion of this state is broken with the spurs of the Sierra Madre, while the northern and north-eastern portion is covered with plains. It is bounded on the north-east by the Rio Grande River and Texas opposite, and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico, and south by Vera Cruz and San Luis Potosi, on the west by Kew Leon. A small strip of the state extends along the Rio Grande on the north-west. The town of New Loredo is the proposed northern termi- nus of the Mexican Central Railroad, and is situated in the narrow strip of the state before mentioned, in the extreme north-western part of the state. The city of Matamoras and Tampico are its principal sea-ports, and the chief business of the state is stock-raising and some agricultural produc- tions. Matamoras is located on the Rio Grande about 20 miles from the mouth of the river, and Tampico is located at the extreme south-eastern portion of the state, on the Ban; I de Tampico. Arts and Manufactures. To fully comprehend the progress made by Mexico in arts and manufactures, we ajDpend the following information from the work of the learned and able writer, Antonio Garcia Cubas, published in Mexico, in 1876, from wliich we have obtained most of our information concerning the resources of Mexico. The following statements of facts will open tlio 184 eyes of many who think the people of Mexico a barbarous and balf-civ.ilized people; and it may as well be stated here, that although rude implements of agriculture and mining are found to some extent in portions of the republic, yet vast improvements have been going on, as the following from the pen of Cubas will verify. The work has been translated by Mr. George Henderson, of Mexico: '■' Carved work and filigree work in gold and silver yield in little or nothing to similar productions from abroad. The carriages and household furniture made in Mexico, with the exception of silkstufts, can compare in taste and solid work- manship with the best that can be imported from foreign countries. '■' In the fine arts, both in painting, as well as sculpture and architecture, our Academy of San Carlos, reported by travelers to be the first in America, displays the progress they have acquired. Some of their works will be exhibited to the public at the Philadelphia Exposition. The fabrica- tion of texturas, as well as other manufactures, has increased astonishingly. Several factories, sugar-mills, and distiller- ies, are established in the states of Mexico, Pueblo, Vera Cruz, Jalisco, Morelos, Guerrero, Tobasco, Oaxaca, and Yucatan. ^' Earthenware is made in Guanajuato, Mexico, and Pueblo in the state of Jalisco; and in the valley of Mexico there are various paper mills; also, some glass factories in Mexico and Pueblo; also, (at Durango) cotton factories in the greater part of the states; silk factories in Guanajuato, Queretaro, and Mexico. The number of cotton factories in the republic exceeds seventy. The states that may be con- sidered as manufacturing districts, being those of Pueblo, Jalisco, Queretaro, Mexico, and Vera Cruz." This number of factories existed in 1875, and, since that time, many others have been built in Sinaloa, Sonora, and other states. Also, flour-mills, glass and paper factories bave since sprung up, and we only give the data in regard to flour-mills of the state of Sonora, obtained from Mr. David B. Blair, acquired by him through Mr. Ortiz, of this city. '' Total number of flour-mills on the line of the Sonora R. R., 31. There are, besides, many small mills that manufacture flour for local consumption. The total amount of tons of flour produced is 9,100 tons, from the various haciendas in Sonora. Besides this, the production of numberless other wheat-producing regions never reaches the port of Guay- mas. 185 Imports and Exports. The Mexican government maintains mercantile relations with England, France, the United States of America, Germany, Spain, and the Island of Cuba, Belgium, Italy, Central America, the United States of Colombia, and the Equator. According to the Annual Reports, the value of the im- portations may be estimated at 29,000,000 of dollars, as fol- lows: For ISVS. Cotton and cotton goods $10,500,000 Oroceries, wines and spirits. . .- 5,000,000 Articles free of duty ...._,„. 3,300,000 Hardware and ironmongery 2,100,000 Miscellaneous 2,000,000 Linen and hemp goods. 1,400,000 Woolen goods 1,400,000 Mixed goods 1,400,000 Silks 1,000,000 Earthenware, glass and crystal ware 600,000 Drugs and chemicals 300,000 TotaL $29,000,000 This amount was imported from the following countries: For 1875. England $10,200,000 United States of America * 7,500,000 France 4,780,000 Germany 3,800,000 Spain and the Island of Cuba . . 1,400,000 United Kates of Colombia . , . 1,200,000 Central America 100,000 Italy, Belgium, and American Republics 20,000 Total $29,000,000 The exportations amounted to 32,300,000 of dollars, as follows: For 1875. Gold and siver coin $24,000,000 Ores and minerals 1,800,000 Hides and skins in general 1,800,000 Henequen, Ixtle and cordage 1,000,000 186 Timber and dye woods $1,000,000 Coffee 600,000 Vanilla 400,000 Cochineal 300,000 Cattle .-...,„. 200,000 Tobacco 150,000 Orchilla 130,000 Fine pearls , . . „ 110,000 Caoutchouc or Indian Rubber 100,000 Sarsaparilla 90, 000 Wool 90,000 Sole and upper leather 80,000 Indigo , 80,000 Jalap root , o o » 80,000 "Coquita," small cocoanut ....,,, o 50,000 Frij'jles (beans) „ 40,000 Cotton 80,000 Mother of pearl 25,000 Starch 25,000 Wheat 20,000 Other agricultural and industrial productions. . . . 100,000 Total $32,300,000 These exports are made to the following countries: Fur 1875. England, to the amount of $12,600,000 United States of America 12,000,000 France 5,000,000 Germany 1,500,000 Spain, and the Island of Cuba 800,000 Central America 150,000 Italy aud Belgium 50,000 $32,000,000. The balance goes to other countries 300,000 Total $32,300,000 [The above estimates we obtain from the valuable work of Antonio Garcia Cubas entitled "The Republic of Mexico," published in 1876 in the city of Mexico.] Thus we see by a comparison of the tables that England imports nearly $300,000 more than the United States of America, and that only about one-quarter of the entire im- 187 ports of Mexico come from the United States, while Eng- land, in her little island from her warehouses at Liverpool and London, imports nearly one-third of the entire trade, and Germany imports less than either the United States or England. Of the exports, England still commands $500,000 more than the United States, though they are nearly eqi^al, each absorbing over one-third of the entire trade. The balance of trade we also see is in favor of Mexico, the exports being in excess of the imports some $3,000,000. The lesson of this table we leave with our readers. It is plain to be seen that with a little effort the United States may take the lead and eventually supply the most of this trade, or by establishing warehouses in the manner stated elsewhere, command event- ually the greater proportion of the $30,000,000 or $40,000,- 000 imports annual trade of Mexico. This trade, however, we thus see in its infancy, and as it increases it would prove of rich profit to our ports Through the Mexican Consul we have obtained the fol- lowing data from the " Memoria de Hacienda y Credito Pub- lico," dated January 12, 1879, and issued as a public docu- ment at the City of Mexico: " The exportations for the year 1877 to 1878 reaches the -amount, according to the balances respectively, of $28,777,508.07 (^o. 5, Part IV). The le- gal importations of merchandise for the year 1877-78, may be estimated at the value of $21,462,621. Probably during the present economical year (1879) there will be less im- portations of foreign merchandise. It is calculated that more in value (about $4,000,000) are exported annually than imported by foreign merchants. In the past few years it has been notable that emigration to the capital has increased in Mexico and diminished the production of former years." From the same work we gather that Mexico is now supply- ing her own trade to a considerable amount by homo man- ufactures, which has not failed to reduce the foreign trade. The same report says the falling off has been caused by the general effects of revolutions, and calculates the falling oft' from 1867 to 1877 at about $12,000,000. The work was printed in 1878, and consequently the last two years' report has not yet reached the public, but from the large importa- tions ot railroad accouterments which are now being shipped principally from England and Hamburg, with the brisk re- opening of her mines, will undoubtedly bring her commerce of the present year up to in the neighborhood of former years, if it does not exceed them. One notable fact ap- 188 peairi, however, that the balance of trade is undoubtedly in favor of Mexico, as she claims, of about $-l:,000,000, as a lib- era] estimate. The amount of smuggling will nearly balance the imports and exports either way'of that class, but calculat- ing even that the smuggling of imports vastly exceeds the ex- ports unlawfully shipped and transported from her borders, yet it cannot exceed it more than the allowance made of about 13,000,000; hence, in any event, it is apparent that Mexico is not being impoverished, but is gaining continually against the commerce of other nations. From the "Hacienda y Credito Publico" of January 12th, 1879, we also obtain the following interesting data: From 1871 to 1875, the exports to England from Mexico in various goods was $768,411. b7; in metals, $7,612,788.57; and other merchandise, $838,637.96. Total, $9,219,873.40. The same to United States: various goods, $3,476,774.53; in metals, $6,696,538.55; other merchandise, $184,854.82. Total, $10,358,167.80. Total amount of exports in that year was $27,318,788, of which the United States received $1,138,294.40 more than England, and over one-third of all the exports of Mexico. The imports from New York City alone in three years and six months amounted to $3,158,- 216.48. The "Boletin de Sociedad Agricola Mexicana," of De- cember 11th, 1880, an official paper, published in Mexico, calculates the amount of exportations for the year 1880, in round numbers, at about $35,000,000, of which amount the same paper credits the productions of the mines at about $30,000,000 — an increased activity having taken place dur- ing the last year — and the balance, or about $5,000,000, is the value of the other productions exported. The vast amount of material being imported for the con- struction of railroads makes it almosc impossible to reach a calculation of the probable amount of imports, until all the official reports are returned to the general government, and given to the public, for the past year. These data are sufficient to encourage our merchants to make an effort to secure this valuable trade, which may be increased almost indefinitely on the development of the vast resources of Mexico. 189 How to Reach the IN'orthern Part of Mexico. The Americans as a general thing, know but little of the northern part of Mexico, and still less how the traveler, for pleasure or business, can best visit there. There are various routes that can be traveled, occupying more or less time, and accompanied with greater or less risk. First, the route from the east by way of Yera Cruz to the City of Mexico, and thence by stage or diligence to San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas ; from thence to the city of Durango ; from Durango the traveler can proceed to Mazatlan on the Pacific or the city of Chihuahua. From either of these places he can visit in detail or at his leisure the whole length and breadth of the Sierra Madre and Sierra Caliente or Hot Coun- try. The old route by stage from San Antonio to El Paso is no longer necessary, since the traveler can reach El Paso by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, or by the Texas and Missouri Pacific and Iron Mountain R. K. The completion of the Mexican Central to the city of Chihuahua and from thence to Durango will also be an improvement upon the stage traveling over the same route. From Durango the stage may be taken to Zacatecas, via Nombre de Dios, Som- brerete and Fresnillo. From Zacatecas connection by stage may be made for San Luis, and from thence to Mexico City or to Tampico on the Gulf. Or stage may be taken from Zacatecas to Lagos and from thence to Guadalajara. In fact from^ the principal cities over the whole Republic stage com- munication may be found. While it is not desirable to travel over the hot lands of the Gulf during the sickly season, yet if the traveler desires he may start from Brownsville, Texas, and travel by stage by way of Matamoras, Camargo, Mier, Monterey, Saltil'lo, through to Mexico City, or to Zacatecas, and from thence to Durango, Chihuahua and El Paso. For the northwestern part of the Republic, some travelers prefer to take the steamer from San Francisco to Mazatlan or Guaymas. This steamer leaves San Francisco for the afore- said Mexican ports, touching at Cape St. Lucas and La Paz in Lower California, Mazatlan and Guaymas in Sinaloa and Sonora. From Mazatlan the voyager can find convey- ances to any part of Sinaloa, Sonora, Durango, or Chihua- hua. Besides the stage routes before mentioned we might add that the traveler can go from San Antonio, Texas, by rail to El Paso, and from thence to Chihuahua, Alamos and Mazatlan, the fare from Alamos over this route to the city of 190 Mazatlan being §40 for tbe trip of five clays, with one day besides at Cnliacan. The price of meals ranges from 75 cents to §1 besides the fare by stage, and lodgings f2 in- cluding bed and breakfast. Prices are naturally hi:gh with the advent of increase in travel. The completion of the coimection between the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe route and the Southern Pacific Railroad now opens a route in that direction, doing away with the necessity of stage from San Antonio to El Paso. There are three principal routes, one by El Paso by stage, one by Tucson to Guaymas and from thence to the various points, and the other is by taking the steamer at San Francisco for the various ports on the sea coast. On the eastern coast of Mexico the principal route is by steamer to Vera Cruz and rail to Mexico City and from thence by Mexican diligence. The Mexicans are proverb- ially fond of demanding extortionate charges for everything required by travelers, and it is necessary for one to keep his wits about him, or he will hava to pay two or three prices for everything. In Mexico foreigners are always considered legitimate prey, and the only way to avoid extortion is to learn the prices of exerything. This may be learned to some extent in the papers or from resident foreigners who can be trusted. After learning this, never ask: " IIow much do you charge? " but always say: " If you have so and to sell, at such a price, I will take it." They universally ask more than they expect to get, and fall to the regular price. In traveling, buy your ticket at the stage ofiice, and if you are to travel off' of the regular stage route a mule can be hired for a very small amount, whereas a team may cost you considerably. The prices of meals are generally cheap, except on the regular stage routes, where they reach as high as before mentioned in many places. The nearest and most convenient route for travelers from the Northern and Eastern States by steamer to Mexico City is by the line of F. Alexander & Sons from New York. Pare to Vera Cruz, first class, $80; second class, $60. From Vera Cruz, by rail, first class, $16; second class, $12; third class, $7. From New Orleans, first class, $60; second class, $45. From San Francisco, by Mexican Steamship Line, to Mazatlan, first class, $75; to Guaymas, first class, $90. Everyone goes armed for emergencies while traveling. On the public highways comparative safety reigns; but it is always safer to travel in companies, and not forget the American's pocket protector. Small bands of savages, most- 191 ly Apaches, still rove in the moimtaius and over the plaiua occasionally, and are ready to commit murder and robbery. Brigandage is not entirely done away with; and if the trav- eler is alone, he must, in dangerous places, keep on the look- out for lurking savages or brigands. Sometimes a solitary brigand will not hesitate to attack a traveler, and the manner of attack is often very singular. As a case in point, a traveler is responsible for the following. While traveling along one of the highways in northern Sonora, he was startled by the "chck" of a horse's hoofs behind him, and the pecuhar " swish " through the air of a lariat, which fell over his shoulders; and before he knew it almost, his arms were pin- ioned to his sides. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to turn his horse's head, being well mounted, and spur his horse in pursuit of the brigand, or he would have been un- horsed in an instant. It took but a moment to free liimself from the lariat and draw his pistol and shoot the brigand dead on the spot. The object was to drag him fron? his horse and over the ground until he was insensible, and then rob him, and possibly murder him. We give this only as an illustration of the perils of solitary traveling. Camp- ing out is often romantic, and very agreeable; but if one intends to travel in Mexico at present, he must expect to endure some hardships. Ifc is necessary to acquire the Span- ish language, or sufficient to converse readily, and also to be provided with letters of introduction, either from some well-known Mexican citizen, or foreigner located in Mexico, in order to avoid many unpleasant and aggravating occur- rences. The people are hospitable and courteous, and expect foreigners to respect their institutions, and reserve their comments on the government and politics to themselves. Revolutions. The disturbances and overthrow of the civil authorities were, at one time, quite serious affairs in Mexico. Small bands of robbers would enter the town, take possession, and levy a tribute on all the citizens. This style of robbery has been dignified with the name of revoluion, when it is nothing more than the pranks of highwaymen. The most of these revolutions, so-called, are this and nothing more. Some years ago another style of revolution was adopted, that savored more of a conspiracy to defraud the government than anything else. Some of the large business houses, on the approach of their vessels laden with cargoes would pay 192 a small band of ruffians to put up a disturbance and over- tbrow the civil authorities, often in collusion with them, until the vessel had lande L her cargo and the goods were st red away; in this manner evading the duties. Some of the oldest and most respectable business houses have often engaged in this revolutionary fraud, anci acquired immense wealth thereby. This was 6to[)ped about seven years ago by the severity of the general government in ferreting out and punishing the perpetrators. Restitution was demanded in one instance, that cost the firm $150,000 more than they had ever made by it. This severity was exercised in other instances, and it put a stop to this species of speculation. In some instances during these disturbances, to give color to their innocence, a compromise was effected with the custom- house officers, and about one-fourth of the legal duties were paid. The jDrompt and effective punishment of this class of oft'enders by the late governors and chief executives of the republic has stopped the most of this marauding, and the republic is now comparatively safe for travelers and settlers. Foreigners who do not mix in political discussions or squab- bles, and keep a close mouth in relation to the affairs of the republic or states, are mostly left undisturbed, as their pres- ence is recognized as desirable. From the sentiments expressed in the editorials of the Mexican press, we gather the fact that immigration is desired on the part of the Mexican people, and they are opening their hospitable doors to the immense number of immigrants that are now flocking over the border-lines of the frontier. The old fashioned immigrant wagons are again seen on the road, crossing the frontier at El Paso, and remind old "49-ers" of the early days of California. Capi- talists are flocking by the hundreds from all parts of the United States into Tucson, and from thence into Mexico ; als:), at El Paso. These four states are fast being settled by these immigrants, and yet there is room in all that vast expanse of territory for the miner, settler, and capitalist. One great advantage, besides numerous others, will be in the effective stopping of every class of marauding revolu- tions; while the country will be settled up, new mines will be opened, and abandoned haciendas be made to pay rich returns for their management. Mexico will be the gainer in numerous ways; her soil will be extensively cultivated, and her mines produce an enormous annual revenue; her towns will be more flourishing, and her exports consequently increased. This will again benefit the nations who may be 193 in commercial relations with her inhabitants. The more producing element to develop her vast resources, the more extensive her trade with foreign nations will become. There are yet some facts to be taken into serious consideration in relation to the settlement of Mexican territory by American citizens, that will Be particularly referred to hereafter in the question of the acquisition of property in any of the states of Mexico by aliens. Annexation. In order to disabuse the minds of some persons who may think that any of the northern states of Mexico will at an early period be annexed to the United States, we present the following facts. There is a strong feeling among the- Mexican people akin to patriotism, which very positively de- clares that not another inch of the territory of the Mocte- zumas shall be ceded to the United States or any other- power. This is not the only reason .that exists unfavorable to aunexation; there are others of importance, the principal one being that capitalists who reside in the United States and Europe who have invested in mines and lands in Mexico will be opposed to annexation, since their property under the laws of Mexico escapes free from taxation, and their in- fluence will be against it. Secondly, the large property owners in these four states for the same reason will be op- posed to it. Thirdly, a large element in the United States,, located mostly in the South, who cultivate, in common with Mexico, cotton and sugar-cane and other productions of tho tropics, are opposed to it. Also, the additional federal taxea to support the governments in the additional territory, should it be annexed, makes the scheme an expensive one; besides the enormous price that would be demanded by the Mexi- can government for this territory, which contains the richest mines in the republic, would present an additional obstacle. Again, the advantages received would not repay the enor- mous outlay that would add to our already overburdened national government debt. Lastly, the cultivation of friend- ly business interests and relations between the two repub- lics will reduce the duties, so that when iron bands have joined their commerce, friendly and mutual interchanges will banish the idea of annexation. We think the advantages will be the same, but without the disadvantages that would be necessarily incurred. The influx of immigration will add to the security of 19i property and person, which is all that settlers in a foreign country generally desire. Mexico is a great nation, and is well known to be the richest nation in the world in mineral resources. If they are developed by intelligent and well- directed labor, her future is a brilhant one. The telegraph and railway are already carrying into her limits the advan- tages t]]at will make her one of the most powerful nations on the globe. Steam engines are plying in her gold and silver mines, imported by foreign capital. Soon her seaports will be thrown open on both sides, and she will command the com- merce of the world. Far be it from the American people to covet her vast territory, with all her riches, though un- developed they be. Rather let us extend to her a friendly hand, assisting her to take a place among the advanced na- tions of the earth, with liberty inscribed on her flag, and prosperity extending throughout her limits. Her form of government is Republican, let us remem- ber; and she too, with our own republic, is solving the ques- tion of self-government. Stormy though her career has been, yet, with all her revolutions she has claims still upon our friendly interest; and with a commendable spirit of pa- triotism she is attempting to educate her people and de- velop her vast resources under a Republican form of gov- ernment. As Americans love their soil and take pride in their institutions, so does Mexico, in like manner, believe in her nation, her people, and looks forward to an era of prosperity equal to any nation on earth. For centuries she has been bowed down under the weight of an antiquated despotism, and is but passing through her childhood as a republic. With the fallof Na- poleon, in France, Mexico awoke to put off the shackles of her Spanish conquerors. Hernando Cortez found her a half barbaric but magnificent empire, ruled by the native princes, who wielded a despotic power in the palaces of the Mocte- zumas. Spain left her a ruined empire, with half of her people without the aid of the basis of modern civi,lization. Ignorance spread its pall upon her future as a republic, and storms of revolution after revolution was the natural result. But a new era is now dawning, that gives the prom- ise of a magnificent future. She is favorably situated for commerce — perhaps more favorably than any other country in the world; for she touches two oteans and a hundred vialauds, and stands midway between North and South 195 America, and midway between all tlie commerce of Asia and Europe. We boast of our mines in California, Nevada, and the territories, when we have but the border of the vast mineral region that nestles in her bosom. She possesses the matrix of all our mines of gold, and silver, and copper, and other minerals, while we have but the outcroppings. Her mines have for centuries yielded vast riches, and are almost untouched in comparison with her hidden treasures that are yet to be developed. It is no wonder that capital- ists are turning their eyes upon Mexico from all parts of the world. England, and Germany, and France have for years been quietly gathering the flower of her commerce; and even now the parties interested in Mexico from these na- tions are attempting to discourage American capitalists from invading their special favored commercial territory, as they are pleased to term it: but although they denounce the Mexican g-overnment and people, they take care to continue their quiet absorption of her wealth. It is time American capitalists should be vigilant; and if any nation is to develop the vast resources of Mexico, and profit thereby, the en- ergetic American people are to contribute their share in this great and remunerative work. 196 Roads of Northern Mexico. From Colonel E. de Fleury's Majp, SONORA. FromGuaymastoIIermosillo, 96 miles, good wagon road. From Hermosillo to Ures, 45 miles, " " " From Hermosillo to Santa Cruz, bj north road to Tucson, 138 miles, good wagon road. From Santa Cruz to Fronteras, road to El Paso del Norte, 80 miles, good wagon road. E'rom Fronteras to El Paso del Norte by Canon de Guada- lupe, 155 miles, good wagon road. From Ures to Altar, 140 miles, good wagon road. From Ures to Arisi^e, by road along Sonora river, 73 miles, mule trail. From Arispe to Fronteras, 55 miles, mule trail. From Ures to Moctezuma, 70 miles, mule trail. From Ures to Sahuaripa, ISO miles, mule trail. From Ures to La Trinidad Mine, road to Chihuahua, 140 miles, mule trail. From Trinidad to Chihuahua City, 180 miles, mule trail. From Ures to Alamos, 182 miles, mule trail. From Alamos to El Fuerte, 40 miles, mule train. From Guaymas to El Pas^o del Norte (line of projected railroad), 470 miles, wagon road. CHIHUAHUA. From Chihuahua to El Paso del Norte, 250 miles, wagon road. From Chihuahua to Alamos, 220 miles, mule ttail. SINALOA. From El Fuerte to town of Sinaloa, 58 miles, wagon i-oad. From Sinaloa to Culiacan, 35 miles, wagon road. From Cualican to Cosala, 65 miles, wagon road. From Cualiacan to Mazatlan, 150 miles. LOWER CALIFORNIA. From Muleje to San Diego road to California, water at long intervals, 550 miles. From Muleje to La Paz, 335 miles, water at long intervals. From La Paz to Todos Santos, 76 miles, water at long in- tervals. From La Paz to San Jose, 60 miles, water at long intervals. 197 Manner of Acquiring Real Estate. Land is acquired in Mexico by denouncement, purchase, donation, accession, prescription, adjudication and inherit- ance. The law relating to jDublic lands limits the acquiring of said lands to 2,500 hectares (about 2J acres to each hec- tare) to each denouncer, but this may be increased by Gov- ernment grant. The following legal opinion touching the denouncement of vacant lands, by Hon. Judge Carlos F. Galan, one of the magi states of the Supreme tribunal of Siualoa and Lower California, but now practicing law In this city, is given to the public with the permission of Judge Galan: "A petition is presented to the District Judge (Federal), describing the lands by metes and bounds. The Judge orders the denouncement to be published In a newspaper for the period- of three weeks. If no opposition is made, the Judge orders a survey of the land denounced, to be paid for by the denouncer, but in accordance with certain rules given by the government. That done and presented to the Judge, the expediente is given for examination to the District At- torney, wlio objects or not, as the case ma^' be. In case of objectioii, the Judge orders a new survey, or whatever may be needed, in accordance with the District Attorney's opin- ion. When all is correct, the Judge adjudicates the land to the denouncer; a certified copy of all the proceedings is taken at the expense of the denouncer, and sent to the Gov- ernor of the State where the land is situated. He reports favorably or otherwise, and sends the papers, always at the expense of the denouncer, to the Minister of Fomento, in Mexico, and there the papers remain till their turn comes, and the Minister may or may not issue a patent. That is- sued, it is sent to the District Judge, who gives the judicial possession of the land, (not gratis, liowever) and the patent is delivered after paying for the land." The question of the right of foreigners to acquire real es- tate in the Republic is an extensive one, and we shall con- tent ourselves with the following brief summary and refer our readers to the work entitled " Hamilton's Mexican Law," in which we have elaborately^ discussed this subject, and quoted, all the laws extant relating thereto, together with the Mexican Constitution and decisions of Mexican tribunals. The law to-day in relation to foreigners may be said to prohibit : 198 First — Acquisition of private lands within twenty leagues of the boundary line by foreigners without express permis- sion from the Supreme Government. Second — Denouncement of public lands by natives or naturalized citizens of the adjoining nations in any of the frontier States or Territory., Third — Acquisition of real estate in any part of the Re- public, unless the foreigner is either a resident of Mexico, or admitted to local privileges, or has become a naturalized Mexican citize>i. Mexican Mining Law. ■ The manner of denouncing mines is briefly as follows-: The discoverer presents himself with a written statement before the Mining Deputation of that district, or Prefect, setting forth his name, place of birth, residence, profession or trade, the distinguishiiig marks of the site, hill or vein of the property. The statement is entered in a book of registry with the hour of discoverer's application, and re- turned endorsed to the discoverer for his security. Public notice is then posted on the doors of the church, or in other public places, and within ninety days a shaft 1|- Varas in diameter at the rnouth and 10 varas in depth is sunk. One of the depnties, or the Perito, and a notary then personally inspect the bearings and direction of the vein, its width, in- clinations, its hardness or softness, solidity of its walls, na- ture and indications of the mineral, adding their report to the record with the certificate of possession, which is then given, upon fixing the dimensions of the claim and stakes or boundaries. Official copy of all of which constitute the title to the mine. Failure to work the mines four consecutive months with four regularly paid miners forfeits the mine, and it may then be denounced by another. N"eglect to work the mine in the manner prescribed by law eigiit months in the year, countingfroni date of possession, although during said eight months, several days or weeks are inters] )ersed, loses the rigl)t to the mine, unless this time is extended, or pestilence, famine or war intervene in the district where the mine is lo- cated, or within twenty leagues thereof The mining ordi- nance, with all its latest modifications and mining decisions of Mexican tribunals, will be found complete in the work last before mentioned. The present law originally prohibited foreigners not nat- 199 uralized or allowed by special license, from acqnriug or work- ing mines. This provision was repealed by subsequent laws and circulars, and now foreigners legally may acquire mines in all parts of the Republic, provided one of the partners resides within the limits of Mexico. On this subject see "Hamilton's Mexican Law," in wJiich is discussed the right of foreigners to acquire mines within the prohibited belt, with the laws and circulars quoted therein. This right is withheld from foreigners by an unjust interpretation of the law applicable to foreigners. Mexican Railroad Concessions. So many inquiries have been made, and are being made, respecting the concessions granted by the Mexican govern- ment, and under which railways are being built or will be built, that the following condensed statement of the same will be of value. This list contains the grants made from August, 1877 to 1881, and embraces what are known as the "live" grants. In the statement, the abbreviation "kil." stands for kilo- meter, one kilometer being equal to 62-135ths of an English mile. "S. G." stands for standard gauge, and "N. G." for narrow gauge. "Con." stands for the party to whom the concession has been granted. National railroad from Tehuacan to La Esperanza. S. G. Con., general government. Length, 50 kils. Total cost, t&298,500. Completed. Celaya to Leon and Guanajuato. K. G. Con., State of Guan- ajuato. Length, 125 kils. Built, 60. Total subvention, 11,000,000. Mexico to Tolucaand Cuautitlan. IST. G. Con., an anoviy- mous Company. Length, 115 kils. Built, 46i. Total sub- vention, 1832,000. Salamanca to the Pacific Coast. N". G. Con., State of Michoacan. Length, 660 kils. None constructed. Total subv.mtion, $5,280,000. Oiaetusco to Pachuca and Tulancingo. N. G. Con., State of }I:dalgo. Length, 209 kils. BuiX 25. Total subven- tion, ^\i736,000. San Luis Potosi to Tantoyuquita. N. G. Con., State of Lan Luis Putosi. Length, 209 kils. Built, 6. Total sub- vention, $1,672,000. Lagos and Guadalajara to San Bias. N. G. Con., State oi Jalisco. Length, 737 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $5,896,000. 200 Celaya to San Juan del Rio. N. G. Con., State of Queret- taro. Length, 104 kils. Built, none. Total subvention. $832,000. Tehuacan to Puerto Angel through Oaxaca. N. G. Con., State of Oaxaca. Length, 519 kils. Built, none. Total- subvention, $4,152,000.' Vera Cruz to Alvaraclo. N. G. Con., State of Vera Cruz, Length, 132 kils. Built, 9. Total subvention, $1,056,000. Tantojuquita and boundary of the States of San Luis and Tamaulipas. N. G. Con., State of Tamaulipas. Length, 105 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $840,000. Merida to Peto via Ticul and Tekax, N. G. Con., State of Yucatan. Length 126 kils. Built, 10. Total subvention. $756,000. Zacatecas to San Luis, Aguascalientes and Lagos. IS". G. Con., States of Zacatecas, San Luis, Aguascalientes and Jalisco. Length. 448 kils. Built, 0|- Total subvention, $3,854,000. Port of Manzanillo to Tonila. jST. G, Con., State of Colima. Length 104 kils. Built none. Total sabvention, $832,000- Mexico to the shore of the Amacuzac. 'N. G. Con. State of Morelos, Length, 395 kils. Built, 98. Total -subvention, $3,160,000. Matarnoras Izucar. N. G. Con., State of Puebla. Length .57 kils. Built. 11. Total subvention, $456,000. San Martin Texmelucan. S. G. Con., general govern- ment, Length, 37 kils, Built, 2. No subvention, Cuautitlan to Salto. N. G. Con., the Toluca Company. Length, 63 kils. Built, 38. Total subvention, $441,000. Tehuautepec. S. G. Con,, Edward Learned. Length, 200 kils. Built. 5. Total subvention, $1,500,000. Mutamoras to Monterey. N. G. Con. state ol Tamaulipas. Length, 400 kils. Built none Total subvention, $8.200,00l> Mexico to Acapulco. N. G. Con., State of Guerrero. Length, 453 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $3,720,000. Chihuahua to Villa del Paso or to Villa Ojiuaga. N. '•'. Con., State of Chihuahua. Length, 350 kils. Built, noi e Total subvention, $2,800,000. Patzcuaro to Morelia and Salamanca. N. G. Con,, State of Michoacan. Length, 169 kils. Built, none. Total sub- ventien, $1,352,000. Culiacan to the Port of Altata and Durango. N. G. Cou., State of Sinaloa. Length, 440 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $3,520,000. 201 Anton Lizardo to Huataleo and Puerto Angel. N. G. Con., State of Oaxaca. Length, 450 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, 13,600,000. Jalapa to San Andres Cbalchicomula. N. G. Con., States ofPuebla and Vera Cruz. Length, 80 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, |640,000. San Agustin to Huehuetoca. N. G. Con., State of Hidal- go. Length, 50 kils. Bnilt, none. Total subvention, ^400,000. Central International & Literoceanic (Boston Company.) S. G. Con,, limited Company, represented by S. Camaclio and R. Guzman. Length, 2,435 kils. Built, 54. Nearly ready 24 kils. additional. Must build within 1 year, 3 months and 22 days. 354 kils. Time allowed for construc- tion, not counting first year, 9 years, 7 months, 22 days. Sura which the government must pay in one year from the date of concession, |600,000. Total subvention, $23,132,500. Mexican National Construction Company (Palmer & Sul- livan.) N. G. Con., Company represented by i'almer & Sul- livan. Length, 1,043 line to frontier, 915 line to Pacific. Built, none. Preparatory work being rapidly pushed. Sub- vention per kil. to Pacific, $7,000; to United States, $6,500. This Company- must build 450 kils. every two years. It is allowed four years, not counting first year, to reach the Pacific, and seven to reach the United States line. Total subvention, $13,184,500. San Martin to the Ft. of Hidalgo Tlaxcala. K G. Con., State of Tlaxcala. Length, 55 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $520,000. Puebla to San Marcos. N. G. Con., State of Puebla. Length, 51 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $408,000. Merida to Kalkini and Celestum. N. G. Con., state of Yucatan, Length, 145 kils. Built, none. Total subven- tion, $852,000. " Sonora (Guaymas to the northern frontier.) S. G. Con., limited company represented by S. Camacho and D. Fer- guson. Length, 457 kils. Built, 30. After first year this road must be constructed at rate of 200 kils. in two years. Total subvention, $3,199,000. Patzcuaro to the Pacific. N. G. Con,, state of Michoa- can. Length, 342 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $2,736,000. Toluca to the mine of Ixtapa del Oro. N. G, Con,, Jose Maria Amat. Length not stated. No subvention. 202 Link uniting the Morelos and Mexican. N". G. Con., state of Morelos. Length not stated. Coal Lands railway, from Kio Yaqui fo the Morrito. S. G. Con., Robert R. Sjmon. Length not given. No sub- vention. Merida to Valladolid, N. G. Con., Francisco Canton. Length, 160 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $960,000. Jalapa to Vera Cruz. N. G. Con., Ramon Zangroniz. Length, 114 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, $912,000. Salto to Maravatio via Tepeji and Jilotepec. N. G. Con., Pedro del Valle. Length not given, San Luis Potosi to the Mexican Central at Aguascalientes. N. G. Con., states of San Luis and Aguascalientes. Length, 150 kils. Built, none. Total subvention, |1,200,000. Estacion company and town of Tlalmanalco. Con., state of Mexico. Built, none. Length not stated. General Grant's R. R. is to s'tart from the City of Mexico, passing by the Cities of Puebla and Oaxaca, and by Te- hauntepec and to take there the best route for the frontier of Mexico with Guatemala. One branch to come from Vera Cruz and Anton Lizardo and another to go to Iluatulco. The company has the right to build a line to Tuxtla, Chi- apa, San Cristobal and Comitan in the State of Chiapa. The railroad movement which has recently taken place in that country' is so remarkable, that, according to the return received at the Department of Public Works, 1097J kilom etres of railroad have already been built, and in every one of the difierent lines, works are being carried on with the utmost activity. The Mexican Railroad, which runs between the capital and the port of Vera Cruz, with branches to Puebla and Jalapa, carried, during the year 1879, — 287,326 passengers, and 177,834| tons of freight. During the year 1880, there has been a larger traffic, and the number of passengers amounted to 313,348 while the freight transported reached the amount of 223,359 tons and 315 kilogrammes. Mexicai Tariff and Trade Regulations. The Mexican tariff by its excessive rates, and the govern- mental regulations controlling foreign intercourse and trade, have long been a source of annoyance to foreign merchants, and the primiuy cause of official delinquencies. The high rates have not alone been the cause of smuggling, but the peculiar intricacy of the custom house regulations, which 203 have caused the confiscation of goods of well-meaning mer- chants, has also added to the temptation to evade the revenue officers and thus defraud the Mexican government. Indepen- dent of the annoyances attending a new trade, it will repay our merchants to examine carefully the following facts in connection with the list of goods mostly exported from the United States to Mexico. The duties thereon are calculated by the French standard of weights and measures. A metre is 39 inches, a kilogram is 2-^ pounds. The figures enclosed in parentheses is an additional charge per 100 kilograms, gross weight, im- posed by the law of June 25, 1881. Wine, white, of all kinds, in bottles or demijohns, with- out allowing breakage, kil. net wt. (50 cts.) $ .29 Wine, white, ot all kinds, in wooden vessels, without allowing leakage, kil. net wt. (50 cts.) .19| ^Wine, claret, all kinds, in bottles or demijohns, without allowing breakage, kil. net wt. (50 cts.) .18^ Wine, claret, all kinds, in wooden vessels, without allow- ing leakage, kil. net wt. (50 cts.) .11| Wines, medicinal, all substances, and authors, kil. net wt. (50 cts.)...' 1.(0 Liquors in bottles or jars, without allowing breakage, kil. gross wt., .23 and .08 additional net, (50 cts.) Acids, of all kinds, either gaseous or liquid, kil. net wt. including inside packing^ (50 cts.) ' .25 Acids, powdered or in glass vessels, kil. net wt., includ- ing inside packing, (50 cts.) 1.00 Billiard tables of any material, not including cloth, upon appraisement, 55 per cent. Billiard balls, kil. gross wt. (50 cts.) 3,72 Billiard sticks and caps, kil. gross wt. (50 cts.) .43 Books, bound in velvet, shell, tortoise, ivory or metal, kil. gross wt. (50 cts.) 1,15 Blankets, cotton, plain or stamped, square metre, (50 cts.) .48 Blankets, wool, not stamped or figured, square metre, (50 cts.) .96 Blankets, cotton and wool mixed in average proportion, plain or stamped, square metre, (75 cts.).... .72 Brushes, scrubbing, shoe blacking and horse cleaning, gross wt. (50 cts.) .19 Brushes for table, clothing, hair, teeth, nail's and hats, set on wood, bone, horn, or. gutta percha, gross wt. (50 cts.) _ _ .29 Same, set on ivory, shell, tortoise, or gilded or silver plated metal, gross wt. ($1.00) 86 204 Bags and sacks, ready-made, common, of any material, ' upon appraisement, 65 per cent. (50 cts.) _ Clocks, fine, not gold or silver, gross wt. ($1.00) 86 Clocks, common, with or without wooden box, gross wt. (75 cts.) 29 Coffee, net wt. (75 cts.) 10 Cloves and spices, net wt. (50 cts.) __ .60 Cotton, ginned, gross wt. (50 cts.), _ • .07 Cotton," seed, gross wt. (75 cts.) .02 Curry-combs and iron combs, gross wt. (50 cts.) 19 Codfish, dried or smoked, and any other fish prepared in the same manner, net wt. (75 cts.) 10 Combs, Chinese cane, all kinds, gross wt. ($1.00) 23 Combs, ladies' varnished iron, horn, gutta-percha, bone, or wood, with or without common metal, gross wt. (50 cts.) .29 Cloth, all kinds and colors, with woolen base and woof, plain, figured or striped, sq. metre (75 cts.) 1.56 Cotton goods, common white and colored, sq. metre ($1.00) 09 Cotton goods, white and colored, not embroidered or —'^^erforated, sq. metre (50 cts.)_ _. .16 Cotton goods, plain, brown, unbleached, sq. metre (50 cts.) 09iVu Cotton goods, bleached or unbleached, serged or twilled, sq. metre (50 cts.) ^ 16 Cotton goods or textures, white or colored, embroidered or perforated, sq. metre ($1.00) : .19 Thread, per doz. ($1.00) 20 Cassimeres and similar woolen goods, sq. metre ($1.00) .80 Carriages, open, and coupes, each (50 cts.) 176.00 Coaches, phaetons, landaus, each (50 cts.) 396.00 Buggies, each (50 cts.) 132.00 Sulkies, each (50 cts.). _ 33.00 Wagons, each (50 cts.) _. 66.00 Harness for carriages, fine, kil., gross wt. (75 cts.) 2.00 Harness for wagons, ordinary, kil., gross wt. (75 cts.).. .86 Furniture, 55 per cent, ad valoi^em (50 cts.) _ Pianos, kil., gross wt. (75 cts.) 43 Drugs, medicines, natural and cliemical products, and vessels and commodities used therefor not speci- fied in tariff, 88 per cent, ad valorem ($1.00) Earthenware and porcelain, except those specified, and toys, gross wt., without allowing breakage (50 cts.) .14 Same, ornamented with white or yellow metal (75 cts.) .29 205 rionr, kil. net. wt., (50c) 10 Wheat, kil, net wt., (50c) 04 Barley, kil., net wt., (50c) 03 Bice, kil., net wt., (50c) 07 Hops, kil., net wt., (50c) 18 Hams, smoked, net wt., (50c) 25 Meats, salt and smoked, net wt, (50c) 24 Lard, kil, net wt., (50c) 18 Batter, kil., net wt., (50c) 24 Cheese, kil., net wt., (50c) 14 Candles, tallow, gross wt., (50c) 08 Candles, stearine, gross wt., (50c) 19 Candles, parafine, gross wt, (50c) 38 Crackers, gross wt., (50c) 12 Canned fruit, cans included, net wt, (50c)...., 50 Canned meats and fish, cans included, net wt, (50c).. 72 Pickles, jars included, kil., net wt, (50c) 48 Soap, toilet, kil., gross wt, (75c).. 1 15 Soap, common, kil., gross wt, (50c) 15 Glass, common, kil., gross wt, (50c) 24 Gun powder, kil., gosswt., (75c) 2 00 N"ails of all kinds, iron, kil., gross wt,, (50c) 12 Tools, iron, steel and wood, kil., gross wt., (50c) 19 Clothing, readj-made, all kinds, per suit, ($1) 132 per cent. India rubber clothing, kil., gross wt. (75c) 1 43 India rubber shoes, etc., kil., gross wt., (50c) 43 India rubber cloth, for tables, kil, gross wt., (50c).. 29 Oil cloth, for floors kil., gross wt, (50c) 29 Leather, boots, yellow, dozen, (^1) 16 50 Leather boots, calf or morocco, dozen, (|1) 27 00 Leather shoes, common, men's, dozen, ($1) ,.... 7 00 Leather shoes, fine, men's, dozen, ($1) 16 50 Leather shoes, women's dozen, ($1) 10 00 Leather shoes, women's common, dozen, (75c).. 5 50 Carpets, two and three-ply, sq. metre, ($1) 80 Carpets, Brussels, sq. metre, ($1) 97 Carpets, velvet, sq. metre, ($1) 1 40 Cocoa matting, kil, gross wt, (50c) 16 Yinegar, barrels, kil., net wt., (50) 05 Vinegar, bottles, kil., net wt, (50c) 10 Whisky, barrels, kil., net wt., (50c) 37|- Whisky, bottles, net wt, (50e) 46 Beer, barrels, kil.. net wt., (50c) 10^ Beer, bottles, kil., net wt., (50c) 21 206 Petroleum, cans included, kil., net wt., (50c) 09 Resin, kil., gross wt., (50c) 25 Tar, kil., gross wt., (50c) 03 Salt, kil., gross wt., (50c( 05 Potatoes, kil., gross wt, (50c) 02 Onions, kil., gross wt., (50c) 02 Free List. Articles exempt from import duties at the Maritime and Frontier Custom houses of Mexico, ' as revised in accordance with the law of 1st of June 1880, and also with the law of June £5th, 1881. Art. 16. — The following articles are exempt from duties on their importation into the Republic, except in amounts as follows: Gross Weight per 100 Icils. 1. — Armament for the States, provided that the ex- emption be solicited from the Executive of the Union, by the Governors, with the consent of their respective Legislatures 2. — Telegraph wire, the destination of which must be accredited at the Maritime Custom houses, by the respective parties interested 3. — Wire, of iron or steel for carding from No 26 upwards 50 4. — Alabaster in the rough 50 5. — Animals of all kinds, alive or stuffed for cabinets of Natural History — with the exception of gelded horses... 50 6. — Ploughs and ploughshares 50 7. — Masts and anchors for large or small vessels 50 8. — Oats, in grain or in the straw 50 p9._Quicksilver 50 ho.— Sulphur 50 11. — Steel crowbars for mines, cylindrical or octagon, from 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter and from -jr^. 75 to 175 centimetres in length 50 ri2. — Fire engines and common pumps of all classes, V. and materials for irrigation and other purposes. 50 e— Hoes, "machetes" [common chopping knives for sugar cane] without sheaths, scythes, sick- les, rakes, harrows, spades, shovels, picks and pickaxes for agricultural purpose 75 207 . Gross Weight per 100 kils. 14. — Hydraulic lime 50 15. — Tubing of all classes, materials and dimensions, without considering as comprised in this exemp- tion, copper tubes or those of other metals that do not come soldered or closed with joints or rivets in their whole length, which shall be subject to the payment of duties, acording to the material 50 16. — Cardclothing of wire, in sheets for machinery I and sheep cards i 50 17'-{- Wheel barrows, hand, of one and two wheels, I V and hods , 50 18. — Crucibles of all materials and sizes..., 50 19.-|-Railway cars, coaches and wagons..../ 20.— Coal of all kinds /..'. 21. — Collections, mineralogical and geological, and of all branches of Natural History 22. — Houses, of wood or of iron, complete I 23. — Whalebone, unmanufactured ;.. 50 24. — Designs and models of machinery, buildings, monumentsand ships or vessels 50 25. — Staves and heads for barrels 50 26. — Vessels, ships, boats, etc., of all classes and forms, in their naturalization or for sale, or on their introduction for navigating the bays, lakes, canals and rivers of the Republic..,. , 27. — Iron and steel, manufactured into rails for rail- | ways ' 28. — Fruit and vegetables, fresh, with the exception of those specified in the schedule of duties 50 29— Guano 50 30.— Ice 50 31. — Hiposulphate of Soda 50 32, — Corn meal, made from maize, and handmills for grinding it 50 33. — Instruments, scientific 1 00 34. — Books, printed, bound or unbound 1 00 35.-4-F ire wood.. V 50 36. — Bricks and clay, refractory... 1 50 '37. — Type, letter, gussets, spaces, lines, vignettes and every kind of printing type 50 38.— Boxwood 50 39. — Timber, common, for construction 50 40. — Maize, Indian Corn 50 « 208 V Gross Weight per 100 kils. 41. — Maps and glooes 1 00 42. — Machinery — I. Machines and apparatus of every kind adapted to industrial purposes, to agriculture, raining and the arts and sciences, with their separate and duphcate parts 60 II. Loose pieces of machinery and apparatus, com- ing together with or apart therefrom, are includ- ed in this exemption, but this exemption does not comprise the leather or rubber belting that serves for communicating motion, when it is not imported at the same time as the machinery to which it is to be applied 1 00 III. Those articles of which a separate use can be made, digtinct from the machinery or appara- tus, such as pig iron, hoop iron in bars or rods, stuft's of woollen or other material and tanned or untanned leather, even when they come jointly with the machinery shall be subject to the payment of duties, in accordance with the rates of the respective Tarift'. j 43. — Steam engines and locomotives, iron or wooden I sleepers, and the other accessories for build- ^ ing railways 44. — Marble in the rough and in slabs of all dimen- sions for floors or pavement 60 45. — Fuse and matches for mines 50 46, — Ores of precious metals, in bulk or in powder... 47. — Moulds and patterns for the arts 60 48. — Legal coin of silver or gold of all nations 49. — Coins, — collections of, — of all classes 1 00 50. — Natural History — Specimens of — for museums and cabinets 60 51. — Fodder — dry, in the straw 60 62. — I. Plants and seeds for the improvements of ag- riculture exceeding 115 kilograms of each kind of seed 60 11. In order that the seeds be comprised in this exemption, it must be expressed in the respective Consular Invoices, that they are im- ported for the improvement of agriculture (^53. — Lithographic Stones 60 54. — Slates for roofing and floors 50 65. — Powder — common, for the use of mines and dynamite for the same purposes 50 209 > GrToss Weight per 100 Jcils. 56. — Vaccine matter .....^ 50 57. — Oars for boats and barges '. 50 58. — Common salt, imported tbrough "Paso del Norte." ^ 50 59.— Saltpetre 50 60. — Sulphate of copper 50 61. — Anvils for silver smiths 50 62.~Printing Ink • 50 63. — Type, w^opden, and other materials for litho- graphy 50 64. — Rays of all kinds for manufacturing powder 50 65. — Joists, of iron for roofs, provided no use can be made of them for other purposes in which iron is employed 50 66, — Anvils, Blacksmith's 50- Article 17 th — The Executive of the Union can concede a dispensation of import duties, to the amount of one hundred dollars, on the articles brought in by the States of the t'ed- eration, which are intended for the encouragement of ma- terial improvements and for the aid of public charities. Note of the Translator. — Notwithstanding the paragraph No. 42 declares machinery free of duties, iron shoes and dies for mortars and stamping mills are made to pay 6 cents per kilogram, gross weight, and iron stamps for crushing mills the same rate, as per paragraph of the Schedule of duties. No. 448. George F. Henderson, Translator. One small trunk containing necessary wearing apparel,, two watches and chains, one hundred cigars, forty smalli bunches of cigars, one-half a kilogram of snuff, one-half a kilogram of tobacco for pipe, one pair of pistols with their accesories up to 200 cartridges, one rifle, escopda or carbine with ♦accesories up to 200 cartridges, one pair o| musical instruments, except pianos and organs. Formerly the Federal Government of Mexico had four or- five additional duties, but these have all been cousolidatedi into the tariff (which is one cause of its high rate), and on& other duty paid to the Custom House in Mexico City of two per cent, on the tariff rate when the goods are shipped to Mexico City. There exists also a municipal and State dutj^ on foreign goods, so that when the goods are landed at Vera Cruz they pass through the Custom House and pay the tariff, then another tax is laid upon them by the municipality. 210 when they leave Yera Cruz All foreign goods must be pass- ed regularly through the custom house at Vera Cruz, when consigned to Mexico City by way of Yera Cruz. Upon their arrival in Mexico City the goods have to again go through the custom house in that city, the packages subjected to another opening, the local tax to be paid, and more charges for stamps, stevedores, etc. In spite of all this annoyance, the merchants find the trade very profitable. It may be well to note that there is no bonded warehouse system under the Mexican tar- iff laws, and hence all goods must pay the duties when im- ported, one month being the time allowed for adjusting all questions of difference and payment. Before the goods are shipped : 1st, Consult the Mexican consul at your port on the regulations, and follow his instruc- tions to the letter carefully, obtaining the forms to be filled out from him ; 2d, Invoice the goods, procuring the Mexican consul's authentication to the same, or in the absence of a consul or vice-consul, authentication by two responsible mer- chants; 3d, Manifest the goods with one or the other above specified authentications ; 4th, Obtain the Mexican consul's receipt, when it can be obtained, on separate paper, for the fees paid on authentication, invoice and manifest ; 5th, Send all docnments with the goods to whoever is to conduct the entry of the goods into Mexico ; 6th, See that the manifest and invoice is made in triplicate and contain an exact detail of quantity, kind, quality and value of everything in the cargo to be entered. Unless this rule is strictly complied with a iieavy fine will be incurred ; 7th, In packing the goods put •each'class as classified by the tariff in separate packages, those calculated by net weight of a certain specified value in one, those by gross weight in another, and those by square metre in another, and those by ad valorem in another, and when dif- ferent rates are attached ~to different kinds of merchandise, Avhether appraised by net or gross weight, or square metre or ad valorem, place the goods with the same tariff rates in their respective packages, classifying the respective goods by values of rates as well as by the manner of appraisement. The clas- sification by value is as necessary as the others from the fact that when different classes of values are packed promiscuous- ly, the appraisement will be made upon the whole package at the rate corresponding to the highest rate of any article con- tained therein; 8th, In packing goods to be appraised by : square metre, every package should contain the same number ■of yards. This will save the opening of packages, and the cal- '.culation can be made much easier for the invoice. 211 Trade with Mexico. To thoroughly understand the present prospect of trade with Mexico outside of her promise of future development, it will be well to note the following facts : In 1876, Antonio Garcia Cubas, one of the most reliable of Mexican writers, summed up the population of Mexico at 9,495,157, as the census of 1875, of which 20 per cent, were of the European race and nearest descendants of the Spaniards, or 1,899,031. Of the remaining population 43 per cent, were of the mixed race, or 4,082,918, and 37 per cent, of the native Indian race, or 3,513,208. Within the last seven years the population has increased considerably, and especially within the last two years, the in- crease being through colonies and the natural development arising from the unexampled progress made in railroad build- ing. The population of some of the larger cities are as fol- lows: The City of Mexico, 280,000, which is larger than Eome in Italy, which has 244,484, or Lisbon with 253,000, San Luis Potosi 45,000, Puebla 76,817, Leon, in the state of Guanajuato, 100,000, Guanajuato 63,000, Guadalajara 93,875, Toluca 11,376, Coliraa 31,774, Zacatecas 62,000, Merida, cap- ital of the state of Yucatan, 56,000, Aguas Calientes 35,000, Morelia 25,000, Carapeche 26,000, Saltillo 17,000, Chihuahua 18,000, Durango 22,000, Pachuca 15,000, Mazatlan 13,000, Oaxaca 26,708, Queretaro 48,000, and Tlaxeala 36,463. It may be seen from the foregoing that the cities and towns of Mexico will compare favorably with other nations, and that she is almost as thickly settled in proportion to the extent of her territory as the United States, since the latter has only 13.91 inhabitants to the square mile, while Mexico has about 12.21 inhabitants to the square mile. " There are 146 cities, 372 towns^ 4,486 villages, 6 missions, 5,869 haciendas, 14,705 ranches, besides 2,248 collections or groups of houses denominated " congregaciones," " barrios," " rancherias," " cuadrillas," " riberas," and " estancias." Yalue of private real estate, rural, $ 773,000,000 Private real estate in cities, ____ 2,558,036,000 Live Stock of all kinds belonging to individuals, 123,060,000 Property belonging to the nation, 340,000,000 Total property, without including other per- sonal property and mines, Kjoasts, ports, lakes, bays, rivers, etc $3,794,060,000 212 The annual aojricnitural production of the Republic reaches to 6,569,524,903 kilograms, valued at $177,451,986. The harvest of corn alone reaches $112,164,424. The products of industrial establishments (manufactories, etc.) are estimated at from $13,000,000 to $14,000,000. There are 324 mining districts, 23 placers, and 1,694 mines (worked), which produce 2,567,306 cargas (300 lbs. to the carga) of metal per year, reaching the annual value of $29,- 713,355 ; and the number of persons engaged in the mining industry, 102,240. The 'exportations from July 1st, 1877, to June 30th, 1878, were $28,777,508.07; and importations, $34,005,299.12. The above valuable information has been ably compiled by Seiior D. Emilliano del Busto, and is recognized as authorita- tive in Mexico. The Department of Agriculture and Commerce has pub- lished a report upon the wheat yield of Mexico, from which we note the following: The amount of land cultivated for wheat is officially an- nounced at 6,909,932 hectares (2.48 acres per hectare) in 1880, and in 1879 at 6,876,975 hectares. In 1880 the amount of wheat raised was 68,725,075 metric quintals. From 1871 to 1877, inclusive, the total production of wheat was 701,323,052 hectolitres; and the amount consumed during the same period was 731,341,554 hectolitres, or necessitating an importation of 30,018,502 hectolitres. During the year 1880 the production was 101,081,836 hectolitres, and the amount imported for home consumption was 3,395,529 hectolitres (each hectolitre being 2| bushels), or 9,337,704| bushels of wheat imported in 1880. ■ The following table shows that the trade of the United States with Mexico, exports to, and imports from, for the fiscal years 1879, 1880 and 1881, has moved as follows : 1879. 1880. 1881. Exports $ 6,761,284 $ 7,869,864 $11,172,738 Imports.. 14,047,819 16,325,417 17,454,126 $20,809,103 $24,195,281 $28,926,864 Exports from the United States to Mexico : ARTICLES. 1880. 1881. Cotton ..$y76^ $1,494,101 Cotton goods --15^57'Wr 1,018,600 Machinery - 365.200 988,800 Other iron manufactures 390,000 - 913,000 213 Quicksilver. 377,825 462,159 Indian corn 68,872 240,182 Fire-arms 209,467 224,301 Chemicals, drugs, etc 142,237 209,953 Builders' lumber . . ., _ 130,506 183,436 Sewing machines 135,823 179,555 Petroleum 155,328 173,155 Onnpowder _ 49,627 145,397 Edge tools 97,936 138,469 Total _ $4,130,888 |6,371,108 _ The imports into the United States from Mexico of coffee, since 1875, run as follows : POUNDS. 18'^5. _ 2,691,889 $ 485,489 18^6. .._ 3,941,229 713,833 18'^'^ 6,789,693 1,265,970 1878 6,387,063 1,082,272 J8'^9_.. 8,307,040 1,371,979 1880 9,818,525 1,523,658 According to the Treasury statistics of 1879, the articles which we are exporting to Mexico are as follows: — Acids, agricultural implements, live animals (principally sheep), beer, ale and porter, billiard tables, blacking, books, pamphlets, brass maimfactures, breadstuffs, brooms, brushes, candles, car- riages, railway cars, clocks, coffee and spices, coal, combs, cop- per manufactures, cordage, raw cotton, cotton piece goods, drugs, chemicals, earthen and chinaware, fancy articles, fruit (green and preserved), glass and glassware, hats and caps, hemp manufactures, hides and skins, kips, india-rubber goods, iron manufactures, steel manufactures, lead inanutactures, leather manufactures, lime and cement, musical and scientific instruments, matches, naval stores, oil, ordnance stores, paint- ings, paper and stationery, perfumery, plated ware, printing presses and types, provisions, quicksilver, rice, scales and bal- .ances, seeds, sewing machines, soap, spirits, starch, steam fire engin^s,_ sugar (refined), candles, tallow, tinware, tobacco, trunks and valises, varnish, watches, wearing apparel, wine, wood manufactures, and some miscellaneous articles. The direction in which large gains are to be made is in the articles which Mexico imports from Europe. The great bulk of the trade which Mexico has with England is in cotton goods. Changes •of an economic rather than of a political character are going on, which are destined to enlarge our commercial intercourse 214 with Mexico. In the first place, we are manufacturing many articles which the Mexicans prefer to those imported from Europe, either because of their greater cheapness or adapta- bility. In the next place, a railroad development is projected which will bring the two Republics under the same trans- portation system. The greatest demand for American manufactured goods will come from the white and mixed races, which constitute the wealthy and middle classes. Some of the business houses in the large cities have branch establishments in several cities, and are worth many millions. These classes wield the power of the Republic, and to-day are anxious to have brought to their doors that business energy and material progress that will give them the comforts and luxuries, as well as the busi- ness facilities, enjoyed in Europe and the United States. Many of the old houses have chartered vessels and brought their cargoes of goods from Europe. A large proportion of the wholesale trade, however, is in the hands of German and English houses, who have been struggling to obtain the control, and have battled with each other until the Germans have obtained the ascendancy. At present the greater proportion of the wh(.>lesale trade is under the eontrol of a powerful ring of German importers and mer- chants, although a good proportion of the wholesale trade is yet in the hands of old Spanish and Mexican merchants, who are looking to the United States for a large future trade. The native races, or Indians constitute almost exclusively the laboring classes of the Republic, and the assertion that they do not consume foreign goods is not borne out by the facts, although the manufacturing industry in Mexico to-day is by no means insignificant. There are over TO cotton factories, which produce mostly a brown, coarse cotton, locally known as mancas, not a little of the raw material for which is im- ported from the United States. In fact, over 21,000 bales of cotton annually are exported to Mexico from the United States. Although some 4,000,000 pieces of 33 yards each per annum are produced by the Mexican manufacturers, and 9 print works that turn out annually 400,000 pieces, and 10 woolen mills that produce annually 2,000,000 pieces of cassi- raere and woolen cloth, — still Mexican manufacturers are unable to supply the home demand, and the American coarse cotton goods, cloths, blankets and calicoes, on account of their better designs and greater durability, are being preferred. The liner grades of woolen continue to come from France and England. 215 These classes of goods are consumed by the laboring classes, and the peon wears foreign cotton quite as often as the fabrics produced by the home manufacturers, while his tools and fire- arms and the showy dress of his wife come from the United States or Europe. The cheap black and white shawls, or " rebosos," universally worn instead of bonnets by the women of the lower classes, are largely in demand and are almost en- tirely manufactured in Mexico. An internal revenue tax has been put upon the products of the Mexican mills by the influence of the importers of foreign fabrics, but the cotton industry is well patronized and more mills are built every year. The production of cotton yarn by Mexican mills alone reaches to about 18,000,000 lbs. annually. The large national demand for cotton goods is such that "a large importation of foreign cloths occurs annually. During the year 1875, out of $29,000,000 imports, $10^500,000 in cotton and cotton goods alone were imported. In 1881 the United States exported to Mexico $11,172,738 of goods, of which $2,512,701 was in cotton and cotton goods ; of the lat- ter, $1,018,600, and the balance in raw material. In 1880, England exported to Mexico in cotton goods, plain, printed and mixed, $2,406,000; while the United States ex- ported of the same class of goods only $8^2,000. England has had the advantages of experience in the trade, and con- sequently manufactures to suit the Mexican taste, and pays par- ticular attention to packing, which is necessary in order to hold the trade. Cotton goods should be packed either in stout bales or in boxes, which will allow of their being placed on the backs of mules. This is important, since Mexican mer- chants complain that our manufacturers are indifferent as to the tastes of their customers, and often forget that the goods are to be transported upon mules ; while the English, who are acknowledged to produce inferior goods, carefully study the varying tastes of their Mexican patrons, as well as their cus- tomers in all parts of the globe, and pack their goods as their customers prefer. A better assortment of colors and fineness of fiiiish is demanded by the Mexican traders. The quality of our iioods is undisputed. When they become known to 'the purclxasing community they continue to be demanded, and very easily supersede the British goods. The British manufacturers buy their raw material in the United States, carry it across the "Atlantic, manufacture it into calicoes and woolens, and then ship it across the ocean to Mexico, and undersell our manufacturers. The cotton goods of coarse texture are sized to such a degree that the finish 216 completely disguises the quality, until a soaking rain reduces the fabric to the condition of a straining cloth. Here the durability of the American goods makes a revelation to the Mexican that he has been swindled, and the result is but natural. Along the Rio Grande the Mexicans are large buyers of our groceries, hardware and general supplies. American calicoes are gaining ground on the border, and Connecticut clocks may often be found throughout Mexico, while our improved fire- arms are largely sold in the chief cities of the Republic. Our type, printing presses and printing ink have found a market in the country, and even the improved type writer is known to some extent. There is but one electrotype foundry in the Republic, and that is in Mexico City. Among other articles ■of exportation to Mexico are tools, cans, kerosene, soap, re- lined sugar, quicksilver, nails, lamps, boots and shoes, bacon, butter, cotton-seed oil, gunpowder and blasting powder, per- fumery and paints. American patent medicines are well known in Mexico, and even the " pad '' is not a stranger in the Republic. Lager beer, common wines, liquors and our finer brands of champagne and brandy are competing with the French wines and brandies, and the universal Mexican drinks, ■*' mescal" and "*pulque." An "American furniture ware- liouse " is one of the sights of the Mexican metropolis. Much of the furniture now sold in the country comes from Cincin- nati, Ohio, St. Louis, Mo., and Chicago. The mining machin- ery now being sent into the country comes from San Fran- cisco, Philadelphia and New York, and Pittsburgh and Chi- cago. Agricultural implements are being shipped from San FranciscOy Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. Hardware of all kinds is also shipped from the same points. Wooden ware is being supplied by St. Louis and New York. The trade in sewing machines is becoming an extensive one and the prominent cities of the Union are all becoming more or less interested in this trade with Mexico. The greater part of the sales in cotton and woolen fabrics are exported from New York and Boston, Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans. Overalls, custom clothing and woolens are shipped from New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. San Franciscu supplies with St. Louis canned goods, and San Francisco alone supplies Mexico her wheat supply that is demanded in excess of her own production, while New Orleans and San Antonio and Galveston export to the Republic her needed supplies of raw cotton over that of her own production. Tuc- son, Arizona, furnishes a large part of the mining supplies for 217 the northern part of the Republic, assisted by Santa Fe and San Francisco, with a small proportion from New York. The western manufacturers of Chicago and San Francisco will eventually control the manufacture of agricultural imple- ments, with possibly some competition with New York and St. Louis, with the odds in favor of Chicago. The balance of the trade will be distributed in proportion to the energy of the business houses in the several cities with the elements of the cost of transportation and the productions of certain localities playing important parts. That the trade is valuable with great possibilities is admit- ted, and the extensive investments of American railroad capi- talists who have carefully studied the probabilities of future profit upon their capital invested, is significant. The work of Mexican railroad dev^elopment, however, is not altogether an experiment, as appears from the publication of the receipts and expenditures of the English company operating a road from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. This road was completed/ in 1873 and is 263 miles in length, and its gross earnings for the first year were $2,117,553. In 1881 its gross earnings were $i,831,215, or m-ore than doubled. This does not in- clude the generous government subventions. The gross earn- ings we thus see were in 1881 at the rate of $16,484: per mile and the net earnings nearly 110,000 per mile. For the years 1879, 1880 and the first half of 1881 the working expenses averaged only 41.93 per cent, of the gross traffic. During the nine years in which the road has been in practi- cal operation the net profits foot up over $12,700,000 exclu- sive of government subsidies. In 1880 the profits amounted to $2,147,589, which increased in 1881 to $2,958,720, or an in- crease in one year of $811,131 or an increase of $67,594.25 per month in the net profits. The Merida and Progreso railway is only 28 miles in length, the traffic over which increased eighteen-fold in ten years. The railroad cost about $300,000 and now earns at least fifty per cent, per annum, by official report of the company. The traffic in hemp alone amounts to $90,000 per annum. This is sufficient to show that with transportation facilities the trade of Mexico will reach magnificent proportions. This trade will soon be under the control of American capitalists as well as the transportation facilities, and the first in the field are the men who will secure the confidence and the patronage of the merchants of Mexico, and consequently will be entitled to the profits of a continually increasing trade. As before mentioned the greater part of the wholesale trade 218 of Mexico is now controlled by German importers and mer- chants, while the balance is in the hands of English, French, Spanish and Mexican merchants. The retail trade is princi- pally controlled by foreigners, for although native Mexican storekeepers are found in every village, town and city, the fin- est and best stocked stores are owned by Spaniards, the ma- jority of whom are not even citizens of the republic. These small dealers are controlled, with an iron hand, by German firms who in turn are held in commercial bondage by the great business houses of Germany, of which the Mexican houses are but branches. The German merchants wrested this commerce from the English by the means of a system of long credits they extend- ed to the smaller dealers. Once in the clutches of these gen- try the Spanish and Mexican retailers find it difficult to es- cape, and go on, from year to year, the mere commercial slaves of these haughty merchant autocrats. But within the last two years the influx of foreign capital into Mexico, through the medium of the railroad movement which is now sweeping over the republic, has injured the in- fluence and the commercial power of the Germans. As this foreign capital enters the country and is disbursed by enter- prises that are under American influence, the latter obtain with the masses the credit of bringing this treasure intp the republic, and the Mexican people are thus led to look with a more friendly eyeon Americans and commercial relations with the United States. The greater part of this foreign money finds its way into the tills of the retail dealers ; by consequence they are enabled to buy on shorter time for less price than formerly, and thereby lessen their interest account with the importers. The merchants have to pay an exorbitant interest to their creditors. The amount advanced is charged with from 8 to 12 and at times even 18 per cent, per annum, while they have at last come to see that this extravagance more than counter- balances the advantage gained from buying on long time, and are meditating a change of base to a cash system. The time, then, has come for American houses to enter this great com- mercial field and compete with the German merchants in the very market they have so long controlled. The same causes which enabled the Germans to capture the commerce from the English and French, will put it in the power of American merchants to displace the Germans in their turn. For the retailers have begun to rebel against the commercial bondage they have so long suffered, and have learned that the long 219 credit system, with the exorbitant interest that attends it, eats away their capital and leaves them at the mercy of their terri- ble creditors. As money becomes more plentiful, trade will be correspond- ingly livelier. New retailers will open stores along the line of the various railroads, and in the vicinity of the newly open- ed mines that there are now strong hopes of seeing deVeloped. These new merchants will take warning from the experience of those for whom they formerly may have worked, and whose position they are acquainted with,, and will be only too glad to eschew long credits, and shun the illusive friendship and offers of the German commercial rulers of Mexico. A new era has dawned upon awakened and rejuvenated Mexico — an era of material and social improvement. The Mexicans have seen the foreign merchants who make the repub- lic their mere camping-ground ; who come to the country to make their fortunes and then leave it, send millions of treas- ure annually to Germany in payment for goods which, in many cases, can be purchased much cheaper in the United States, and have concluded to change their tactics and buy for them- selves in the markets most convenient for them. They imagine they can find the line of goods they want in this country, and to a great extent they can ; thus it depends entirely upon tlie mercliants of this section to send agents to Mexico with samples of goods suitable for that trade during the coming winter, and they will be rewarded for their enter- prise by the establishment of a constantly increasing and valu- able trade. How to Secure Mexican Trade, The " Two Eepublics," published in Mexico City, in an ed- itorial says : "It would doubtless be a good plan for Amer- ican manufacturers and merchants to send intelligent agents into Mexico to deal directly with purchasers ; indeed, all or nearly all the agents of this character who have come to Mex- ico have been rewarded with success. However, merchants doing business here complain that the orders sent to the Uni- ted States or given to American agents here are not always filled with exactitude. Sometimes the articles are not the same as those ordered and at others the quantity sent is in excess of the order. Such recklessness as this is unknown in busi- ness here, our merchants do not fancy it, and will not submit to it except as a last resort. The merchant knows when he sends an order to England, France or Germany that exactly 220 what he wants will be sent him, and he runs no risk of hav- ing a lot of goods iinsuited to the market thrust upon him. " Merchants in Mexico insist upon having their dry goods sent them in bales ; for this they assign various reasons. Eu- ropean shippers comply with this desire, but Americans, with rare exceptions, will use nothing but boxes. " European shippers make the Mexican tariff and custom- house laws a study ; Americans do not consider such small matters worthy of their attention. The goods sent by Euro- peans pass through the Mexican custom-houses without the slightest trouble ; those sent by American manufacturers and merchants are often subject to double or triple duties, on ac- count of irregularities of the manifests, arising from ignorance of the Mexican custom-house laws. Agents sent by American houses to Mexico should not con- fine their studies to the market ; they should carry their in- vestigations muck farther, and completely master the manner of doing business in this country. In order to do this, more time is required than is usually at the disposition of traveling agents, therefore, a permanent agency would be an 'improve- ment on the present custom of sending agents into the coun- try periodically, and the establishment of a branch house would doubtless prove more successful in the end than either system." We take the following extract from a letter written from Mexico to a Boston paper : " There are four methods ol seeking the Mexican trade : 1st, Through the medium^ of commission merchants in the United States, who are in- trusted by merchants here with the purchase of such Ameri- can goods as they require, and who will forward to their correspondents such samples as may be given them for that purpose ; 2d, By sending to commission merchants here, sam- ples and catalogues with the idea that they will make such representations as will result in business; 3d, By reaching di- rectly, through the medium of such a publication as yours, the dealers here, and, as I stated in the beginning of this letter, the value of such a medium depends altogether upon carrying out a perfect system of distribution ; and if that proposed by you is carried out, the object is attained. The merciiants will communicate with the manufacturers or their selling agents — they prefer to do so, — saving thereby the middleman's per- centage; then the samples, catalogues, and prices can be sent, and if found necessary, the fourth and last method, or final efiort, can be made, viz.: sending here the very best represen- tatives to do the business, — men who understand fully the de- 221 tail of manufacture, and whose address and bearing will secure such a reception as a gentleman will command. The person sent must expect to spend some time making acquaintances,, inspiring respect, and studying the wants and peculiarities of this market. If what he represents possesses excellence, nov- elty and co-operative cheapness, it will succeed ; and the only- thing then necessary to drive in the last rivet is by sending out here just what was sold. There is a market for all kinds of hardware, agricultural implements, carriages, harnesses, pianos and organs, fine cot- ton goods, mill and mining tools and machinery, American flannels, hosiery, woolens for gentlemen's wear, glassware,. lamps and gas-fixtures, furniture, fine leather, hats, trunks and valises, surgical and scientific instruments, fire-arms, etc. In addition to the statements of the commercial traveler, we would call attention to some further important facts : First, Under Mexican law it is necessary that an agent should be ap- pointed with two separate powers of attorney, issued in ac- cordance with the formalities of Mexican law, who is a res- ident of Mexico, one with power to transact business, and the other to collect, and if necessary, to bring suit in a Mexican court for the claim that may result from any commercial con- tracts. Unless this is complied with, no contract made by a foreigner who is not a resident of Mexico, and matriculated, can be enforced in a Mexican court. Second, No judgment by default obtained in a foreign court will be recognized by Mexican courts, and in every case- a trial must either be had in the foreign country, with the defendant, or his representative in court, before the execution can be issued from a Mexican court, or the trial must be- held in the Mexican court, the case having been commenced by a representative who is a resident of Mexico and duly authorized by the foreign house, in which case only a judg- ment by default, or upon trial, can be legally had. Third, Contracts made by commercial travelers for foreign houses not established in the Kepublic, or through commissioa merchants, unless duly authorized agents, can only be legally enforced by placing said claims in the hands of aii agent duly authorized, who is a resident of Mexico. Fourth, Commercial travelers should be matriculated before taking any orders. Fifth, The safest and quickest manner of collecting claima in Mexico is to communicate with the American consul of the nearest port in Mexico as soon as an order is filled, making inquiry for a reliable person who may act as agent, and send 222 on authority for collection and to commence suit to enforce the claim, if necessary. This should be done as a measure of precaution to save delay. The American consul in many instances acts as the agent. The formalities required by Mexican law in granting power of attorney may be found, as well ag the Mexican commercial and civil law, in " Hamilton's Mexican Law." Sixth, In filling orders, either upon samples or without, send only what is ordered. This is important, for the pur- chaser, under Mexican law, is obliged to receive only the goods that correspond in kind and quality with the order, and upon his refusal to accept the consignment, delays and ex- pense in recovery of the goods will be costly. Seventh, Carefully follow the tariff regulations as to invoice, marking, packing, etc., consulting with the Mexican consul upon all questions of doubt. Importance of Matriculation. The attention of citizens of the United States residing in Mexico is called to the fact that the laws of Mexico require *tliat all foreigners shall be matriculated at the Department for Foreign Affairs in order that they may have a recognized for- eign nationality. Application for matriculation papers should be made through the Consulate General at Mexico, and through the consular officials in other parts of the Republic. This is im- portant in the event of any complications between individuals and the government. Not only is this important in relation to any complications, but it is absolutely necessary in order that a foreigner may have any standing in a court of justice in the Republic. No act performed prior to the fact of matriculation can he remedied or henefited hy subsequent matriculation.^ Hence the protection awarded by this law must be sought, before any business is transacted by a foreign resident in the Republic. See " Hamilton's Mexican Law," subject: " matriculation." Importance of Securing Patents for Inventions and Improvements in Mexico. The present demand for all classes of machinery in Mexico is unexampled in the history of any nation. The slow growth of Mexico heretofore has debarred machinery of all kinds, and inventors and improvers have consequently omitted to secure 223 patents in the Republic. This state of affairs no longer ex- ists, and if it is desirable that the results of inventive skill in the United States are to be preserved by those who hold pat- ents, it may he as well to call their attention to this large field that demands to-day the results of their labors. Patents may be easily secured in Mexico, and it is sheer folly to neglect to take the necessary precautions to preserve the results of years of toil and experiment, that may be util- ized in the Eepublic. Mexico must ham machinery of all hinds used in the Uni- ted States or Europe^ sooner or later. Here is the great mar- ket, let it be remembered, for years to come, and inventions or improvements must follow the path of progress. Manufac- turersare finding a foothold in Mexico, in the shape of cotton manufactories, which may be seen by the article upon " The Trade with Mexico," herein, and 'machine shops are now turning out machinery of different kinds in Mexico. Foun- dries have been established at Durango, Mazatlan, Guaymas and Puebla, and others will be established in different' por- tions of the Republic. Manufactories of agricultural imple- ments are also being established, one already being in Mexico City and another in Puebla. This is suflScient to patentees to show them that Mexico is awake, and with her vast fields of coal at Laredo, and on the Yaqui river in Sonora, near Cosala in Sinaloa, and at Santa Rosa and Piedras Negras in Coahu- ila, Mexico will in the near future be able to establish a large manufacturing industry. Manufactories and machine shops may be easily established, and produce, with the aid of these immense coal fields, all kinds of machinery. The duties and freights, added to the cost of the articles, that now prevail offer too strong a temptation to manufacture the various kinds of machinery,including agriculturalimplements and vari- ous utensils that are to-day needed in Mexico. This suggestion is sufficient, for the patentee will readily see that unless he se- cures his patent in Mexico, unscrupulous manufacturers may manufacture machinery without the payment of a royalty in Mexico, and imitate every class of inventipns and compete so successfully with American machinery, that the patentee will be debarred from the Republic. This becomes the more ob- vious when it is considered that the Mexican or foreign man- ufacturer in the Mexican market has no duties to pay, nor freight for foreign transportation. Hence his advantage over the foreign manufacturer. Full and complete protection may be secured under the pat- ent laws of Mexico by any foreigner who has secured a patent 224 in his own country. The complete patent law applicable to foreigners may be found in " Hamilton's Mexican Law." In addition to which, we herewith give a statement from Mr. D. V. Whiting, a patent solicitor of Chicago, whos^ experience and ability are unquestioned. The following decision was received by Mr. Whiting from Minister Fernandez: Department of Public works, Colonization, Manufactories and Commerce. Section 2, No. 276.— Sr. David Whiting : Sir: — Your letter of the 5th instant has been received by this department, in which as the attorney for Sr. John S. Adams, you solicit a patent for certain improvements which you say have been introduced into the construction of towers {torres) for the electric light, wind-mills, etc., accompanied with their respective drawings and specifications. In reply to which, and upon consultation with the Presi- dent of the Republic, it is declared to you that although the law in force only concedes patents for inventions made in the Republic, the Congress has been pleased to concede the same to foreign inventors ; but in future cases it will be necessary that the said inventions l^e accredited with the patent issued in their own country. Liberty and the Constitution. Mexico, July 17, 1882. M. Fernandez. In connection with the above we present the following state- ment of Mr. Whiting : " The ])atent laws of Mexico are being so modified that pat- ents for inventions and improvements will be issued for fif- teen years upon the payment of a patent fee of $150. j Pat- ents will also issue for five or ten years upon the payment of a patent fee of $50 and $100 respectively. They will also be issued for the unexpired term of a foreign patent upon the payment of a patent fee of $10 per annum during the term the foreign patent has to run. Application for a patent from a foreigner must in all cases be accompanied by the patent is- sued by the government of which he is a citizen. Drawings and specifications must be in the Spanish language, and in du- plicate. One copy is returned with the patent, if issued, to the applicant or his attorney, and the other remains on file in the Department of Public Works. Internal revenue stamps to the amount of twenty dollars are to be affixed to the patent when issued. Translations cost about $1.00 per hundred words, and the duplicate Spanish copy about 40c. per 100 225 words. Attorneys' fees vary from $150 to $500, according to the nature and intricacy of the case. • David Y. Whiting, Attorney and Solicitor of Mexican Patents, 102 Washington St., Chicago, 111. Treaties between Mexico and the United States. The following has been officially published by the Depart- ment of Foreign Affairs : " The treaty of navigation and commerce celebrated between Mexico and the United States of America on April 5th, 1831, was withdrawn from, by the Government of Mexico on the 30th of ^N'ovember, 1880, in accordance with the stipulations of part 1st of article XXXIY. of the said treaty, and of article XYII. of that of February 2, 1848, which ratified the former. The convention entered into between Mexico and the Uni- ted States of America on July 10th, 1868, regarding the nat- uralization and citizenship of parties who emigrate from one country to the other, was withdrawn from by tlie government of Mexico on the 10th of February, 1881, in accordance with the stipulations of Article Y. of the same. The said treaties ceased to have force, the former on the 31st of I^ovember, 1881, and the latter on the 11th of Febru- ary, 1882. By order of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the present notice is published for the information of the authorities and of the public generally. 1( Mexico, June 5, 1882. (Signed) Jose Fernandez, Chief Clerk. An Important Decree. From the Budget-laws recently passed by Congress and for- mally promulgated by the President, in the form of a decree, the following is translated : " From the 1st of JSTovember next gold and silver coin, in bars,_ bullion, ore, or in any other form, shall be free of duty for circulation in the interior or for exportation. In order to compensate the suppression of the duties referred to in this clause, from the above date an increase of two per cent, shall be enforced on the duties now fixed on the importation of foreign goods, but in the meantime the export duties on 15 226 gold and silver shall be collected in accordance with the laws in force duriftg the present fiscal year." * * * * 4f * * " The following articles are hereby excepted from the pay- ment of package duties {derecho de hulto,) imposed by the laws of May 3l8t and June 25th, 1881 : Plows and plow-points. Masts, tackle and anchors for shipping. Quicksilver. Live animals. Bricks and tiles of all kinds. Common timber for building purposes. Cotton, tobacco, coffee, and sugar-cane seeds. Slates for roofs. Yaccine matter. If Mexico means to profit by American enterprise and capital, she must make great reduction in her tariff. She has already gone too far in tempting foreign capital to in- vestment in developing her interior transportation facilities to attempt to recede from the path of progress upon which she has entered. This she cannot do without betraying men who are animated with the livehest feelings in behalf of her development, and who have not hesitated to pour Amer- ican capital into her bosom and infuse energy throughout her channels of trade. Milhons have been invested in hei mines and building railroads, and this is but the beginning of continuous development that will lead the emigrant to a land awaiting his coming. Americans are aggressive in business affairs, and when once the temptation to invest- ment has met with a response by millions of capital, no at- tempt by unfriendly legislation will deter or hinder but temporarily the sweeping changes now being inaugurated. We are satisfied the more intelligent classes of Mexicans are perfectly willing and are even anxious that their coun- try shall keep pace with modern civilization and that they will ultimately remove every obstacle to the commer- cial and political reciprocity that should bind two sister Republics together with indissoluble ties of friendship and mutual commerce. ANNEX. Since the issue of the first edition of this work, the author has re- ceived a large number of inquiries relating to some portions of Mexico not included appropriately under the head of Border States, more espe- cially to that route by which Americans have heretofore "reached the national capital of the sister republic, beginning at Vera Cruz, where the steamer from New York is met, and crossing the elevated passes at the base of the great mountain, Orizaba. The writer, not professing thorough acquaintance with this portion of Mexico, and desiring to meet this demand by readers, has arranged with Messrs. Leve & Alden, 207 Broadway, New YorTc, the Tourist Managers, whose sub-offices are well known throughout the United States, to furnish the descriptions and statements following, the entire accuracy of which may be vouched for. Messrs. Leve & Alden have done much to acquaint the American traveling public with this beautiful tour. The matter is largely a com- pilation of the correspondence of Mr. Frank H. Taylor, a writer and artist to whom this duty has been assigned by Leve of course), was taken for Orizaba. The ladies especially suffered from the intense heat, and it was therefore decided to forego a proposed ofiicial banquet and a general illumination of the city in favor of a cooler region. Our coaches resembled those used upon the English railways, the doors being at the side, with a foot- way along the base. The locomotive looked like two American engines melted into one. A huge stack adorned either end. The tender was in the middle ; there were four cylinders and sets of cranks, and reared high IV. above the whole, like the burden on a " burro's" back, was the fuel — cut-wood in great cages over the boilers. This railway is owned by an English company, and was constructed by English and American en- gineers in the face of marvelous obstacles. After having passed over its length, I will detail some of its engineering peculiarities. It is enough now to say that it is regarded as one of the most remarkable railways in the world. Our first stop was made at the little town of Soledad, which goes down to history as the scene of the tripartite treaty between the English, Spanish and French in '62. We were in the heart of the Tierras Calientes (Hot Lands), a rolling sandy country, covered with mesquit and cactus. At the stations the fruit peddlers and maimed beggars were equally numerous. Soon we passed into a richer and higher region. The foremost of the mountain ranges began to show in detail and color of foliage. "We twisted and turned among the foot-hills. In old deserted fields are the mins of haciendas. This was once the garden of the Gulf slope, but it was under Spanish rule and not m the days of the republic. The lavish earth makes a sport of production here, and grows her wild fruit only to let it waste un- f ound at the roots of the parent stock. About this point of our journey we bought big and luscious pine- apples for less than a nickel each. Now came coffee plantations, where the taller plantain shades the plants with their burden of reddish ber- ries from an over-hot sun. Then broad tobacco fields, with Indian laborers. Every tree is burdened with the parasitic orchids and weighed down with flowering vines. We stopped a moment where the mountains were fairly entered to look down upon one of the most perfect cataracts I have ever seen. The Fall of Atoyac pours through a rift in a mountain spur whose sides are deeply lined with moist and di-ipping verdure, and a thousand feet above the gorge has broadened so we have a glimpse of peaks and crags beyond. Please suppose that all of that region of Pennsylvania, of which Altoona is the central town, was planted with palms on every hillside, with jungles of banana plants and dogwood down every slope, and the valleys heaped with impenetrable thickets, composed of myriad forms of strange and tropic verdure, the whole peopled with , long-feathered songsters and overshadowed with cliffs, reaching into the regions of zero, and you will have a good general idea of what we saw from the car windows of the Mexican Railway in the intermediate plateau dividing the Hot Lands from the mountain table. THE AERIVAL AT OEIZABA. At four o'clock we reached Cordova. The clouds drifted low and hid Orizaba, the mountain, from view completely, but an hour later Orizaba, the city, loomed up in our pathway, and our trip was at an end for a couple of days at least. Here, at last, is the September we have so ardently longed for in the superheated days spent at Havana, or in riding idly at anchor off impracticable seaports of Yucatan. To-night, for the first time in two months, a blanket is invested with interest in our eyes. Orizaba has no summer and no winter. It is always just about one thing. Light goods for spring wear, and the newest thing in ulsters don't disturb the contented citizen of Orizaba. Sometimes they get the edge of a norther, but, on the whole, these Mexican Switzers have a decided advantage in the matter of climate. Orizaba has seen us, because we came into town in a street-car from the depot, and all Orizaba was out on the curb; but we have not yet seen Orizaba, for it was dark by the time we were established. I would like to quote something poetical at the opening of this chap- ter of travel, but I can't think of anything that would do justice to the occasion. We have been for two days in the hands of the people of this Piedmont city and its sister to the eastward, the town of Cordova, and I, for one, am thoroughly in love with the sweet-voiced, courteous natives, and full of admiration for the climate and the surpassingly beautiful cordon of mountains which hem in these little Mexican me- tropoli. However, perhaps, this may be shghtly premature. We haven't been through a norther, when this is said to be a congealed perdition. Nor have we had the Mexican variety of earthquake, which is particularly lively and capricious just hereabouts. They haven't felt one for three weeks or more, and it's nearly time for another, by the average. You see, there is a sort of subterranean telegraphic line between the two wliite-headed and burnt-out old volcanoes Orizaba and Popocatepetl, through which they indiilge in occasional growls. Now, the city of Orizaba is set directly over this line. MAEKET DAY. The morning following our arrival happened to be market day, and the Americans, escorted by several English speaking residents, went to the plaza devoted to the purpose, taking a round-aboi^t route, either piu'posely in order to see the town, or because the foremost guide had left his compass at home. This is an open question. At any rate the market was finally reached by a reduced number of visitors, several having dropped by the wayside, under the allurements of strange goods displayed in the stores. These, in time, found their way back to the corner, where two big omnibusses were in waiting to take us to the country. The market of Orizaba differs from its French name- sake at New Orleans, because it has no roof, and from that at Havana in the fact that it don't smell badly. The large plaza is covered, as closely as their wares will permit, with about a thousand Indians and Mexicans. They, overfiow into the side streets, and the little native "burros," or native mules, with their heavy packs, looking like ants under a grain of corn, are anchored all about for squares. The first comers, I sup- pose, stake out a claim wherever they like; then they stick a pole into the ground, at the upper end of w^hich is a framework supporting a piece of matting about as big as a Jersey bed-quilt. As every mer- chant sets up his own sunshade, the plaza grows to have the appear- VI. ance of a bed of toadstools, which, after the manner of sunflowers, follow the sun across the meridian. After the roof has been thus arranged, the flooring is put down in the shape of more matting. Then the merchandise is set out in the most attractive style and business begins. Everything is in baskets or pots — deep baskets, shallow baskets and long baskets, round pots and grotesque ones. Some are like flsh. The articles on sale include all the tropic fruits, fresh and dried; heaps of unsavory crumbs of charred meat, sold by the pint; long, cigar- shaped stones for grinding corn, and wooden bowls to hold the meal; toys, jewehy, and dry goods; shoes of buff leather, and sombreros weighty with silver braid; garlic, pickles, tortillas, and pulke. The latter is a decoction, fermented from the maguey plant, looking and tasting like very second-rate skim milk — not very bad, being too weak for badness, nor very good, being kept in hog skins lately vacated by the former tenant. Out upon a side street is the dry goods and feminine decorative quarter. All the walls of the buildings are draped in streaming yards of bright cloths, sashes, and handkerchiefs. The cobbles are carpeted with dress goods of large figure and flashy tone. The copper-tinted buyers and sellers squat or stand about in all sorts of postures, and little black-and-tan babies, scores of them, lose them- selves in the general hub-bub. Some of the party tossed small silver to the fat and tired infants, earning an unwarrantable reputation for great wealth. After that there was no chance to make sketches, and I left the field. Orizaba will always bear the impress of a Yankee town in our memo- ries in at least this particular — that they fed us on corned beef and cabbage. We left that hospitable mountain metropolis on the morning of the 21st, soon after 9 o'clock, resuming the special train which had brought the excursionists thus far. The engine used was of the same pattern as the one already described, known as the Fairlie locomotive, being a double machine of probably sixty tons weight and exceedingly well adapted to the heavy grades of the road. These engines are used upon the Pemvian railroads. They are supplied with the Westing- house air-brake, but the coaches are checked by the old-fashioned method of hand-brakes^ the men sitting perched upon the roofs of the cars. It has been found impossible to use the air-brake upon the cars, as the natives at once appropriated the brass couplings and rubber tub- ing. Each first-class car is provided with a double roof to modify the terrible heat of the lowlands. A MEXICAN RAILROAD. The history of this iron pathway over the mountains is a romance ante-dating, by several years, the Presidency of Santa Anna, and ex- tending to its comiDletion in 1873, since which time it has been in suc- cessful operation, with the single drawback of the necessity of rebuild- ing some bridges and getting new rolling stock after every revolution. Previous to 1857 but little resulted from all the agitation of the project vu. for a transraontane railway but talk, subventions and concessions. In that year a survey was made by a number of English and American engineers, practically establishing the present route, and two short sec- tions of road purchased, which had been undertaken with Mexican capital. Another revolution stopped everything again until 1861, when some further progress was made. During the short-lived Empire un- der the energetic influence of Maximilian, the line was constructed eastward across the valley of Mexico to Apizaco eighty-six nailes, and westward from Vera Cruz some forty-seven miles. When the republic was established, Juarez found it worth while to induce English skill and capital to wrestle with the problem of a mountain division uniting the two portions of the railway already in operation. A branch line from Apizaco to Puebla, opening up a rich and populous region, was first completed, and finally the entire line was inaugurated with great pomp by Lerdo de Tejada, then President, upon the first of January, 1873. The railway cost about $30,000,000, and is said to earn at the present time a net of about $3,000,000 per annum. The course taken by the railway westward from Orizaba led at the start through a valley hemmed in by volcanic steeps and watered by numerous rivulets which came down from greater heights through alcoves in the cliffs, leaving trails of luxuriant and vivid green to mark their course. Nestled in these nooks, where the shadows rested half the day, were frequent little towns, always centering upon a chui-ch of the universal moresque pattern, plentifully decorated with stucco statuary upon its exterior, and emulated with bits of tiling to the very cross which crowned its belfry. These gaudy, but now half -ruined churches, were all out of proportion to the Httle one-story thatched and adobe huts clustered about them. CLIMBING A CLIFF. The train, after running perhaps ten miles reached the upper end of the valley, and, turning a semi-circle to the left, began to moimt the cliff over a grade of surprising departure from the horizontal. The only parallel to this case in the United States that I can recall is at Leadville. Seated upon the broad pilot of the laboring engine, several of us prepared to enjoy the unfolding of the scenes along the most picturesque railway in the world. Looking far above us we saw the frail, web-like bridges and tunnels we were yet to traverse, and below the valley out of which we had just passed. Between two cliffs a mountain torrent rushes down from the upper valley, and past its noisy cascades a shelf has been hewn hundreds of feet above the narrow level of its bed, just wide enough to build a track. This is El Infernillo (the little hell). Now all traces of tropic vegetation were left behind. We were 5,500 feet above the sea, and when a few minutes later we stopped at Maltrata, the city of the upper vale, the Mexicans had don- ned their zarapes and ponchos, for it was getting cold. Across the valley of Maltrata the train sped by a series of tangents, stopping but Vlll. once to heap on more fuel and take a draught of water, and another rocky barrier of 3,000 feet, or nearly that, was to be surmounted. After au hour of travel we looked down from a point directly above the city of Maltrata, but at a height from which I have never gazed, except when in the vidcker basket of a balloon. Had our coaches jumped the track the fragments might have been picked up in the cen- tral plaza, where little dots of white denoted the presence of a popula- tion. Ragged spurs projected down the grand slopes, pierced with frequent tunnels. Just beyond No. 16, the last of these, we attained to nearly the highest point of altitude, and bidding good-bye to the checkered vale passed through a rock-cutting, emerging at the station of Bocadel Monte, 7,922 feet above and 107 miles from Vera Cruz. It was cold enough now. Even we of the North looked after our over- coats, and the Mexicans, who crowded about to get a glimpse of the American General, shivered in their blankets. This plateau is a vast grazing land. Herds of horses, cattle and sheep dot the plain. . THE VALLEY OP MEXICO. While taking a cup of coffee the " Fairlie " was replaced by an ordi- nary engine, as the grades gradually lead downward from this point to the Valley of Mexico. Nineteen miles beyond is the town of San Andres Chalchicomula, the nearest point to the great peak of Orizaba, whose snowy cap was in full view all day. Now the grassy plains gave place to a great dusty desert, where nothing but haystacks, occasional haciendas and creeping caravans break the monotone of the vista clear to the northward peaks. We were obliged to close every window, pre- ferring suffocation to the all-pervading dust. About the stations were groups of huts, the poorest and meanest human habitations I have ever seen, and peopled with beings hopelessly below the plane of ordinary poverty. Lunch was served at Apizaco in good style, the viands having been sent up from the City of Mexico by the morning train. This oc^.upied an hour. The run to the capital might have been made in three hours, but the reception committee had telegraphed for a delay of arrival until 8 p. m. So the train loafed along at twenty miles an hour, mak- ing occasional stops, and at one point pushing a freight, which had been stalled on an up grade, to the next siding. At all of the stations detachments of infantry or cavalry were drawn up, the latter looking like business in their picturesque uniforms and seated upon such superb horses. The natives all seemed alive to the coming of Grant, and every platform was packed with expectant throngs. At some points decora- tions were indulged in. At STxnset we passed a number of Aztec pyramids, and long after the sudden leave-taking of daylight (they have no twilight in this latitude) the snow-caps of the mountains stood out in bright rose color above a wreath of storm clouds, which dropped with the cooling atmosphere toward the valley. IX. AT THE CAPITAL. Now dust brushes were in demand, stray bits of baggage were col- lected, and promptly at 8 p. m. the Americans alighted at the Vera Cruz depot in the City of Mexico. Pressing through brilliant ranks of oflScials to waiting carriages, the guests were at once whirled away cityward. A grand archway had been erected bearing numerous lanterns and calcium fires, with the word welcome surmounted by the initial " G." Stretching for some distance from this and dependent from lances bearing pennants were festoons of colored lights, i Three thousand cavalrymen, composing the Guarde Rurale, the finest troops of the republic, led the way, every man bearing a torch. Unfortunately, the effect of the reception was spoiled by this arrangement, which left all of the carriages, reception committee's and all, hopelessly entangled among the thousands of cabs and private carriages which blocked the way. So the General reached his residence some time in advance of the balance of the party. THE FIRST THREE DAYS. • This is the fourth day since our arrival, and the events to date may be detailed within a column. Sunday evening found everybody upon the Paseo, the fashionable drive, where all the handsomest vehicles in town hold a sort of grand review, passing along the broad avenue and re- turning in close procession at a walk. Unfortunately for the effect most of the carriages are closed and one gets but a fleeting glimpses of fair faces and elaborate costumes. The ladies have a cute fashion of twinkling their ungloved fingers toward acquaintances. The space between the two opposing lines of carriages is gay with caballeros. It is quite the thing to wear a broad sombrero, heavy with silver bullion, B, sash and slashed leather breeches when riding with a Mexican saddle. I find that all the young Americans have adopted the fashion, and they are numerous here. I hope to be able to borrow such a get-up before leaving, for I may never hope to own one. The saddles proper are generally covered with cougar skins, embossed, gold-mounted and silver-plated. The adjuncts include a brilliant shawl, streaming over the horse's flank, with side pieces of bear-skin reaching nearly to the ground. In the country a lasso and carbine are added. The people are polite to the last extreme, and find, I am afraid, frequent cause for grief in the abrupt manners of their Anglo-Saxon visitors. It is quite common for a gentleman to say to his friend, " My house is yours, take it." A senor said as much to me. I thanked him, of course, as well as I knew how, and remarked that I would have a door-plate made. When it was too late I discovered that the proper reply was : ' ' Thanks, it is already in good hands." AT MOLINO DEL REY. Tuesday afternoon carriages were taken to Molino del Eey, which means simply "King's Mills." It was at the portal in the waU sur- roimding these buildings that the desperate assault was made by the X. Americans which drove the Mexicans out like rats toward Chapultepec, half a mile away, and immortalized the spot in our national annals. The ancient walls plainly show the rain marks of bullets and of cannon baUs. A plain monument upon the crest of a hill gives due token of the event. It was here that General Grant, then a young lieutenant, won his captaincy. As he stood up in the carriage, General Sheridan and others of the party standing upon the ground, he told us about the fight, and his face wore an expression of eager animation such as I have never observed through its mask of immobility before. Just before sunset we stood upon the balcony of the i^alace of Chapultepec. I have derived aU of my previous impressions of the place from the huge canvas pendant in the stairway of the Capitol at Washington. You will remember the cliff -like proportions of the rock and fortress- like structures above. It is neither steep nor high. One day we rode horses down the declivity at random. Chapultepec is simply a palace half ruined, set upon a rocky hillock. Here Maximilian had his home in 1864. He built a splendid avenue straight into the city, and if he had lived to work out liis plans I believe Mexico City would now be the. Paris of the Western hemisphere instead of its Madrid. The commune of Mexico destroyed everything possible to min at Chapultepec when they shot the Austrian. They even tore out the entire room where he spent his private hours. Everything is being "restored" now — a tedious and expensive process. The view from the balconied prome- nade of the Valley of Mexico is simply a marvel of tropic beauty. It is a realized panorama of cities, lakes and mountains. The dead past glimmers through the evening shadows, and obtrudes the memories of its horrors and its half -learned romances upon us, and we forget, as we gaze, that we are in and a part of the nineteenth century. It is easy to conjure the thousand sacrificial altars of the Aztecs, crowned with their perennial fires ; to see the little army of Cortes, five hundred plucky, cmel Spaniards subjugating a nation, driving before them the cohorts of the Indian princes, and finally, with the help of Tlascalan allies, capturing another and a greater city than the modern Mexico before our eyes, of which not a stone is left unturned ; to picture another army in our own times, when the legions of Scott swept about the base of this very citadel ; to — but the party has vanished ; they are already in the can-iages. We rode down the winding avenue through a grove where some of the trees are as large nearly as those of the Yosemite, passing a spring which has bubbled unfailingly for three centuries. A few minutes' drive brought us to Tacubaya, a sort of select Chestnut Hfil of ' the city, a suburb embracing several park-like domains of the wealthy. The rich are marvelously rich in Mexico, and the poor too poor to know how miserable they are. The country house of Senor Escandon holds the concentration of elegant bijouterie and upholstery drawn from the most luxurious cities of Europe and America. It is a vision of a home; but it is unoccupied. The family live in another place in XI. town. So we roamed through its saloons tmquestioned. It was dark w^hen we came upon the Paseo, and a squadron of cavalry which had come swiftly out of the city surrounded the carriage like a cloud, pro- tecting us from the harms of the night, which I am coming to believe are fabled. In the city proper, at any rate, life should be safe enough. Look along the streets. Every fifty feet there is a lantern set in the middle of the carriage way. Every lantern counts a policeman. Every policeman bears a sword, a carbine, and a revolver. With the hood of his coat drawn over his head, the Mexican policeman (sereno) looks like a monk; but he is a good fellow, and will pass the stranger along the lines safely to the hotel. Whenever a row occurs with a ' ' cabby '' about fares, and that's every time one rides, the sereno drops down upon the argument, and, looking at the driver's time-card, sends him about his business. Our home police could learn something from these Mexicans. ^ During the night the hours are heralded by the serenos by a whistle of the most doleful note. It is a sort of a cross between a whip-poor-will and a tree-toad. THE BREAD AND COFFEE. There are two other institutions here which will be left behind with regret, i. e., the bread and the coffee. I wish a half-dozen of our Phila- delphia bakers could be sent to Mexico to learn the art of bread-making. But then, after they had learned, they couldn't get the flour, for our millers bolt all the virtue out of it in order to make it fine and white. Mexican flour is coarse. We dose our bread with all sorts of patent yeast powders. Here the bread comes on the table with a shell as hard as that of a land-turtle, but this once cracked, the interior is nutritious and palatable to a degree of which we of the Quaker City know noth- ing. As to the coffee, any house-keeper can make it in the Mexican style with very little trouble. The pot used is a two-story affair. At the base of the upper half is a disc perforated with numerous fine holes. The coffee, ground very fine, is placed in the top half, boiling water poured in and the syrup-like extract of the fruit is soon in the lower receptacle. A long spout projects from the base, provided with a tin cap. A horizontal wooden handle completes the apparatus. The milk is kept hot in another pot, and introduced into the cup at the same time as the coffee. A couple of lumps of the light gray sugar of the region are added, and you have coffee as they make it where it grows. Mexico is a perennial magazine of surprises. The Capital is built upon the bed of a former lake, in the worst possible location in the whole valley. It has no drainage, and nothing but the altitude and resultant rarification of atmosphere prevents a sweeping and constant epidemic. The water works consist of lively fellows, who rush about the streets with globular tanks "fore-and-aft," supported by straps over the head. They peddle the fluid at so much a quart, I suppose. Egg merchants bring hen fruit in large panniers. Flower sellers border the plaza in Xll. front of the great Cathedral, which, by the way, is the largest and most ornate this side of Europe. Upon Sunday morning this plaza is gay with promenaders, listening to the music of a military band. Seiloritas, pretty and otherwise, parade in couples, with watchful mothers six paces in the rear. The Almandares, another plaza, densely shaded, is provided with a roadway or path upon its borders, so eques- trians may make the circuit at full speed — a happy idea. All Americans are taken to see the Aztec calendar stone, now set up against the Cathedral, by means of which that astute race kept track of fleeting time, and the sacrificial stone in the museum. Prescott, the historian, says that 60,000 persons were slaughtered upon this stone in in one year, but it's my private opinion that nobody took the trouble to keep count. Madame Testa, a favorite and sparkling prima donna, not unknown in Philadelphia, tells me some curious things. They always produce "Don Juan" upon "All Souls' Day" here. Why? Because, after having visited the cemeteries, distributed miniature coifins, skulls, and other cheerful emblems among the children, the population flock to the theatre, there being a graveyard scene in "Don Juan." THE NEWSPAPERS. Mexico blooms with newspapers, printed in half a dozen languages. They are largely given to casting political horoscopes. Bona fide news and sensations are of secondary importance. This is the sort of " send off" they give to a man who has had the mild misfortune to be murdered : " Senor , of , was assassinated in his own house upon the night of the 20th of February. He was the founder and lead- ing citizen of the town. The culprits escaped." SPECIAL AIODHCEMEHT.I ■5— •- Messrs, L.EYE & ALDEN beg to announce to all persons who may Travel on their Tourist Tickets over tfie Mexican Railway — BETWEEN — f 114 mm mi iki oif f if mmm% that they will be allowed loo lbs. of baggage FREE, and special American Sleeping and Parlor Cars will be placed at their service. This arrangement has been effected for the convenience of their TOURISTS under a special business contract entered into with the This privilege is not granted to other Tickets, the, general rule being that all baggage in excess of 36 lbs. will be charged for extra. TRAVELERS TO MEXICO will therefore save money and avoid inconvenience by using tickets issued by LEYE ^ £LDE]^, Tourist m^ Excursion Managers, ' Gklrf mm, %m iiOAiWAf , liw Imh. BOSTON, Mass.i 15 State Street. CHICAGO, 111.! 114 WasMngton Street. MONTEEAL, Can.: 136 St. James Street. QUEBEC, Can.! 28 St. Louis Street, ST. LOUIS, Mo.! 521 Pine Street. PHILADELPHIA,Pa,! Broad& Chestnut Si CINCINNATI, 0.! 131 Vine Street. CLEVELAND, 0,! 321 EucM Avenue. SAVANNAH, Ga.! cor. Bull & Bryan Sts. NEW OELEAMS, La.! 19 Camp Street. JACKSONVILLE, Pla.! Cor. Bay and Ocean Streets. SEE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON LAST THREE PAGES OF THIS BOOK. ISHTAR AND IZDUBAR. THE EPIC OF BABYLON ; OR, The Babylonian Goddess of Love AND The Hero andAVarrior King; CONSTRUCTED FROM TRANSLATIONS OF THE GREAT ACCADIAN EPIC AND THE LEGENDS OF ASSYRIA AND BABYLON, FOUND IN CUNEI- FORM INSCRIPTIONS ON TABLETS LATELY DISCOVERED ON THE SITE OF THE RUINS OF NINEVEH, , AND NOW DEPOSITED IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. The Oldest Epic Poem of Antiquity, RESTORED IN MODERN VERSE, BY LEONIDAS LE CENCF HAMILTON, A.M. (ILLUSTRATED) London and New York: 1S83. G. H. Malter. nrlim ■J C. LiND. L,l E. B. Rogers. 00. No. 189 Broadway, New York, ^^Gm 419 CALIFORNIA ST., CAL. OF ALL KINDS OF mtmwm'p mite, HitDE^^ s HOISTING WORKS, FURNACES, SMELTERS, ETC. OYER 35 YEARS' EXPERIENCE. TO- %'0kt^ Steamers leave New York every Thursday, -FOR- Havana, Progreso, Campeohe, Frontera, -AND- (New York to Vera Cruz in 10 Days.) ALSO EVERY THREE WEEKS FROM NEW ORLEANS TO VERA CRUZ, (NEW ORLEANS TO VERA CRUI IN 4 AND 5 DAYS.) f . AISiillE & SOIS. il & 13 Bfsadwaf. I.I. THE NEW ROUTE ACROSS THE CONTINENT! ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE R. R. IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD. OPEN Al-r, THE YEAK ROUND, Trains now leave our Eastern Termini at Kansas City and Atchison as follows, in connection with all Eastern Trunk Lines. ONE PACIFIC EXPRESS ) Trinidad, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, >■ Las Cruces, El Paso, Demiug, Benson, Guay- uaiiy lor j mas, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc. TWO COLORADO EXPRESSES ) Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, Canon City, y LeadviUe, Gunnison, San Juan, and all points Daily lor | j^ Kansas and Colorado. ONE EMIGRANT DAILY FOR CALIFORNIA AND IN- TERMEDIATE POINTS. ONE EMIGRANT DAILY FOR COLORADO. PULLMAN PALACE OAES ATTACHED TO ALL EXPRESS TEAINS. Time from Kansas City to Pueblo, 23 hours ; Colorado Springs, 23 hours ; Denver, 26 hours ; Las S7"egas Hot Springs, 39 hours ; Santa Fe, 44 hours ; El Paso, 2 days ; Deming, 2% days ; Tucson, 3 days ; Guay- mas, Zy^ days ; Los Angeles, 4 days ; San Francisco, 5 days. Excellent Eating Houses en route, and ample time allowed for meals. For Through Freight and Passenger business to Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Western Texas, Arizona, Chihuahua, Sonora and Cali- fornia, this route possesses unrivaled faciUties. Through Passengers for CALIFORNIA and MEXICO will find Las Vegas Hot Springs a pleasant half-way resting-place, and are granted stop-over privileges on first-class tickets. A magnificent new hotel, "THE MONTEZUMA," has been opened at the Springs, and is furnished throughout in first-class style, with cuisine and appointments second to none. ll^"FuU information as to Koute, Rates (both passenger and freight)) TicketSi Sleeping Car Arrangements, etc., can be obtained at the rOMPAl^Y'S OPPIPES- 1 ^^^ BEOADWAY, NEW YOEK. COMPANY S OFFICES. I ^^^ t^aSHINGTON ST., BOSTON. Or by addressing — W. F. WHITE, S. W. MANNING, W. L. MALCOLM, QenH Pass. Agent, New England Agent, GenH Eastern Agent, X«i)ekn, Kitiisns. 197 Washington Sf., Boston. 419 Broailwu)'. New lork. MIZiZ.S FOB. THIS MILLIOITS ! No More Cumbersome Stamps, No More Experimental Pulverizers. OUR CRUSHER REDUCES ORE TO 20, 40 or 60 MESH AT ONE OPERATION. Eh 02 r-, fl We also manufacture Engines, Hoists, Pumps and General M'f e' MachiHery. THE EEOKETT & McDowell M'Fa CO., Office and Warerooms, 120 Liberty street, wew York. (Sueeessorg to Morey & Sperry,) MANUFAOTUREKS OF »» 1^ m m n Ml MINING MACHINERY. m Iferi ^ SIMPLE, EFFICIENT, DURABLE AND LiaHT. REQUIRES LITTLE POWER. S2 cSc a-^ ILiiloertTT- Street, ItTe-w "^orls. COIilMA COFFSS COMFA1T7. Organized under the Laws of the State of New York. CAPITAL STOCK, - - - 25,000 SHAKES OF $20 EACH. This Company was formed for the pm-pose of cultivating and selling tlie celebrated Colima Coffee. To this end, \t has purchased an estate, consisting of 20,000 acres of valuable land, located fifty miles from the port of Manzanillo in the State of Colima, Mexico. There are now 60,000 trees bearing coffee of unsurpassed quality, and it is proposed to increase the number by planting at least 100,000 trees (from plants grown on the estate) each year. The estate also produces, a fine quality of sugar and many tropical products of much commercial value. It is well supplied with wood and water, and has buildings, mills and machinery, and an admirable irrigating system by canals of masonry. It is already connected with the outside world by steamship and tele- graphic communication, and railroads to the Pacific and Atlantic are in course of construction from the City of Colima (.30,000 inhabitants), less than fifty miles from the property. All products of the estate command ready and profitable sale in Colima. TRUSTEES: J. A. TONNER, JACOB W. RIGLANDER, FRANCIS N. BUCK. Hon. R. C. McCORMICK, AUGUSTE H. GIRARD, ABRAHAM B. CONGER, OFFICERS: Hon. R. C. McCORMICK, Pres't, | J. A. TONNER, Vice-Pres't, A. H. GIRARD, Secretary. GENERAL MANAGER IN MEXICO : H. W. FORTUNE. OFFICES OF THE COMPANY: No. 39 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. Marctts "Ward c& Co., LONDON, BELFAST, NEW YORK, MANUFACTURERS OF THEIR CELEBRATED Olililmiij liw f lit iii llilMii Oil iij PRODUCED IN THE HIGHEST STYLE OP CHEOMO LITHOGRAPHY. Prices ranging from 5 cents eacli to $1.50 eacli; plain Cards and witii Ornamental Silk Fringes. Liberal discounts to stealers, and orders per mail, with remittances, promptly filled. AMERICAN AGENCY, No. 734 Broadway, New York. HAMILTON'S MEXICAN LAW A COMPLETE COMPILATION OV THE LAWS OF MEXICO, Including Commercial Law, Civil Law, Laws Relating to Foreigners, and Mexican Mining Law, with Annotations and Decisions. By LEONIDAS HAMILTON, Attorney at Law, Author of "Border States of Mexico." San Francisco, 1882: One Volume, 8vo. Law Binding: Price, $6.00. This is the first work on Mexican Law that has been published for nearly thirty years, and contains the laws iu force to-day in Mexico, and supplies a want greatly felt by the Legal Profession, Business Men and Mining Men, who have long desired just such a work as is now presented— compact, comprehensive and authoritative. The wiirk is divided into ten parts, as follows : Pakt I.— foreigners— Rights of Foreigners; Civil Condition ; Transient Foreign- ers; Domiciled Foreigners; as Local Inhabitants; Ownership of Real Estate; Vacant Liinds; Matriculation; Reciprocity Rights; Legalization of Signatures, etc. Pakt II.— COMMERCIAL LAW— Commercial Companies, Formation, Rights and Obligations; Commercial Contracts, Bills of Exchange, etc., etc. Pabt III.— CIVIL LAW— Property, Real and Personal; Classification; Sales; Pre- scriptions ; Mortgage? ; Sales made in fraud of Creditors ; Gradation of Creditors ; Gen- eral Provisions relating to Insolvency ; Liens; Rights of Husband and Wife; Division of Property; Donation, Dower, etc. ; Leases; Inheritance; Partnership; Reciprocal Rights and Obl'gatious of Partners; Rural Partnership; Agency or Power of Attorney; Corpn- ratiouf; Common Carriers, etc.; Registration; Procedure; Attachment, Execution; Property Exempt, etc., etc. Part IV.— PATENT LAW— Forms of Patents, etc. Part V.-LAND LAWS AND WATER RIGHTS AND DECISIONS. Part VI— DENOUNCEMENT AND SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS — Colonization; Occupation and Alienation of Public Lands; Foreigners prohibited from denouncing Public Lands in the Frontier States; Constitutionality of Restrictive Laws discussed; Procedure in acquiring Public Lands, etc. ; Conflict of Federal and State Authorities :is to the Disposition of Public Lands ; Laws of various States annulled by General Govern- ment; Tariff of Prices of Public Lands, etc. Part VII.— laws RELATING TO FOREIGNERS— Rights of Foreigners to Acquire and Possess conditionally Real Estate; Under what Conditions; Does not apply to the IJorder States; Confiscation of Real Estate held by Foreigners absent from the Republic; Kights conceded to Foreign Colonists; Matriculation, etc. Part VIII.— CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC, with Amendments. Part IX.— JURISDICTION, AMPARO, TREATIES AND DECISIONS— Jurisdic- tion of Federal and State Courts, etc. Part X.— MEXICAN MINING LAW— Complete, with Modifications and Decisions ; Reorganization of Courts and Jurisdiction of Courts as to Mining Cases, etc.; Manner of Denouncing, Holding and Working Mines, etc. ; Rights of Foreigners to acquire Mines ; Are Foreigners legally prohibited from denouncing Mines in the Prohibited Belt? Decision of Minister Iglesias that Foreigners may acquire Mines in all the Republic, etc., etc. Address LEONIDAS HAMILTON, San Francisco, Cal. Send no money by Mail, but order by Check, Postal Order, or Express. No books sent C. 0. D. but to responsible publishing houses. "^MMWM^Mm CONTEMPLATING A TRIP TO IMCXS XC? or elsewhere, by any known Route, may avoid a great deal of annoyance and save money by corresponding with Messrs. LEVE & ALDEN, Tourist anJ Excnrsioi lanaprs, -■p --h FOR INFORMATION AND RATES. The AMERICAN TOURIST GAZETTE, a handsome illustrated quarto-monthly, may be had by application in person or by mail, at any of I.SVB (& iiliDElT'S OFFZCSS, Chief Office, 207 BROADWAY, N. Y. BOSTON, Mass.: 15 State St. PHILADELPHIA, Pa.: cor. Broad and Chestnut Streets. OHIOAGO, 111.: 114 Washington, St. CLEVELAND, 0.: 321 EucHd Ave. CINCINNATI, 0.: 131 Tine St. JACKSONVILLE, Pla.: cor. Bay and Ocean Streets. SAVANNAH, Ga.: cor. Bull and Bryan Streets. NEW OELEANS, La.: 19 Camp St. ST. LOUIS, Mo.: 521 Pine St. MONTEEAL, P.Q.: 136 St. James St. QUEBEC, P. Q.: 28 St. Louis St. %i^tM & M%mmM. Tourist and Excursion llianagers, I CHIEF OFFICE, 207 BKOADWAY, N. Y. BOSTON, Mass.! 15 State Street. CHIOAQO, ni.! 114 Washington St'reet, MONTREAL, Can.! 136 St, James Street. QUEBEC, Can.! 28 St, Louis Street. ST. LOUIS, Mo,! 521 Pine Street, PHILADELPHIA,Pa,! Broad&Chestnnt Sts. CINCINNATI, 0,! 131 Vine Street. CLEVELAND, 0.! 321 EucUd Avenne. SAVANNAH, Ga.! cor. Bull & Bryan Sts. NEW ORLEANS, La,! 19 Camp Street. JACKSONVILLE, Fla.i Cor. Bay and Ocean Streets. ©®;Iif E-R^l. MmBM'E'm WMm tmm Allan Line Royal IMail Steamers, Short- est Sea Route to Europe. Amerion Tourist Route, St. Lawrence Steamboat Co., Niagara Falls and Montreal. Quebec S. S. Co., only Steam Route on the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; also from New York to Bermuda, St. Thomas, and Windward Islands. St. Lawrence Steam Navigation Co., only Steamer Line to Saguenay River. Cuba Mail S. S. Line, composed of Ward's Palace Steamships. ■■». y :» :» >tXB> 1>^ i^i'^ > ^>^» o :,">.r-»'> >»';_:>j3*> > >.> -> :>'>^:> .1, :io •■r "^ _J» > :>:> £_^VV >z>:^- ^^> .' lISB^ >.^ > >? 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