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Purchased from
Henry R. Wagner, Yale '84
1916

THE

REPUBLIC OF MEXICO

1882
With Revised and Corrected Map

LORENZO CASTRO

Neto Forfe
THOMPSON & MOREAU, PRINTERS
Nos. 51 & 53 Maiden Lane
1882

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882,
By LORENZO CASTRO,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

THOMPSON & MOREAU, PRINTERS, 61 & 63 MAIDEN LANE, N. Y.

INTRODUCTION.

The author of this little work has resided in Western
Texas, the frontier of Texas, and the interior of Mexico for
the last thirty-five years. His father, Henry Castro, for
services rendered to the Republic of Texas in early days,
received several grants of land in Texas, one of them now
comprising the county of Medina, and part of Bexar, Ban-
dora, Uvalde, Frio, Zavala and McMullen ; he colonized his
grant with immigrants brought principally from Alsace and
Lorraine and the Rhenish provinces. Having brought to
Texas, in 27 ships, 5,200 colonists from the year 1842 to
1847, he founded the town of Castroville, the present county
seat of Medina County, and the villages of Quihi, Vanden-
bergh and Dhanis.
Before Henry Castro brought his people from Europe
to Texas, the country west of San Antonio was a wilderness
only inhabited by the Lipan and Comanche Indians. The
San Pedro Creek could then be considered the frontier.
The difficulties that Henry Castro had to overcome to in
duce his people, after he had brought them from Europe, to
, remain, would hardly be believed. After spending a large
fortune and several years of arduous labor, his settlements
were permanently fixed, and are now in a high state

IV INTRODUCTION.
of prosperity. The State of Texas honored his memory as
the pioneer of Western Texas by giving his name to one of
the new counties.
The writer, who assisted his father in his efforts to
colonize Western Texas, has, since the Confederate war,
resided and travelled all over Mexico. He is well acquainted
with the country, its language, laws, customs and the manners
of its people. He has, since the War of Secession, devoted his
entire time to make Mexico better known than it is by the
generality of the American people ; to develop its untold
mining wealth, its agriculture and industry, and promote
immigration which will be well supported and encouraged
by the best and most respectable citizens of the country.
The writer has consulted the following distinguished
authors : Baron Humboldt, Lucas Alaman, Michel Cheva
lier, Lerdo de Tejada, Jesus Hermosa, Alvarez y Duran,
Dr. Eleuterio Gonzales, Carlos Maria Bustamante, the Re
ports of the Minister of Public Works, and lastly the valu
able datas collected by the distinguished statistician Don
Adrian Busto.
Americans who desire to emigrate to Mexico can con
sult this little work with confidence, and if they find the
same useful, the undersigned will have accomplished his
object.
LORENZO CASTRO.
New York, April 5, 1882.

MEXICO.

ITS FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
The Government of Mexico is a Federal Republic, composed
actually of twenty-seven States, one Territory and the Federal
District. The independence of Mexico from Spain was proclaimed for
the first time on the night of the 15th of September, 1810, in the
Town of Dolores, State of Guanajuato, by the curate of the parish,
Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, seconded by Captain Ignacio
Allande, Mariano Abasolo, Don Juan Aldama and other persons
of distinction. The independence was finally effected by Don
Augustin Iturbide, commanding the Army of the Three Guarantees,
on the 27th day of September, 1821.
The present Constitution of Mexico was promulgated on the
5th of February, A. D. 1857, and is generally known as the
Constitution of 1857. It was amended September 25th, 1873,
establishing the Senate, and prohibiting the reelection of the Pre
sident of the Republic and the Governors of States to a second
term of office, May 5th, 1877.
The Mexican Government is actually divided in three bodies
entirely independent from each other, viz.: the Executive, the Legis
lative and the Judiciary.
THE EXECUTIVE POWER.
The present incumbent, Constitutional President Citizen
Ceneral Manuel Gonzales, was elected July, 1880, for the term of
four years, from December ist, 1880, consequently his term of
office will expire on the 30th of November, 1884.
In case of death of the President, the Constitution of 1857
provides that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court becomes the
President of the Republic.

The executive power resides in the President of the Republic
and a Cabinet composed of the following Secretaries of State, viz. :
One Secretary of Foreign Relations,
One Secretary of the Interior,
One Secretary of the Treasury,
One Secretary of War and Marine,
One Secretary of Justice,
One Secretary of Public Works.
THE LEGISLATIVE POWER.
This branch of the Government emanating directly from the will
of the people, resides into two high bodies, the Senate and the
Chamber of Deputies. The Senate is renewed by halves every two
years, and the deputies hold their mandates also for two years.
THE JUDICIAL POWER.
This important branch of the Government is composed of a
tribunal known as the Supreme Court of Justice, composed of
a Chief Justice known as the President of the Tribunal, eleven
Associate Justices known as Magistrates, and two Attorneys-General,
one known as Fiscal Attorney-General and Procurator, or Pro
curer or Solicitor General.
The following duties devolves upon the different Secretaries of
State. The Secretary of State and of Foreign Relations has charge of
all the foreign relations, the consulates, the delineation and pre
servation of the limits of the Republic, the naturalization of foreign
ers, the recording of commercial houses and foreign companies,
the legalization of signatures ; he is also the depositor of the great
seal of the nation, the keeper of the national archives and has
charge of the ceremonial and official publications.
The duties of the Secretary of State and of the Interior consist in
supervising all general elections, National Congress, constitutional
reforms, territorial divisions and boundaries between the States ; it
is his duty to see that the Constitution is enforced, he has charge
of the relations between the Executive and the different States,
public tranquillity, national guard, amnesties, civil register, right of

citizenship, right of reunion (meetings), liberty of the press, liberty
of religion and the police of that department. He has charge of
the public security and salubrity, the Post Office, the National
festivities, epidemics, vaccination ; he has also charge of the political
government of the Federal District and its administration, the super
vision of public benevolence, hospitals, asylums, prisons, peniten-
ciaries, houses of correction and public printing.
The Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction has charge of
the Supreme, Circuit and District Courts, of the controversy that may
arise between the Federal tribunals, of cases of piracy, expropria
tions for public utility, Codes, of the collection of laws and decrees,
of the judicial organization in the Federal District and Territories, of
the freedom of teaching, professional titles, national colleges, special
schools, academies, and scientific, artistic and literary associations,
libraries, museums, national antiquities, lawyers and notaries, and
pardons. To the Secretary of Public Works belongs the department of
statistics, liberty of industry and labor, agriculture, commerce,
mining, exclusive privileges, internal improvements (including the
supervision of highways, railroads, bridges, canals, light-houses,
telegraphs, colonization, public lands, public monuments, exhibi
tions of agricultural and industrial products, also textile and mining
products, drainage of the valley of Mexico, the supervision of all
works of public utility or ornamentation done under the patronage or
at the cost of the national treasury, the preservation of the national
palaces and all public buildings), and has charge of geographical and
astronomical survey and observations, scientific explorations, and
weights and measures.
To the Secretary of the Treasury and Public Credit belongs
the administration of all federal revenues, tariff of maritime custom
houses, mints, loans and public debt, and the nationalization of
church property.
The Secretary of War and Marine has charge of the standing
army, the national navy, the national guard (when in the service of
the government), the military and naval schools, military hospitals,
military legislation, military colonies, judgments of court martials,
letters of marque, the inspection of forts, quarters, arsenals, military
stores and federal depots, and the wild Indians.
The judicial power is composed of the Suprem » Court of Jus-

tice, and the District and Circuit Courts. The first is composed of
eleven magistrates and four supernumerary magistrates, and two
attorneys general, one styled Fiscal and the other Procurator,
These supreme judges are elected by the people and hold their
mandates for the term of six years from the date of their taking
the oath of office. During absence, or in case of incapacity or
death, the President of the Supreme Court becomes President of
the Republic. The Government of the several States of the Republic is also
divided into three distinct branches : the Legislative, Executive and
Judicial Powers, taking respectively the names of Legislature, Gov
ernment of the State, and Supreme Court of Justice of the State.
BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The Republic of Mexico is bounded as follows : On the south
by the Republic of Guatemala and the English territory of Balize ;
on the north by the United States of America. This dividing line
between the two nations, as settled by the last treaty of December
30th, 1853, known as the Gadsden purchase, begins at the mouth of
the Rio Grande, or Brazo del Norte, and, following its course until
it strikes the 310 47' parallel of north latitude ; thence west, follow
ing the same parallel for 100 English miles ; thence south to paral
lel 310 21', and following the same parallel until it strikes the m°
meridian from Greenwich ; thence northwest in a direct line until it
strikes the Rio Grande on parallel 320 29' 45'' ; thence following
the course of said river, until the dividing line between the
two Californias is reached ; thence following said dividing line until
the shores of the bay of San Diego on the Pacific Coast is reached,
a marine league below the town of San Diego. The greatest length
of the Mexican Republic from northwest to southeast, drawing a
straight line from the southern extremity of the State of Chiapas
to a league south of the port of San Diego in Upper California, is
750 leagues of 5,000 varas, or 1,973^ American miles; and its
greatest width taken on the 26th degree of north latitude is 224
leagues, or 589 American miles. Its coast extends along the Gulf of
Mexico and the Caribean Sea for 1,613 miles, and for 4,168 j£ miles
along the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Its line of
frontier with the United States extends for 1,789^ miles, and the

extent of its southern frontier is of 532 miles. The present area of
the Republic amounting to 110,317 square Mexican leagues, or
766,088 square miles.
According to the distinguished Mexican historian, Don Lucas
Alaman, the territory of Mexico, when its independence from Spain
was established, contained an area of 216,012 square leagues, of
5,000 varas in length, or 4, 1 79 metres. The Mexican square leagues
contain 1,747 hectares, or 4,428 American acres. He sets the same
down, at the time he published his work upon Mexico, at 106,067
square leagues, the United States having acquired by treaty 109,945
square leagues. GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
The territory of the Mexican Republic extends from the 130 to
the 320 of north latitude and the 140 20' of east longitude, and the
17° 35' of west longitude from the city of Mexico.
BAYS.
The principals are those of Campeche, Island of Carmen, As-
cencion and Espiritu Santo on the east coast of Yucatan, and those
of Acapulco, Manzanillo (on the Pacific) and those of Lower
California.
GULFS.
There are three in the Republic, viz. : the Gulf of California, or
the Sea of Cortez, that separates Lower California from the State of
Sonora; the Gulf of Tehuantepec on the Pacific, and the Gulf of
Mexico on the Atlantic. CAPES.
The principal ones are the Cabo Rojo, that of Catoche on the
coast of Yucatan, that of San Lucas in Lower California, and that
of Corrientes on the coast of the State of Jalisco.
ISLANDS.
The Republic of Mexico possesses many of more or less mag
nitude. Among the principals the following can be mentioned :

San Ignacio, Angel de Guardia, Salsipuedes, Tiburon, Tortuga,
del Carmen, San Jos£ and Cerralvo in the Gulf of California.
Those of Venados, of N. W., of del Medio, of the S. E., Santa Cata-
lina, and others in the Pacific Ocean. Those of Cozumel, of Can-
cun, de Mujeres and Contey in the Carrjbean Sea, and those of
Jollox and del Carmen in the Gulf of Mexico.
RIVERS.
Unfortunately for Mexico but a few of its rivers are navigable,
and that only for a short distance ; below is given the length of the
principal streams of the Republic, viz.:

Rio Bravo [Rio Grande]

. 600 leagues

Rio Concho, State of Chihuahua

130

Rio de Santiago ....

. 208

Rio de los Balzas . . . .

161

Rio Yaqui 

. 13°

Rio de Grijalva . . . .
132
Rio Usumacinta ....
. 131
Rio Mezquetal 
"5
Rio Panuco .....
. no '
Rio del Altar 
108
Rio de Nazos ....
• 103
Rio de Flagualilla . . . .
103
Rio de Sinaloa ....
. 107
Rio del Fuerte 
105
Rio Mayo 
. 80
Rio de Ures 
80
Rio de Alvarado ....
. 62
Rio de Culiacan
60
Rio de Goazacalcos
¦ 35
The Rio de Moctezuma, that takes its rise in the hills that
separate the Valley of Mexico from that of Toluca, and which,
after uniting its waters with the Panuco, empties into the Gulf of
Mexico, might be canalized and, probably will be some day, thereby
making an internal water communication and a drain for the Valley
of Mexico.
MOUNTAINS.
Among the principal peaks in the Mexican Repubhc are the
following :
In the State of Mexico —
i. The Popocatepetl, 5,400 metres.
2. The Ixtacihualt, 4,775 metres.
3. The Nevado de Toluca, 4,440 metres.
4. The Ajusco, 3,575 metres.
In the State of Vera-Cruz—
5. The Peak of Orizaba, 5,298 metres.
6. The Cofre de Perote, 4,089 metres.
In the State of Colima —
7. The Volcano of Colima, 3,396 metres.
In the State of Oxaca —
8. The Zempoaltepetl, 3,368 metres.
In the State of Michoacan —
9. The Quinceo, 3,324 metres.
In the State of Zacatecas —
10. The Veta Grande, 2,800 metres.
n. The Bufa de Zacatecas, 2,618 metres.
In the State of Durango —
12. Cerro Mercado, 2,500 metres.
In the State of Chiapas —
13. The Soconusco, 2,400 metres.
In the State of Chihuahua —
14. The Jesus Maria, 2,511 metres.
15. The Tabacotes, 2,359 metres.
16. The Cerro Puelo, 2,124 metres.
17. The Cusihuiriachic, 1,978 metres.
18. The Cerro del Coronel, 1,608 metres.
In the State of Michoacan —
19. The Volcano de Zorullo, 1,297 metres.
In the State of Jalisco —
20. The Bufa de Bo.afios, 1,250 metres.
21. The Mineral de Bolanos, 1,025 metres.

FORESTS AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS.
Among the trees of the forests are found the following. We
give their names in Spanish, or Mexican dialects, with a translation
into English, and their technical names in botany when possible.

SPANISH.

ENGLISH.

LATIN.

Guachocares,

Quiebrahachas,

A kind of Fir.

Robles,

Oak tree,

Fraxinus

Pinos,

Pine,

Pinus.

Olmos,

Elm,

Ulmus.

Nogales.

Hayas,
Beach tree.
Fagus.
Encinas,
Live oak,
Quereus ilex.
Abetos.
Cedros,
Cedar,
Cedro de America.
Caobas,
Mahogany,
Swietenia mahogani
Guachapillines.
Palmas reales,
Royal palmetto.
Ceibas negras.
Sabinos,
Sabine.
Palo amarillo,
Yellow wood.
Aloe.
Topinuranos.
Palo gateato.
Madera de Zopilote.
Palillo.
Ebanos,
Ebony.
Palo de hierro,
Iron wood.
Palo brazo (a tree whose shade irritates the
masculine sex).
Palo rosa,
Rosewood.
Guamochil
Retama.
Acahuiste,
Conifera.
Azumiate,
Maconia.
Balsamo,
Amyridacea
Cacao (female),
Anacordiasea.
Cacao (male),
Anacordiasea
Cherry,
SPANISH.
Cimal.Cuayolote.Espino bianco.
Esquisuchil.Escabo ordinario.
Alcamban.
Huisachi Laurel. Leoncillo.
Mamey. Mecacahuil.
Naranjo, Palo Maria.
Palo bianco,
Pochote.
Pixlta.
Quechulahuacate.Sochimahuit (black),
Sochimahuit (yellow),
Tesoloahuacate.Teolate,
Tepehuage bianco,
Teamole.Tlascal, Cacao.Copalillo (common).
Cholahuite. Duraznillo.Temazcalchihu.al.
Tehuiztle.Ramon. Frijolillo. Ispepe.
Zempoalehual. Aceitunillo.Ahuacate chico.
1 Algodoncillo,Ahocoahuitl.

ENGLISH.

LATIN.

Orange,
Huckleberry.

Citrus.
Elnica.

Laurinea.Laurinea.Conifera.Mimosa.Conifera.

Malvacea.

10

SPANISH.

ENGLISH.

LATIN.

Amargo.

Amargoso.

Ahuacatillo fino.
Arrayan.
Asajarillo (male),
Sympl. Linonc.
Asajarillo (female),
Sympl. Linonc.
Axocopa.
Almacigo,
Mastic tree.
Huaconecos.
Brazil,
Dye-wood,
Cisalpinei Brasilienses
Acacia.
A shrub.
Albases.
Campeche,
Logwood,
Hematopilis Campe-
chicanus,
Fresno,
Ash,
Fraximus.
Tepeguage.
Picea,
Silver fir,
Pinus picea.
Taray,
Tamarisco.
Aliso,
Alder tree,
Betula almus.
Palo Colorado,
Redwood.
Camichin.
Cobano.
Arrayan,
Myrtle,
Myrtus corromusus.
Guayacan,
Lignum-vitae,
Guaiacum.
Azafran,
Saffron,
Crocus Santus.
Peomia.
Oregano,
Wild majoran,
Origanum vulgar.
Haba,
A kind of pulu,
Haba comun.
Madera blanca.
White-wood.
Enebro,
Common juniper,
Juniperos.
Ocote.
Nazareno.
Copal,
Copal.
Amapa.
Hovo.
POPULATION.
Baron Humboldt says that in 1804 the white population of
Mexico was in the proportion of sixteen to every hundred inhabit-
11
ants. The distinguished historian, Lucas Alaman, says that out of
the population of Mexico in 1808, which he estimates at six millions
souls, one million two hundred thousand were of Spanish blood (in
that number he includes sixty thousand European Spaniards domi
ciled in Mexico), about two million four hundred thousand of Indian
blood, and the balance of mixed blood. The proportion of inhabit
ants of pure white blood is larger in the northern States than in the
interior States of the Republic.
The distinguished statesman, Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada,
who succeeded President Juarez to the presidency of Mexico, in a
statistical sketch of the Republic, that he published in 1856, set down
the population of Mexico at 7,829,564 inhabitants, and its area at
110,317 square leagues.
It is probable that to-day the population is nearer twelve mil
lions than any pther figure.
CHARACTER OF THE POPULATION.
The Mexican Indian, who forms the largest portion of the
population, is of a bronze color, peculiar to most of the natives of
the American continent. He is of medium stature, his hands and
feet are small ; the palm of his hands and soles of his feet are of a
lighter color than the balance of his body. He is well proportioned
in form, with a narrow forehead, black eyes, black straight hair,
with the exterior of his eyes slightly raised toward the temples,
beard scarce, and very little hair on the body. The women in gen
eral are pretty, their speech is sweet, and their countenance ex
tremely modest.
The Mexican Indian has a dignified appearance : he is of a
melancholy disposition — is inclined to silence and solitude ; his man
ners are genteel and passionate ; he is inclined to dissimulate, and
his physionomy never show the ardent passions that may animate
him within ; he is constant in his affections ; his fidelity is extraor
dinary. One of the mam reasons why in Mexico the Indian has
preserved his race pure, is because he very rarely contracts matri
mony or relations with women that are not of his race and class.
He is not much addicted to labor, his sobriety is extreme, his wants
are but few, and as soon as he has acquired enough to satisfy them
he will cease his exertions ; with those defects that are inherent to
constitution and character, they have many qualities.

12
They have but little inventive genius, and having little imagina
tion their speech is short ; but this should be attributed to their long
ill-treatment by the Spaniards for 300 years, and their want of
education. In regard to his physical force, although far from equaling
the negro or the white man, probably on account of the small quan
tity and the bad quality of the nourishment, his constancy to his
labor and his great power of endurance makes up his deficiency of
physical force.
At the beginning of this century the negro population of Mexico
did not exceed 10,000 souls.
Population, according to latest data in 1881, 10,025,649 inhabit
ants of all colors ; this includes foreigners residing in the country.
ANTIQUITIES.
In the State of Chiapas, in the Valley of Quixte, is to be seen
two stones in the shape of a tongue, three yards in length and two
yards and two-thirds in width. To these two rocks the Indians pay
great respect, taking off their hats to them ; they adorn them with
flowers, which, after they have dried, they carry off as relics ; they
kneel and pray to these rocks, as if they were still practising
paganism. The ruins of Palenque, so much noted for their grandeur and
varied sculpture, are also in this State. Rums of many large In
dian cities, which attest a high degree of civilization, are found
scattered in this same State.
Many interesting antiquities are found in the State of Oajaca,
among the most noted is the ancient palace of Mitla.
In the State of Yucatan are to be found very interesting ruins
on account of their vast proportions ; among them those of Uxmal,
which are in a better state of preservation than those of Palenque.
The structure called " La Casa del Enano " (the dwarf's palace) is
amongst the most interesting on account of its fine sculptures.
Antiquities of high interest are found in the State of Tlaxcala,
among them the portraits of four of their ancient senators made on
some leaves of the maguey plant ; the fountain in which the dis
tinguished prince and poet Xicotencalt was baptized, and many
others.

13
In the State of Chihuahua, the ruins of Casa Grande, on the
river of the same name, supposed to have been built by the Astecs
in their migration to the Valley of Mexico.
In caves situated in the mountains of the Laguna country,
that belongs to the State of Coahuila, Indian mummies have been
discovered in the late years.
ETYMOLOGY OF THE EXPRESSION OR WORD
" MEXICO."
It originated from the chief Ocite, that degenerated into
Mexite, whose name the country assumed in consideration of the
services he had rendered, and which the Spaniards corrupted into
Mexico. The word Mejico, in the Astec language, signifies place
or residence of the war god, called Mexitle or Huitzilopochtli.
DIALECTS.
The national language is the Castillan. Amongst the natives,
various dialects, the languages of their forefathers, are still spoken ;
the principal ones in our days are : the Astec or Mejican, the Oto-
mite, the Tarasco, the Zapoteco, the Misteco, the Mazahua, the
Poloque, the Zotzil, the Maya language, and many others ; the dia
lects most generally spoken are the Astec, Otomite (in the Sierra
Gorda country), and the Mazahua. CLIMATE.
Most of the territory that now forms the Republic of Mexico,
which was so greatly reduced by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo,
is almost equally divided by the line of the equator, and limited
north and south by the tropics. This vast space was formerly
known as the torrid zone, because it was supposed that on account
of its extremely warm temperature it was hardly inhabitable for
man. It is true that this zone, where the level of the land is but
slightly above that of the Ocean, presents the following feature:
Near a luxurious vegetation, the heat is so great that the white
man cannot perform any arduous labor, and he is necessarily
compelled to remain inactive, almost constantly shut up between

14
thick walls, and have his field labor, particularly that kind that has
to be performed in the sun, done by a race better constituted to
stand the rays of the burning sun. When near the coast, the
vicinity of the sea temperates in a great measure the burning
influence of the Aster King, but when the land presents the vast
surface of a continent, heat becomes intense, unless favored with
an exceptional configuration, as is the case with Mexico, I mean to
say with high altitudes. The higher the altitude of a country, the
lower is its temperature, so much so that it would seem that he
was leaving the equator for the north pole. Under the line of the
equator can be found perpetual ice and a mean temperature equal
to that of Iceland.
The great mass of the Mexican territory, in lieu of presenting
a country of low altitude, as compared with the level of the sea, like
the country along the banks of the Niger, in Africa, or the country
along the banks of the Amazone River, in South America, consti
tute a high plateau, that presents on each of its flanks a rapid
inclined plane of heavy grade to the shores of the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans. It is certainly not one of the least privileges of the
Mexican plateau to be situated at elevations which are most favor
able to the development of the Caucasian race, both on account of
its healthfulness and products. It was also on that account that
prior to the conquest of the country by the Spaniards, it was
already the seat of a remarkable civilization. The Cordillera, after
it strikes the Mexican territory, spreads out so as to occupy the
greatest portion of the country situated between the two oceans,
hence a region of country suspended above the ocean at a height,
in the southern portion of the Republic, — as for instance about the
cities of Puebla, Mexico and in the Mixteca — of 4,500 to 5,000
American feet. The city of Puebla is situated at an altitude of 2,196
metres. The City of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,274 metres. North of
Mexico, the fine city of Guanajuato, so celebrated for the rich silver
mines that are worked in its neighborhood, is situated at an altitude
of 2,084 metres, that is a little below the level of the capital. From
the surface of this plateau rises several peaks which are covered
with perpetual snow, such as the two at the foot of which are built,
on the south side, the fine city of Puebla, and on the north, the cap
ital of Mexico. Those two mountains have preserved to this day
their Aztec names : one, the Istaccihuatl (the white woman), and

15
the other, the Popocatapetl (smoking mountain), reach respectively
the altitude of 4,786 metres and 5,500 metres. A short distance
from the City of Mexico, is situated the peak known as the Nevada
de Toluca (snow mountain of Toluca) which reaches the altitude of
4,621 metres. Those projections of the plateau are mere dots com
pared with the immense extent of the same.
The six highest mountains in Mexico are the three above men
tioned, the peak of Orizaba, the Coffre de Perote and the volcano
of Colima situated almost on a parallel line with the equator.
Excepting the narrow strip of country marked by those high peaks,
Mexico offers a plateau extending northward, with undulations that
do not materially change their altitude for long distances. Immense
plains, that at one time were the beds of vast lakes, follow each
other, and only separated by low mountains that hardly ever reach
in altitude 2,000 feet. In altitude, this plateau equals the
height of the Alpine mountains of Europe, which have a very cold
climate ; the former, on account of its being situated near the equa
tor, is found with a temperate climate. This plateau maintains
its great elevation northwardly to a point further than the tropic of
Cancer ; it really begins about latitude 18 and ends at latitude 40,
giving it a development of 22 degrees, or 2,440 kilometres.
The two slopes of this long plateau, as one descends to the
banks of either oceans and approaches the sea, presents the
highest temperature. The grade being very rapid causes sudden
changes in the climate and vegetation. The traveler who as
cends or descends this inclined plane passes through the most
picturesque and marvellous contrasts. If, for instance, he leaves
the plateau for the coast, he first passes through forests of fir
trees, like those of Europe ; then fields of olive trees, grape
vines, wheat or corn, and now and then spaces filled by all the
variety of the cactus plant, and fields of magueys (agarc Ame
ricana) ; then further, forests of orange trees, wild cotton, bananas,
coffee trees, sugar cane, fields of indigo, cacao, and finally all the
great variety of tropical fruits, with their bright colors, their deli
cious scent and flavors, which indicates a great natural richness, un
equalled in the world, and susceptible of being easily improved.
To distinguish the various climates and products of Mexico,
the Spaniards have always divided the country into three different
zones, to which they have given characteristic names. These

16
zones could themselves be subdivided into innumerable others, ac
cording to their higher or lower altitudes or exposition to the rays of
the sun. The first of these three zones, named " Tierra Caliente "
(torrid land), begins on the coast and extends to a certain height
on the inclined plane by which the plateau is ascended. Vegetable
produces are here of great exhuberance, caused by the very high tem
perature and by its numerous running streams. This zone has a
very particularly active vegetation on the eastern flank of the pla
teau (Atlantic side), because the prevailing winds, the trade-winds,
reach the low lands impregnated with all the dampness they have
gathered on their long course over the surface of the ocean. It is
also distinguished from the other two by its cultures, which are
altogether tropical. Unfortunately, in the vicinity of its ports on
the Atlantic side, its coast is desolated by the yellow fever, known
as " vomito." Half way above the inclined plane leading to the plateau, the
second zone, known as Tierra Templada (temperate land), is
reached. This portion of Mexico has a mean annual temperature of
1 8 to 20 degrees (Reaum ur) , the thermometer scarcely varying during
the whole year, so that its inhabitants are blessed with a perpetual
Spring. This region is one of the most deligthful in the world, the
best type of which is found about the cities of Xalapa, Orizaba
and Chilpancingo. This zone possesses a vegetation nearly as
active and as vigorous as that of the coast, but without its burning
heaven and the poisonous miasmas of the sea-shore, and none of
the innumerable poisonous insects, which constantly torment the
inhabitants of the torrid zone, are found in the temperate zone.
This zone, where water is found in abundance, as it is also
found in the neighborhood of Xalapa and some other 'districts of
Mexico, where snow-peaks, like those of Orizaba and the Coffre
de Perote, feed numerous little streams, is a perfect paradise.
Above the temperate zone is found the third, known as the
" Tierra Fria " (cold land), so named by the Spaniards on ac
count of the analogy of its climate with that of the two Castilles,
but most Europeans find the climate of this zone very mild.
The mean temperature of Mexico and the greater portion of the
plateau is 17 degrees (Reaumur) ; it is a little below that of Naples,
and the same as the three months of summer in Paris, France. The
variations or changes from a season to the other are much less

17
felt than in the most temperate climate of European countries.
During the season called winter, in the city of Mexico, the mean
temperature never falls below 13 degrees.
A country favored with such physical constitution, can unite
the most varied productions, not only in its divers States, but in the
neighborhood of the same city. Four basins are stretched along
very unequal altitude and surround the Mexican capital. The first
comprises the valley of Toluca, capital of the State of Mexico, at
an elevation of 2,600 metres above the Gulf of Mexico ; the second,
the valley of Tenochtitlan (Mexico) at 2,274 metres ; the third, the
valley of Actopan, at 1,966 metres, and the fourth the valley Tistla,
at 981 metres above the Gulf of Mexico. These four basins differ
as much by their climate and vegetable productions, as by their
different altitudes above the Gulf. The fourth, the least elevated, is
proper to the culture of the sugar-cane ; the third, to the cultivation
of cotton ; the second, to the cultivation of grain ; and the first,
that of Toluca, is distinguished by its maguey plantations. The
maguey plant constituted the real vineyards of the Aztecs ; it even
to-day furnishes a beverage called pulque, much in use among the
Mexican population of the interior. When railways will spread out
from the city of Mexico as they do from our great American cities,
a few hours only will be necessary to unfold to the eye of the tra
veler the most varied cultivations and climes.
Supposing the railroad from Vera Cruz, via Mexico, to Aca
pulco completed : the traveller — going from Mexico to Acapulco —
from a vegetation like that found in the vicinity of Paris would, in
one or two hours' time be amidst the plants natural to Cuba and
San Domingo, for it is only 18 leagues, or 47 miles from the city of
Mexico to Cuernavaca, where the sugar-cane grows remarkably well.
Independently of the phenomena that determine, here and there, the
exceptionable most favored expositions to the sun's rays, the
extreme variety of the vegetable reign displayed to the eye of
the traveller is accrued by the peculiar elasticity that seems to
characterize in Mexico the nature or the temperament of the plants,
even of those who are supposed to be extremely delicate, like the
sugar-cane. For instance, the cultivation of the latter, which
begins near the sea-shore, continues, in all its fruitfulness, to a
height of 3,000 feet, and even produces well in the valleys that are
sheltered from the north, at an altitude of 5,000 feet, and even do

18
well at a still higher altitude. Sugar-cane plantations are found in
the vicinity of the city of Valladolid, or Morella, the capital of the
State of Michoacan, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Very prosperous
sugar-cane plantations are also found in the State of San Luis
Potosi, in the valley of Rio Verde, at an altitude of 6,000 feet. But
the latter valley is deep and narrow, the sides of the mountains,
standing as straight as a stone wall, reflects the sun's rays to such
a point of heat that makes it unbearable. It is proved by the will
of Hernando Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico, that in his day sugar
cane grew in the valley of Mexico. The proper extension to be given
to the cultivation of the cane itself would insure a great future to
Mexico. There is, in all probability, no country to be found on the face
of the earth whose configuration is so particularly advantageous as
Mexico. In Europe, the high land consists in plains situated at an
altitude of 2,600 to 2,800 feet above the sea. The plateau of Cas-
tille, in Spain, is situated at an altitude of 2,300 feet. In France,
the plateau forming the central departments from which rises the
Mont-d'Or, the Puy-de-Dome and the Cantal, has about the same
altitude as that of Castille. The plateau of Bavaria has an eleva
tion of 1,650 feet. All of the plateaus above mentioned are far from
possessing the advantages of the Mexican plateau, whose base is
bathed by the waters of two great oceans; and it is not by descend
ing from the European plateau to the sea-shore that one will meet
this admirable succession of all the climates and all the riches of
the vegetable reign.
In South America, the vast territory formerly composing the
Republic of Columbia, now divided into three Republics, whose
coast presents the shape of a large semi-circle, united to the
Isthmus of Panama, offers like Mexico the character of a territory
situated in the equinoctial regions descending by heavy grades to
the sea-shores of the two oceans ; but here the elevation of the
plains is much greater than it is on the largest portion of the
Mexican plateau, the altitudes are too great. The city of Santa-
F6-de-Bogota, the capital of the Republic of Columbia, is situated
on a plateau at an elevation of 8,662 feet ; Caxamarca, the ancient
residence of the Incas, which became celebrated at the time of
Fernando Pizarro's conquest of the country on account of the place
of keeping of the fabulous treasures of the Inca Atahualpa and the

19
murder of that unfortunate prince, is situated at an elevation of
9,438 feet. The great plains of Antisana are still more elevated,
reaching an altitude of 13,530 feet, an altitude of 1,284 feet above
the peak of the island of Teneriffe. Even when an altitude like
that of the city of Santa-Fe-de-Bogota is reached, it becomes a
disadvantage, as it determines a low temperature that paralyzes the
power of vegetation, and prevents the establishment of a well pro
ducing agriculture, and in so doing becomes an impediment to the
ascending march of public wealth and the progress of civilization.
On the Mexican plateau, it can be observed that after reaching
the altitude of 8,250 or 8,500 feet, the sun ceases to give during
the summer a sufficient quantity of heat to bring to maturity many
of the most desirable products to the civilized man. On the pla
teau of Bogota, or on that of Anahuac (Mexico), the winter is
milder than in Europe, or in the so-called temperate climes of the
United States, as that portion of the country between Boston or
Chicago to New Orleans ; on the other hand, the sun rays, during
the summer, have not sufficient power to furnish the heat required,
at a certain moment, to ripen many of the grains and fruits
necessary to the subsistence and the arts of the civilized man.
Between the Mexican plateau and the elevated regions of
South America, another feature is found altogether to the advant
age of the former. The plains of South America are longitudinal
valleys, shut up between the two branches of the Cordillera, while
in Mexico it is the largest portion of the mountain chain that forms
the plateau. From what has just been said, it is plainly shown
that in width, — that is perpendicularly to the equator, — the
plains of South America are not of great extent. They are also
of limited extent in length ; the country is torn across by ravines
or crevices whose depth reaches 4,620 feet which opposes to the
communications obstacles difficult to overcome. South America, in
lieu of a plateau like that of Mexico, presents a checker-board of small
plateaus, separated by immense precipices, when they are not
separated by the perpendicular walls of mountains. According to
Baron de Humboldt, the little plateaus of South America have a
mean area of 40 squares leagues or 170,200 acres ; they are isolated
islands amidst an aerial ocean. The deep cuts that furrow the
continent in the elevated regions of South America impedes the
transportation of merchandise and prevents all traveling except

20
on horseback, on foot, or on the back of Indians; to this day,
this labor, proper to beast of burden, is for them a profession. In
Mexico, on the contrary, and although there are but few roads,
except natural roads, wagons can easily roll upon an almost
natural level road, that is a road whose easy grade is not felt by the
wagoner, from the city of Mexico to the city of Santa Fe, in New
Mexico, now a territory of the United States, for a distance by the
traveled natural road of 631 Mexican leagues, or 1,640^ miles.
Another great superiority of Mexico over a portion of the
other equinoctial regions of South America, is in the small number
of its volcanoes and the absence of those violent earthquakes that
from time to time destroy and devastate a portion of the country.
In the whole of Mexico, one hundred years ago, only four volcanoes
were known to be on fire : the peak of Orizaba, who has not had any
eruption of any note for 300 years ; the Popocatapetl, which con
stantly ejects smoke in small quantity (it seems that at the time of
the conquest he emitted much more); the mountain of Tustla and
the volcano of Colima, that never had caused any damage to the
surrounding country. In September, 1759, an extraordinary phe
nomenon without any precedent in natural history took place. A
volcano spontaneously arose in the valley of Jorullo, destroying
all vestige of civilization for several miles of country, and throwing
out ashes in such a quantity as to obscure the sunlight. Some of
the ashes fell in the city of Queretaro, a distance of forty leagues.
In our days it is smoking. Although Mexico is subject to earth
quakes, no shocks have ever been felt in that city like those who
destroyed the cities of Guatemala, Lima, Carracas, and, of late,
Iquique and many others.
What Mexico lacks is navigable streams, most of its rivers
being torrents, dry during a large portion of the year. The Rio
Bravo del Norte, which now forms a part of the boundary line
between the United States, is only navigable for small boats to
Roma. The Guazacoalco is a navigable stream, at the mouth of
which a good port could be made, but it is not accessible to the
populous portions of Mexico. The Santiago (St. James), or Tolo-
lotlan, which empties into the Pacific Ocean near the port of San
Bias, passes through a rich country, and its navigability could be
improved. Fortunately for Mexico, during the raining season, which
lasts four months of our summer, the Mexican soil is abundantly

21
watered every afternoon, and all the natural reservoirs that supply
the springs are filled up, as well as all the basins and tanks
necessary to the cultivation of the soil where no streams are found.
This same phenomenon occurs in calcareous countries. The cause
is to be attributed to the constitution of the soil, the earth being
so cracked, the rain water, absorbed by the soil, percolates through
innumerable fissures and forms small streams that gush out on the
flanks of the inclined plain leading to the sea.
Mexico must be considered a dry country, often barren. Some
small lakes are scattered about the country. The largest is that of
Chapala, containing an area of 75,695 acres. This lake is situated
in a thickly settled portion of Mexico, near the city of Guadalajara.
The lakes that surround the city of Mexico are only large lagoons,
they are the lake of Texuco, Xochimilco Chalco, San Cristobal and
Zumpango. They together form an area of 11,100 acres. Nine
more lakes are found north of the city of Zacatecas, and five in the
neighborhood of Chihuahua. Unfortunately, the water of these
lagoons is so impregnated with carbonate of soda, that works have
been established for the extraction of this salt, but this manufac
turing advantage is counterbalanced by great inconvenience, as
these waters cannot be used for irrigating or household purposes.
The same salt, of which we have spoken of in the above
paragraph, impregnates a part of the Mexican soil. In some places
the salt rises to the surface, attracted by the dryness of the atmos
phere. It appears in efflorescence that can be seen with the naked
eye, on account of its white color. This salt is found also in the
valley of Mexico, on the shores of lakes Texuco, Zumpango and
San Cristobal, as well as in a portion of the plains that surround
the city of Puebla and many other portions of Mexico. The presence
of this salt is certainly a great obstacle to agriculture, and even to
all sorts of vegetation, and causes the country to have a lonesome
and forlorn look.
It is true that the presence of this salt condems at present a
part of the Mexican territory to a want of vegetation that is un
pleasant to the eye, but there is still plenty of excellent lands to
exercise the industry of the farmer and to produce rich and varied
crops that would be of great profit to the interior laborer and the
commerce of exportation.

22

PLANTS.

Mr. De Candolle, a distinguished botanist, estimates that theie
is in America more than 100,000 vegetable plants whose species or
varieties have not yet been classified.
Clavigero (book VII, p. 251) says that Europe is indebted to the
Mexican doctors for the discovery of tobacco, American balsam, gum
copal, the liquidambar, sarsaparilla, gum tacaTnaque, and many
other plants employed in modern medicine.
Tobacco, called by the Mexican pycietl, was used by the
Aztecs at the time of the conquest, to snuff and to smoke. American
balsam is taken from a tree called huitziloxitl (Balsamo-dondron).
This tree is common in the torrid zone. The Mexican kings had
it transplanted in the celebrated garden of Huaxtepec, from
whence it was propagated in the mountains. It is of moderate
growth ; its leaves resemble those of the almond tree, but are a lit
tle larger ; its wood is reddish and odorous ; its bark of an ash
color ; its flower white. Gum copal is taken from a tree called
copaliquahuitl (copalli is an Indian word given to all gum trees).
The liquidamar of the Spaniards is the xochiocotzotl of the
Mexicans. Sarsaparilla is the mecapatli of the Mexicans.
The tacamaca is a gum taken from tocomacihayac tree,
which also abounds in the tierra caliente or torrid zone.
The hide of the Spaniards is the elastic resin taken from the
olquahuilt ; it is a large tree also found in the torrid zone. In the
State of Michoacan there is a tree of the same species, but which
differ from the former by its leaves.
Gum lacque (goma laca of the Spaniards) is taken from a tree
called by the Mexicans tzinacancuitlaquahicitl.
Besides these, many other medicinal plants and herbs, too
numerous to be mentioned in this brief sketch are to be found in
Mexico. There is certainly a wide field for botanists and chemists
to look after and work these valuable gums and medicinal plants,
and export them to other countries.
Before concluding we will add the following plants among the
most useful :
Tominogua, a sure cure for fever. Canaguat (root).
Parroqui (herb). Chupi (herb).

23
Barba de chebato (buck beard), Guaguat (a plant).
Ubalamas (a fruit). Guaco (Jalapa root).
FLOWERS.
It would take a volume to enumerate all the beautiful flowers
of Mexico ; besides ell those known to Americans are some of ex
treme beauty, of vivid colors and most delicious perfumes. Among
them I will only mention a few, giving their names in the Spanish
of the country, viz. :
Flor del Corazon. (It grows on a large-size tree.)
Flor de la Mano.
Flor de Tigre.
The Coatzontecoxochitl.
Flor de Cabeza de Ribora.
Flor de Zempoaxochitl (flower of a beautiful gold color).
The Azucena. (Eng. White Lilly '.) (Lat. Lilum Cattdidum?)
La Camelia.
El Tulipan. (Eng. Tulips
El Gavel. (Eng. Pork.) (Lat. Dianthus Caryophillus.)
The Flor del Cuerro.
El Floripondio.
The dahlia, one of the finest flowers in the world, on account
of its great varieties and beautiful colors (although it has no per
fume), is aborigeneous, but has been improved in Europe with
great success, and the most varied sizes and colors produced.
Roses of all varieties and of the very finest colors and most
delicious perfumes.
AGRICULTURE.
The cultivation of corn is and has been, without any doubt, of
the greatest importance to Mexico, as this grain constitutes the
principal nourishment of the poorer classes ; it forms really the basis
of Mexican agriculture.
Some people believe that there are several classes of corn,
when really there is but a variety of the grain. There is a quality
of corn called in the country Maiz pinto, whose grain is blue ; Maiz
cianuro, on account of the whiteness of its grain, is employed to

24
make certain pastes. Maiz de riego, is a corn raised by irrigation ;
when the crop is good, it generally yields 500 to 1 ; it is very abun
dant and is generally planted in most of the plantations. Maiz
tremis is what in the United States is called early corn, and will
mature in three months ; is sown or planted in dry lands, but must
be planted early. Although corn does well in every State of the
Mexican Republic, a warm climate is better adapted to its cul
tivation. Wheat is cultivated with more or less success in most of the
Mexican States. The Mexican wheat is very nutritive. In 1856, it
was estimated that about 11,000,000 of bushels were raised in the
Republic, but the natives in general prefer corn to wheat. But
M. de Humboldt, whose name has to be cited often when speaking
of Mexico, said that corn has the great disadvantage of containing
less nutrition than wheat cultivated on the same space of ground.
Barley is put to divers use, and it was reported that, in 1856,
about 8,000,000 bushels were raised in the Republic.
The Maguey or Agave americana is one of the peculiar
plants of Mexico, it hardly needs any cultivation. It is generally
planted from sprouts in gravelly or dry soil ; a plantation of 20 to
25,000 magueys will produce a handsome income. What is called
a fanega de sembradura, about ten of our acres, will admit 1,300
plants ; after five or eight years, it will produce the aguamiel or
sap, out of which is fermented the pulque, the principal beverage
of the Mexican population in the interior of Mexico ; each plant, for
the period of from four to six months, will yield on an average nine
quarts of the juice per day ; each plant will give a return to its
owner, in general, from 20 to 30 dollars. It is estimated that the
cost of planting each plant is 3^ cents, or, in the term of the
country, a cuartilla. We will speak more extensively of this plant
hereafter. The culture of sugar-cane constitute also one of the principal
branches of Mexican agriculture, which could be greatly propagated,
for no country in the world is better adapted to its production. In
some of the Mexican States it will yield twenty per cent, more than
in the State of Louisiana. It does well in all of the Mexican States,
but yield large crops in the States of Morelos, Vera Cruz, Tamauli-
pas and southern Nuevo Leon.
Cotton is also raised in Mexico, but not in sufficient quantity

25
for the wants of its inhabitants, although some States are particu
larly well adapted to its growth.
The coffee-tree was first brought to Mexico from the island of
Cuba about the beginning of this century, and was first cultivated
with success in the neighborhood of Cordova, in the State of
Vera Cruz ; afterwards it was propagated in other Mexican States.
The coffee produced in Cordova and Orizaba is equal, if not
superior to that raised in Cuba ; and that raised in the State of
Colima is said to be superior even to Moca. It is, in after years,
destined to be one of the main exports of Mexico. Its culture is
fast improving; for a few years ago only about $100,000 worth of
coffee was exported, while in the fiscal year, ending June, 1878,
$1,275,058.11 was exported from Mexican ports to foreign countries.
Tobacco is also produced in several of the Mexican States, and
will be eventually one of its principal exports. The best tobacco
is produced in the State of Tabasco. It is certainly equal to the
Havana tobacco. Tobacco is also grown in Orizaba, Cordova, and
the District of Tepic, in the State of Jalisco, on the Pacific.
Anil, or aniseed, is cultivated in the State of Chiapas, and on
the western coast of Mexico — Sinaloa, Sonora, and other States.
The cochinilla, or cochineal, a very useful insect on account of
the beautiful red color it produces, is proper to Mexico, and
is raised on a certain variety of the nopal (cacti) that are
cultivated in the Republic. The cochineal is a very small insect;
it is bred more largely in the State of Oajaca than any
other Mexican State, and does remarkably well in that State. Gen
erally three crops are gathered yearly ; as already said, it produces a
red substance of extraordinary beauty ; on this account cochineal,
after gold and silver, was considered one of the principal exports of
Mexico. In 1856, 602,832 pounds of cochineal, valued at $1,214,388
were exported from the Republic.
In 1856 it was estimated that the agricultural products of the
Republic amounted to $200,000,000.
ZOOLOGY.
We will only mention the animals that existed in the country
at the time of the conquest, such as mountain cats, wolves, squirrels,
rabbits, wild hogs called javalzn, various species of monkeys.

2G
The coyote, called by the Mexicans el coyotl, an animal resembling
the dog in form and size and the wolf in ferocity. The camomiotte,
a specie of marten. The coyopalin, an animal the size of a rat, but
with a very large tail. A large variety of snakes ; among the most
venomous are the rattlesnakes, the coral. The centoatl is a snake
about five feet long and eight inches in diameter, it is easily distin
guished from all others as its skin shines in the darkness. The
saltillo (darting snake) is a large reptile, with an ash-color stripe
running along his spine and a brown stripe under his belly ; he is
venomous and darts upon its prey from trees.
Among the reptiles worthy of notice is the alcatelepon, a sort
of lizzard fifteen inches in length, with a rugged gray skin covered
with pimples ; it has an extremely ferocious look, and its bites are
very painful. The iguana, a kind of lizzard native of America
(Lacerta iguana, bot.), sometimes three feet in length. Among
the spiders are the tarantula, the ham and casapulga, whose bites
are exceedingly dangerous ; the scolopundo, known as centipede,
is an insect of the order Aptera, which is sometimes found
eighteen inches in length. The rinagrillo, a dangerous insect ;
and many scorpions whose bites are said to cause death.
There is in Mexico six species of bees, one of which has no
sting and is peculiar to the States of Yucatan and Chiapas. The
honey they produce is said to be more delicious than that of all others.
A great variety of butterflies of the most beautiful colors.
Among the worms, the tcocuilin or shining worm, which is said to
possess the qualities of the cantharides. The tcmahuani is covered
with yellow thorns, which are very venomous. A great variety of
ants. Among them, the kind called arrieras (carrying ants) does
a great deal of harm in the fields. There is a small black ant and
a large red one whose stings are very painful. There are two
kinds of ticks (Acarus ricinus) ; one, known as the pinonillo, is
of a black color, very small and very numerous ; also an insect
called cochi77iilla, which resemble the bed-bug in size and appear
ance ; both of the latter are dangerous.'
There are in Mexico, besides the domestic fowls, over two
hundred species of birds, among them several varieties of the
eagles, hawks, sparrow-hawks, the royal eagle, the raven and all
kind of buzzards.

Showing the Names of the different States composing the Republic of Mexico, their area in Mexican leagues,
their population, the names of the capitals of the different States, and their population in 1881.

1
23
4 5
6 78
9
1011
12 13 14151617IS19
20 21 22
23 24252627

When
created States.

185618241824185718241822 18491869
1824 1822182618691824182418241824 182418341830IS57185718241824 1823

Names of the different States
of the
Republic of Llezdeo.

Area of the States
in
Mexican leagues.

Aguas Calientes 
Campeche  ,
Coahuila de Zaragoza 
Chiapas 
Chihuahua 
Colima 
Durango 
Guanajuato 
Guerrero 
Hidalgo 
Jalisco 
Mexico 
Michoacan 
Morelos  ,
Nuevo Leon 
Oaxaca 
Puebla 
Queretaro  '.
San Luis Poto^i 
Sinaloa 
Sonora 
Tabasco 
Tamaulipas 
Tlaxcala 
Vera Cruz Llave 
Yucatan 
Zacatecas 
Baja California (Territory). ,
Federal District of Mexico. ,

327
3,801
9,500 2.474
14,300 552
6,391 1,862
3,564 1,5217,2251,416
3,497 262
4,036
4,953 L733 506
4,262 5.950
n,655 1,876
4,428 253
3,5014,8186,2708,727 50

Population of the
States.

119,710 |

139.300120,815125,400
205,000220,000 65,827
200,000 889,575325,000
404, 207
934,850
607,435 618,240 150,300
201,732733,556784,466 154,000650,000
200,000 141,000
104,759 120,000138,988552,918
422,365 470,000 30,000
 3 1 5^91 C_
10,025,649

Names of
the
Capitals of States.

Aguas Calientes 
Campeche 
Saltillo 
San Cristobal las Casas.
Chihuahua 
Colima  ,
Durango 
Guanajuato  ,
Chilpancingo 
Pachuca 
Guadalajara 
Toluca 
Morelia 
Cuernavaca 
Monterey 
Oaxaca 
Puebla 
Queretaro  -a 
San Luis Potosi 
Culiacan 
Ures 
San Juan Bautista 
Matamoros 
Tlaxcala 
Orizava 
Merida 
Zacatecas 
Lapaz 
Mexico, ,,,,,,,., 

Population of the
Capitals of States.

35,000
26,000 17,00010, 205
l6,00031,774
28,O0O
63,OO0 3,000
15,000
93,875 H,376
25,000 12,000
40, OOO
26,70876,817
48,000 45,0O0 7,0008,0008,000
25,000
36,463
20,000 56,000
62,000 4,00c
225,000

28
POLITICAL DIVISION.
The Republic of Mexico is divided into 27 States, one Territory
und one Federal District. The States, for their interior govern
ment, are divided into 48 departments, 170 districts, 48 cantons,
no counties, 1,411 municipalities, 146 cities, 378 towns, 4,886
villages, 872 hamlets, 5,869 haciendas, 14,705 ranches and 6
missions.
REVENUES.
Average revenue of the Mexican Republic, $20,477,788.
The revenue of the different States, is in the following order :
ist, Guanajuato, $811,430; 2d, Puebla, $636,560; 3d, Oaxaca,
$569,489; 4th, Jalisco, $540,680; 5th, Mexico, $462,103 ; 6th, Vera
Cruz Llave, $391,688; 7th, Michoacan de Ocampo, $390,230; 8th,
Zacatecas, $360,960 ; 9th, San Luis Potosi, $329,238 ; 10th, Hidalgo,
$311,500; nth, Yucatan, $232,000 ; 12th, Sinaloa, $184,976 ; 13th,
Morelos, $180,000; 14th, Queretaro, $165,450; 15th, Durango,
$159,717; 16th, Sonora, $136,565 ; 17th, Chiapas, $120,202; 18th.
Chihuahua, $117,673 ; 19th, Tamaulipas, $114,300; 20th, Guerrero,
$108,530; 21st, Aguas Calientes, $95,186 ; 22d, Coahuila, $92,483 ;
23d, Tlaxcala, $85,890; 24th, Nuevo Leon, $76,000; 25th, Colima,
$75,418 ; 26th, Campeche, $66,893; 27h, Tabasco, $62,400.

STATE OF AGUAS CALIENTES.
This State is bounded on the west by the State of Zacatecas,
on the north by that of San Luis Potosi, on the east and south by
that of Jalisco ; its area contains 1,771,479 acres, or 377 square
miles. This State contains one city, one town, three villages, three
mining towns (minerales), 57 haciendas or estates, and 288 ranches
or farms. Population in 1856, 85,859 inhabitants.
Papulation in 1881, 140,000 inhabitants.

29
Capital, the city of Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs), derives its
name from a spring of thermal water that rises in its vicinity. The
city possesses 13 churches, 1 hospital, 1 penitentiary for women.
The principal public buildings are the City Hall, the market and the
jail ; it has also fine public walks.
The population of the city is set down at 35,000 inhabitants.
Products. — Corn, beans, wheat, pepper, lentils, tobacco, pota
toes ; all fruits and vegetables of warm and cold climates ; pulque,
also a liquor made out of the cactus figues, called coloche, wines,
alcohol, cheese, etc.

STATE OF CAMPECHE.
BOUNDARIES, AREA, POPULALION.
This State is bounded on the north by the Gulf of Yucatan, on
the east by the State of Yucatan, on the south by the State of Ta
basco and the Republic of Guatemala, and on the west by the State
of Tabasco. Its area contains 3,841 square leagues. Its present population
is 66,724 inhabitants.
Mountains. — In this State the Cordillera is reduced to the size
of high hills.
Rivers. — The principals are those of Champoton and Jaraliza.
Lakes. — Lake Terminos is worthy of notice.
Ports. — The principal are those of Campeche, an old Spanish
town, and that of El Carmen has a considerable foreign commerce.
Natural Productions. — Many dye-woods, tobacco of superior
quality, sugar-cane, hennequien, and valuable palmettoes.
Political Divisions. — This State is divided in five districts,
viz. : Campeche, Los Chenos, Hecelchacan, El Carmen, Champoton.
Principal Cities and Towns. — The city of Campeche, an old
fortified Spanish town, has a population of 1 5,000 inhabitants ;
is situated in a fertile valley surrounded by the Gulf ; it has a fine
theatre, several institutions. For many years it was the only port
of Yucatan, and was sacked repeatedly by filibusters. The land is

30

gradually invading the bay, so much so, that only boats of light
drafts can navigate into the port.
Value of real estate $700,000. Campeche was created a
State in the year 1856.

STATE OF COAHUILA.
This portion of Mexico was inhabited by the following barbar
ous tribes of Indians, viz. : the Guachichiles.Tobosos, Cotzales, Pi-
huiques, Irritilas, Laguneros and others. Under the Spanish Gov
ernment it was known as the Province of " New Estramadura." Its
boundary line then extended to the Medina River, Texas.
The independence of Mexico being achieved, it was united with
Texas and formed a part of the State of Coahuila and Texas. In
1837 it was erected into a department, and in 1847 into a State with
its present territory, Texas having been lost to Mexico by military
occupation. In 1857 it was united to Nueva Leon by Governor
Vidauri, but the law of the 18th of November, 1868, restored defin
itely that territory to its sovereignty.
It contains an area of 9,500 square leagues or 42,066,000 acres ;
population, 125,400 inhabitants. The State contains the following
cities and towns, viz. :
First. — District of the Centre, 46,583 inhabitants ; municipality
of Saltillo, 27,500 inhabitants. The city of Saltillo, founded in 1586
with the title of town (villa), and created a city on the 5th of Novem
ber, 1827, with the name of Leona Vicario, in honor of a heroine of
the Mexican revolution, which name did not prevail, has a beautiful
church, ornamented with fine sculptures, also six other churches,
one hospital, an amphitheatre dedicated to bull-fighting, a public
garden, a college, a government palace on the principal square,
known as the Plaza de Zaragoza, and an alameda with beautiful
shade trees.
The etymology of the word Saltillo is a corruption of a" Chichi-
mec " word which signifies " high lands with much water," and was
given to it for its being situated on the declivity of a hill that gives
birth to abundant springs of water. Population, 18,000. The

31
towns of Arteaga, Patos, San Pedro, Ramos Arispe, are in the
same district.
Second. — District of Parras : 18,330 inhabitants. The City of
Parras de la Fuente, had the name of Fuente added to it in honor of
the Mexican ambassador of that name to France who heroically pro
tested against the French intervention. The place was founded by
the Jesuit father, Juan Augustin Espinosa, and Captain Antonio
Martin Zapata, with families of the Tlaxcaltec nation brought from
Saltillo in 1598. It was created a city in January, 1868. It has a
good City Hall, six churches and eight thousand inhabitants. The
town of San Pedro is in the same district.
Third. — District of Nazas : 18,842 inhabitants. Town of
Nazas formerly known as the Alamo de Parras.
Villages of Saucillo, Santa Margarita Soledad.
Town of Laguna de Matamoros, created September 8th, 1864.
Fourth. — District of Monclova : 31,749 inhabitants. The City of
Monclova founded by Captain Antonio Balcarcel Sotomayor y Riva-
deneyra on the 23d of November, A. D. 1784, under the name of
" Our Lady of Guadaloupe of New Estramadura." Founded
again by Don Jose Escandon in 1748. It was the capital of the
State of Coahuila and Texas for some years. It has two churches
and a population of 3,500 inhabitants.
Villages of Mota, Estancia, San Francisco Aguayo, San Miguel
Aguayo. The town of San Buenaventura, was founded by Fernando
del Bo'sque, first alcalde of New Estramadura, on the 14th of May,
1678. Population, 3,500 souls.
Village of Coronel Fuentes, Juares, and the town of Abasolo,
founded 14th of May, 1675, and named San Vicente del Alto.
Town of Rodriguez, formerly hacienda of San Vicente el Bajo.
Town of Cuatro Cienegas, 4,000 inhabitants.
Town of Sacramento, formerly a fort or presidio, founded in 1 736.
Town of Musquiz, formerly town of Santa Rosa, founded in
1698. In 1789 the headquarters of the captain-general command
ing the eastern internal provinces of New Spain, were established
in this town.
Town of San Juan de Sabinas, founded as a mission on the
22d day of June, 1699, by Father Juan Martin Trevinio, with the
name of San Juan Bautista y valle de Santo Domingo, and finally
created into a town in 1869.

32
Candela, 3,867 inhabitants, has valuable copper mines in its
neighborhood. It was founded in 1689.
Town of Valladares, founded under the name of Santiago de
Valladares in 1790.
Town of Progreso, founded in i860.
Fifth. — District of Rio Grande — City of Zaragoza, founded on
the ist of February, 1753, by Pedro de Rabago y Teran, under the
name of San Fernando de Austria. It was then called Valley of
Santa Rosa, then San Fernando de Rosa, and last, in 1868, it was
created a city with the name of Zaragoza — population, 2,000 inhabi
tants. Towns of Allende, Nava, Piedras Negras, 2,738 inhabi
tants. Towns of Guerrero, formerly Presidio de San Juan Bau-
tista de Rio Grande, founded in the seventeenth century, and
removed to its actual position in 1704.
Towns of Rosales, Fuente, Morelos.
Town of Gigedo, founded in 1725 with the title of Santo Nom-
bre de Jesus de Peyotes, by Fray Francisco Penasco ; repeopled in
1 737, under the name of San Pedro Gigedo. It is also known under
the name of the town of Luga.
Town of Tomines: 864 inhabitants.
This State contains 4 cities, 27 towns, 8 villages, 12 hamlets,
88 haciendas and 320 ranches.
Besides the Spanish language the Indians speak the Lippan and
the Apache dialect called the llanero.
Productions. — Gold, silver, copper, lead, salt, nitre, onix
alabaster, cotton, sarsaparilla, wines made out of the grapes, that
have received a gold medal at the Philadelphia Centennial ; mezcal
de la popa, a liquor made out of the maguey plant, of the very
best quality ; all small grains, good timber, all fruits of temperate
climes, and wool and cotton manufactures.
The following factories are at present in good working order,
viz. : " La Hibernia," " La Esmeralda," " La Aurora," " La Liber-
tad," *' El Labrador," and " Palomas," all in the Central District in
the vicinity of Saltillo. In the District of Parras " La Estrella," and
in the District of Monclova " La Abundancia," all worked by water-
power. There is in this State fifty flour and corn-mills and several
saw-mills. Public instruction. — In 1876, this State expended $26,322 for
115 public schools, attended by 4,359 scholars of both sexes.

33
The present Governor of this State, Don Evaristo Madero,
one of its wealthiest real estate owners and manufacturers, is a man
of large views and of great spirit of enterprise. His liberality is
equal to his success. He accepted the position contrary to his
wishes, and abandoned his salary for the benefit of the poor of
the State. MINING IN COAHUILA.
Formerly in the divers mineral districts of this State,
over sixty mines were worked, but after the declaration of inde
pendence from Spain only four in the District of Viezca were
worked ; they were the mines of Sierra de Ramirez, Sierra de
Timulco, Canon de Ribera, and Sierra de Homos. Actually
various mines are worked in the valley of Santa Rosa.
Besides silver, iron is found in this State near Monclova ; and
in Reis and Guadaloupe, copper and lead are found in abundance.
Magnetic iron abounds in Viezca and in the vicinity of Monclova,
the former capital of the province. Nitre is found in San Bias, in
the jurisdiction of San Buenaventura. Sulphur and copperas is
found in the hills of Gigedo or. Peyotes.
The principal causes of the abandonment of the mines in this
State were the same ones which affected all northern Mexico : the
insecurity occasioned by Indian incursions, and the want of capital.
The mining district of Sierra Mojada is mostly situated in this
State. The mines of Matehuapile, situated in the mountain and near the
present farm of the same name, on the lands of the estate of
Salado, — are rich silver mines which produced an immense bonanza
from 1720 to 1735, prior to the discovery of the mines of the Cerro
de Catorce mountain, of which this chain is a sort of foot hill. Its
owner purchased them from the crown with the title of Count of
Matehuapile, and afterwards that of Marquis de las Guadianas.
Near the present ranche of Matehuapile existed a town that had as
much as five thousand people engaged in mining, who were all
massacred by the Indians in the year 1735. At a short distance
from these mines is an elevation of almost pure iron.

34
THE STATE OF CHIAPAS.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
This State is situated between the I5°45' and the 170 55' north
latitude, and the 30 54' 50" and the 6° 45' 50" east longitude from
the City of Mexico. Is is bounded on the north and the east by the
State of Yucatan, on the south by the Pacific Ocean and the Repub
lic of Guatemala, on the west by the States of Tabasco and Oaxaca.
It has an area of 2,598 square leagues.
Topographical aspect and climate. — The Sierra Madre
mountain, in three chains almost parallel, cross this State from
east to west, which, on the south, present considerable depression.
Its general climate is good.
Chiapas was created a State on the 12th November, 1824.
Rivers. — Among those worthy of note, are to be found the
Chiapas, that takes its rise in the mountains of Cuchumatanes, in
Guatemala ; the Odumacima ; the Julija, which is navigable for a
short distance ; the Chapa ; the Blanquillo, that passes near Cha-
pultenango and empties in the Gulf.
Lakes. — The lake of Tepancuapan, situated in the southern
district of the State, is about 17 miles long and three miles wide.
Also, the small lake of Islotes.
Natural productions. — The mango, the caomito, the bixa
ocellana, Brazil-wood, Campeche wood, zopote mamey (achras
zopotd), pasiflora granadilla or passion-flower, the zenjula tobacco,
vanilla, pepper, ginger, coffee, tea, India-rubber tree, wild vine, and
the orejuela. Also a great variety of medicinal herbs : the viper
herb or escorsonera lucimada, julep root, the copalchy, and many
others. This State is divided into 7 districts, 1 5 counties, and possesses
4 cities, 7 towns, and 96 villages.
Capital of the State. — San Cristobal contained in 1856, a popu
lation of 7,649 inhabitants. It has a few good public buildings, and
is situated 287 leagues east-southeast from the City of Mexico.
Population of the State, 193,406.

35

THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Chihuahua is situated between the 250 50' and
310 47' north latitude, and the 40 10' and 90 6' west longitude
from the City of Mexico. It is bounded on the north by the
United States, on the east by Coahuila, on the south by Durango,
and on the west by Sonora and Sinaloa. Its greatest length from
north to south is 159 leagues, and its greatest width 132 leagues ;
it contains 12,557 square leagues.
Chihuahua was created a State in 1824.
Topographical aspect and climate. — This State is broken and
mountainous, principally in its western portion, where several chains
of mountains run parallel to the main chain or Sierra Madre, and
form that district called Tarahumara. These chains of moun
tains are divided by deep ravines, where streams take their rise,
among them the Yaqui, Mayo and Fuerte rivers, which empty into
the Gulf of California. In this mountainous region, plenty of good
land is found for agricultural purposes, and rich forests.
In the northern part of the State are found the sand hills
known as the Medanos de Zomalayucan ; they occupy sixty miles of
country. The climate varies according to the altitude ; in the vast
plains, it is considered cold by the Mexicans, but would be con
sidered pleasant by northern people ; it is generally agreeable and
very healthy.
Lagoons. — In this State are to be found the following : that of
Guzman, Santa Maria, Patos, Castillo and Encinillias, all of little
importance. Mountains. — The Sierra Madre mountain, which runs over
the western portion of the State, where it is known as the Tara
humara ; the Sierra de en Medio, the Sierra de Carcay, the Sierra
de la Escondida, the Sierra del Nido, and the Sierra de la Cam-
pana (or bell mountain).
Rivers. — The Bravo or Rio Grande ; the Concho rises in the
Sierra Madre, and, after a course of 130 leagues, empty into the
Rio Grande at the old fort and town of Presidio del Norte. The
Santa Maria, that has a course of 60 leagues ; also those of El Car-

36
men, Chihuahua, the Florido, the Casas Grande, which, after a
course of over 60 leagues, empties in the Lagoon of Guzman.
Vegetable productions. — Among the forest trees are found the
following, viz.: pine, cypress, oak, beech-tree, silver fir-tree, acacia,
alder-tree, logwood, ash, Brazil-wood, lignum-vitae, and many
others. All the fruits of temperate climes can be produced in this
State. Grapes do remarkably well, between the mountains and
the Rio Grande.
Among the medicinal plants are the following : sarsaparilla,
saffron, aniseed, wild marjoram, and others.
Agriculture. — The following cereals are cultivated in the State
of Chihuahua : corn, wheat, rye, pepper, peas, beans, lentils. Cot
ton grows very well in the southern part of this State. The fibre is
short, but it is very white. In 1856 the cotton crop amounted to
312,000 lbs. All kinds of stock thrive well, and are raised with
little or no expense.
Among the wild animals are the Mexican tigers, wolves, pan
thers, deers, bears, wild-hogs, coyotes, and the celebrated Chihua
hua dog, and others. Among the birds the pheasant and the eagle.
The State of Chihuahua has always been considered one of the
richest in minerals of the Republic. [See our catalogue of mines.]
Industry. — The principals are mining and agriculture. There
are a few cotton factories, and the inhabitants manufacture Mexican
blankets and hats, but not in sufficient quantities to supply the
home consumption.
Population. — This State has been for years back desolated by
the various tribes of Apaches known as Chrichahuis, Tontos, Mim-
brenos, Gilinos, Farones, Goyames, Mescalesos, Llaneros, Lipanes
and Navajoes, and the Comanches who roamed about the Bolsom
of Mapimi and the Laguna de Jaco, where rich gold placers are
said to exist. The Tarahumaras occupy the western portion of the
State. They are nearly civilized, and number presently over 30,000
souls. In 1856, the population of Chihuahua was set down at
147,000 inhabitants.
Cities and towns. — The City of Chihuahua, capital of the
State and District of the same name, is situated at the foot of
the Sierra Madre mountains, in a large plain, in latitude 280
35' 10" north, and longitude 6° 17' o" west, from the City

37
of Mexico, with the Streets running at right angles. It has
seven churches, a city hall, one hospital, and a jail. Among
the edifices of note are the parish church, the Sanctuary of
Guadaloupe, the church of San Felipe, the old college of the
Jesuits, — behind which the leaders of the revolution of 1810, Don
Miguel Hidalgo, curate of Dolores, and Capt. Allende, were decapi
tated — the Congressional palace, the tribunal of justice, the mint,
and the alhdndiga or granary. An acqueduct, 6,553 varas long, is
built to the centre of the plaza, where it discharges its water through
a well-sculptured fountain. In the square of San Felipe a modest
monument was erected to the memory of the unfortunate leaders of
the revolution. The present population of the city is 16,000.
Parral, or Hidalgo, in the centre of a large and rich mining
district. Guadaloupe y Calvo.
Jimenes, or Guajuquilla, contains a population of about eight
thousand people, and is a neat, clean, little town. It is situated near
the Rio Florido.
Allende. Concepcion.Paso del Norte is situated on the western bank of the Rio
Grande, in the northeast corner of the State. It is compactly
built for the space of a half mile near the plaza, and from there it
extends from five to ten miles along the rich bottom lands of the
river — each house is surrounded by orchards, vineyards and cul
tivated fields. The valley, or bottom land, is from one to two miles
in width. It is supposed to have been settled about the year 1585.
In 1600 missionaries were living in the valley, then occupied by the
Piso Indians, who had a village named Sinecu in the neighborhood
of the present town of El Paso. The height of the valley, at El
Paso, according to Dr. Wentzelnus, is 3,800 feet above the level of
the gulf

38
THE STATE OF COLIMA.
BOUNDARIES, AREA, POPULATION.
This State is bounded on the north and northeast by the State
of Jalisco, on the east by the State of Michoacan, and on the south
and west by the Pacific Ocean.
Its area contains 552 squares leagues.
Mountains. — Steep mountains of no great height separate
this State from that of Jalisco. Among the principal mountains is
the volcano of Colima ; deep ravines and steep mountains surround
this State. Population: 65,827 inhabitants.
Rivers and Lakes. — The principal rivers are those of Colima,
la Armeria, Coahuayana, Maracasco and Hiierta. The lakes of
Cuyutlan, or of Alligators, and that of Alcazagua are worthy of
note. Seaports. — The principal seaport of this State is that of Man
zanillo ; it does a large foreign commerce.
Natural productions. — This State produces delicious fruits.
Among its production is a quality of coffee, which is said by com
petent persons to be superior to the mocha. Stock raising is carried
on to some extent and is very profitable. The sea-coast abounds in
fish. The principal industry of this State consist in refining salt,
cocoanut oil, aniseed, nitre, sugar, aguardiente de cana, rhum, and
mescal. Political divisions. — This State is divided into seven municipali
ties, viz. : Colima, Villa Alvarez, Cornala, Coquinatlan, Tecoman,
Ixtlahuacan, Manzanillo.
The City of Colima, situated on the river of the same name,
has a population of 32,000 inhabitants. At the time of the conquest
the inhabitants of this portion of Mexico were tributaries of the
Mexican Emperor, and paid their tribute in tilmas (a mexican cloak
made of feathers, etc.), cacao, and pearls. After the conquest,
about sixty Spaniards settled there and intermarried with the
natives, a few Manillians also mixed with them, who to-day form the
principal part of the population, although many French, English
and Germans have settled at Colima.
Colima was created a State in February 1857.

39
THE STATE OF DURANGO.
SITUATION, LIMIT AND AREA.
The State of Durango is situated between the 220 53' 20" and
the 260 27' 50" north latitude, and the 30 45' and 70 47' west lon
gitude from the City of Mexico.
This State is bounded by the State of Chihuahua on the north,
the State of Coahuila on the east, Zacatecas on the southeast, Jalisco
on the south, and Sinaloa on the west.
Its superficy contains an area of 6,745 square leagues. Du
rango was created a State in 1824.
Topographical aspect and climate. — The country is divided
by high mountains — part of the Sierra Madre range that separate
this State from that of Sinaloa.
As in all the Mexican States the climate varies according to
the altitude, but on an average the climate can be considered as
temperate. Rivers. — Those worthy of note are the Rio de Nazas, that has
a course of 108 leagues, after which it empties in the Lake of Cai-
nan. Along the banks of this river are some of the best haciendas
or grain estates in all Mexico ; also the Rio de las Palomas and Rio
del Tunal. Mountains. — Those of most importance are formed by the pro
longation of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Natural productions. — Corn, wheat, beans, pepper, which are
the main articles of home consumption, are cultivated with success.
Cotton, peas, sugar-cane and barley are also grown with success.
Stock. — Horses, horned cattle and sheep do remarkably well.
Mining. — This State is rich in mining and agriculture ;
but, owing to the incursions of the Apaches and other Indians,
as well as on account of civil strifes, those elements have not
been worked with profit of late years. Rich mines of copper, tin,
lead and other metals are known to exist. [See the catalogtie.] In
the district of Durango is known to exist one of the richest iron
mine in the whole American continent. It is known as the Cerro
del Mercado, and was named after a distinguished Spanish captain,
who conquered that country for the king of Spain.
In the mint of this State, in the year 1855, $682,812 were coined
in gold and silver.

40
Population. — The population of the State in 1856 was set
down at 156,159 inhabitants ; population in 1881, 200,000.
Industry. — Few cotton and wool factories, five or six in num
ber, form all the industry of the State.
Principal cities and towns. — Durango, capital of- the State.
The District and municipality of the same name is situated between
latitude 240 2' north, and 40 52' west longitude, from the City of
Mexico. The city has a population of 28,000 souls. It has eleven
churches, one mint, one hospital, a theatre, and an arena for bull
fights. Among the other principal towns should be noted the following :
Santiago Papasquiaro, Santa Maria del Oro, Nombre de Dios,
Cuencami, Mezquital, Tomazula, Cerro Gordo, San Dima, San
Juan del Rio, and Naza.
When railroads will unite this State with the United States, it
will prove to be one of the most important of the Republic.

THE STATE OF GUANAJUATO.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Guanajuato is situated between the 200 and 21'
44" north latitude, and between the o° 30' and 20 47' west longi
tude from the City of Mexico.
This State is bounded on the north by the State of San Luis
Potosi, on the east by Queretaro, on the south by Michoacan, and
on the west by the State of Jalisco.
Its greatest length from north to south is 46 leagues, and its
greatest width from east to west is 53 leagues — containing a total
area of 1,755 square leagues.
Rivers. — The principal rivers are the following :
The Rio de Santiago, or de Lerma, that enters this State from
the southeast, and passing through the cities of Acambaro, Salva-
tierra, Salamanca and the Hacienda of Pantoja. After a course of
35 leagues in this State, it empties into Lake Chapala.
The Rio de la Laja that takes its rise in the mountain, and

41
after irrigating the lands near the city of San Miguel de Allende,
and flowing by that city and those of Chamacuero, Celaya, and
before uniting its waters with the Rio de Lerma, has a course of
over 30 leagues.
The Rio Turbio rises in the mountain near the Hacienda de
Altos de Harra.
Mountains. — Among the highest mountains in the sierra, or
mountain chain, of Guanajuato are the following :
The Cerro, or peak, of the los Nanitos is situated two leagues
north from the capital. Its highest point being 3,359 varas above
the level of the sea.
The mountain of El Gigante, which is situated northwest of
Guanajuato. Its elevation is 2,800 varas above the level of the sea.
West of the city of Guanajuato, and near the city of Silao, is
the Cerro del Cubilete.
The population of this State was set down at 874,073 inhabit
ants in 1856. Its population, in 1881, at 889,575 souls.
Dialects. — The majority of the population speak the Spanish
language. The Indians speak mostly the Otomi, with the exception
of those of the town of Amedo in the Sierra de Xichu, who speak
the Fame, and those who live near the boundary line of Michoa
can, who speak the Tarasco language.
Cities and towns. — Those of most importance in the State are
Guanajuato, the capital of the State and of the district of the same
name. It is situated 94 leagues northwest from the City of Mexico,
in a canon in the 210 of latitude north, and i° 49' west longitude,
from the City of Mexico. Its population was set down, in 1856,
at 63,398 inhabitants.
Celaya.Salvatierra.
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful city, situated on the de
clivity of a high hill, at the foot of which runs the Rio de la Laja,
which is crossed by a good stone bridge, although it is fordable
nearly all the year. The population of the city is not less than
25,000. Leon, situated west of Guanajuato, is a manufacturing city.
The best saddles and leather in the Republic are manufactured at
this place. In 1865, its population ascended to 166,000 people ;
and, although it is noted in geography as a town of ten or twenty

42
thousand inhabitants, it was then, and is now in population, the
second city of the Republic.
Salamanca, a city of some importance.
Among the large towns, the following are worth mentioning,
viz. : Dolores Hidalgo. The streets in this town are well paved.
There are several fine churches and plazas. This place has become
celebrated in Mexican history on account of its parish priest, Padre
Hidalgo, having declared Mexican independence on the 1 6th of
September, 1810.
Silao.Acambaro.San Luis de la Paz.
The principal villages of this State are the following (some of
these villages are really good-size towns) : Romita, Valle de San
tiago, Pueblo Nuevo, San Juan de la Vega, Rincon de Tamaye,
San Andr6s el Alto, Guaje, Tarrandacuo, San Bartolo, Neutta and
others. In 1856, there existed in the State 398 haciendas and 816
ranches (or farms).
The total assessed valued of real estate in this State, in 1856,
amounted to $27,117,728.
Mining. — The mines of the State are celebrated, not only for
their antiquities, but for their extraordinary richness [see the Cata
logue]. The principal mining districts in the State are those of
Guanajuato, La Luz, Monte de San Nicolas, Santa Rosa y Santa
Ana, San Jos6 Iturbide, San Luis de la Paz, Xichu and Arteaga,
belonging formerly to the territory of Sierra Gorda. The rich
mines of Valenciana, Mellado, Villalpando, Rayas y la Luz, and San
Jose de los Muchachos produce gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, tin,
magistral, cinnabar and many other substances.
The amount of gold and silver coined at the mint of Guana
juato, from the year 1827 to the latter part of the year 1855,
amounted to $124,896,504.
Industry. — In the city of Salamanca there are several factories
of unbleached cotton ; in Salvatierra, factories of cotton thread ; in
Celaya, several factories of woolen cassimeres of, very good quality.

43
THE STATE OF GUERRERO.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Guerrero is bounded on the north by that of
Mexico ; east, by the States of Puebla and Oaxaca ; and on the south
by the Pacific Ocean. Its area contains 3,500 square leagues.
Guerrero was admitted as a State in 1 849.
Topographical aspect and climate. — This is one of the States
of the Republic that displays to the traveller's eye the greatest
variety of vegetation. The numerous mountains and hills, forests
and ravines, that divide the country at short distances, occasionally
show, in a savage way, the untold wealth of this extraordinary
portion of Mexico, where immense richness will only be developed
when the railway from the City of Mexico shall be constructed to
Acapulco, on the Pacific.
The climate of the State, with few exceptions, is extremely
warm, and very unhealthy along the Pacific coast.
Rivers. — The most noted is that of Las Balsas.
Lakes. — Those of Coyuca and Tecpa.
Natural productions. — All tropical fruits are produced in this
State ; also a great variety of timber ; corn, peas, beans are raised
in large quantities, and constitute the principal nourishment of the
inhabitants. Mining. — This State is considered one of the richest of
Mexico in mineral wealth. Lately, some gold placers have been
discovered, which are said to be richer than those of Upper
California. Population. — It was set down, in 1856, at 270,000 people, and,
in 1881, at 325,000.
Tixtla, or Ciudad Guerrero, is situated in latitute 170 34' north,
and o° 11' west longitude, from the City of Mexico. It is situated
in one of the gorges formed by the cordillera, at an elevation of
1,740 varas above the sea. Its population is about 8,000 souls.
The capital of this State, Chilpancingo, has a small population
of about 3,000 inhabitants. It is celebrated in Mexican history for
being the town where the first Mexican Congress met, after the first
cry for liberty had caused the Mexican people to rebel against the
iron rule of Spain.

44
THE STATE OF HIDALGO.
Hidalgo was created a State in 1 869.
It is bounded on the north by the State of San Luis Potosi ; on
the northeast by the State of Vera Cruz ; on the east by the State
of Puebla ; on the south, by the State of Tlaxcala ; on the souhwest
by the State of Mexico ; and on the west by the State of Queretaro.
Area. — Its area covers 1,521 square leagues.
Population. — Its population consists of 404,207 inhabitants.
Productions. — This State produces all kinds of cereals, and
all fruits grown in tropical and temperate climates. It possesses
rich mines of silver, copper, lead, stone-coal and sulphur. The
maguey plant is produced in abundance.
The value of real estate was $10,507,828, in 1880.
Principal cities and towns. — Pachuca, capital of the State, has
a population of 15,000 souls. The seat of the Real del Monte Min
ing Company, the largest mining company in Mexico, is located in
this city. There are in its vicinity many rich smelting works.
Tulancingo is situated in one of the richest portions of Mexico.
The Gould and Degress International and Interoceanic Railway,
from Laredo to the City of Mexico, will pass through this city.

STATE OF JALISCO.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
Tbe great State of Jalisco is situated between 1 8° 51' and
23" 12' of north latitude, and 20 20' and 6" 57' west longitude,
from the City of Mexico. It is bounded oM the north by the States
of Sinaloa and Durango ; on the east, by the States of Zacaltecas,
Guanajuato and Michoacan ; on the south, by Michoacan and
Colima ; and on the west, for a distance of 142 leagues, by the
Pacific Ocean. Its superficial area is 8,324 square leagues.
Jalisco was created a State in 1824.
Topographical aspect and climate. — The Sierra Madre chain
of mountains runs almost through the centre of the State, from north

45
to south. On both sides of the mountains are beautiful, extensive
and rich valleys fertilized by several streams. One of the princi
pal valleys is that of the Rio de Santiago. A great variety of trees,
its rich vegetation and beautiful scenery give this portion of Mexico
a most beautiful landscape. Its climate varies according to its alti
tudes. It may be considered cold in the districts of Lagos, La
Barca and Cololtan ; temperate in those of Guadalajara and Etzat-
lan ; warm in those of Aultan and Tepic ; and variable in the dis
trict of Sayula.
Seaports. — The port of San Bias is situated 116 leagues from
the capital of the State, on the Pacific coast. The old town of San
Bias, about three-quarters of a mile distant from the new site, is
situated on the summit of an isolated rock, from one hundred and
fifty to two hundred feet high. This rock, which rises abruptly
from a low, swampy and partly wooded plain, is inaccessible on
three sides. The northern side has been cut away, and a winding
path, of easy ascent, leads to the top. This road is closely lined
with a dense forest of cocoa, banana, plantain and other tropical
trees, together with a thick undergrowth of flowering plants and
vines, which are closely bound together, and prevent all ingress.
The bold, rocky mass presents a most picturesque appearance.
Portions of it exhibit a bare perpendicular front, while others are
covered with a most luxuriant vegetation. The summit, which is
about five hundred yards square, was formerly occupied by the
town ; but, owing to the unhealthiness of the location, it has been
deserted and suffered to fall into decay.
The business of the town has long been transacted at the
Playa, or shore, where the present landing is. The Custom-House
was for many years at Tepic, a city twenty-five miles inland. It
was established there on account of the unhealthiness of San Bias.
Among the other ports of some importance are those of To-
maltan, Ohamelta, Tenacatita and Natividad.
Rivers. — The Rio Grande, which is also known as the Rio de
Santiago (James River) or Lerma, the Rio Verde, in the district of
Lagos, and those of Lagos, Ameca, Ayuquila, San Pedro, the Tepic,
the Acaponela, the Jerez, and the Rio de Canas.
Lakes. — The lake of Chapala, that contains an area of 75,695
acres, and those of Sayula, la Magdelena, and that of Mescaltitan,
in the district of Tepic.

46
Mountains. — The principal chains are those of Tapalpa and
Tigre, in the district of Sayula; the Sierra Madre, that runs through
the districts of Sayula, Etzatlan and Cololtan ; the Nevado, and the
Volcano of Colima on the south.
Vegetable productions. — Among the timber most worthy of
note are the following, viz. : cedar, mahogany, pine, ash, Brazil
wood, log-wood, copal, mezquite, sabin, white-wood, and many
others too numerous to mention here.
Among the fruits, which in this State are of excellent
quality and great variety, are to be noted the bananas, oranges,
lemons, plums, nuts, figs, pine-apples, the sweet zote, the Amer
ican mammee-tree, the chirimoya, the most delicious fruit on the
American continent.
A great portion of the State produces coffee, sugar-cane,
cotton, vanilla and tobacco.
Agriculture, like in all Mexican States, is in the most primitive
condition ; corn, wheat, beans, peas, barley, and pepper are cul
tivated with great success and form the main subsistence of the
inhabitants of the State.
Mines. — The principal mining districts of this State are those
of Bolanos and Copala ; they produce gold, silver, copper and iron.
In the year 1855, the mint at Guadalajara coined $10,368 in
gold and $644,050 in silver.
Zoology. — All kinds of stock do well in the State. In the
lake of Chapala are found a great variety of aquatic birds and fishes.
Among the birds most all the varieties of wild-geese and ducks ;
among the fish, a variety of the "Bagre,"' a delicious fish, and the
white-fish. In the small bay of Valle de Banderas, on the Pacific
coast, are rich pearl fisheries.
T erritorial Divisions. — The State is divided into eight dis-
tricts,whose names are given below : Guadalajara, Lagos, La Barca,
Sayula, Etzatlan, Autlan, Tepic and Cololtan.
Population. — Was set down in 1856 at 804,058 inhabitants.
In 1881 at 934,850 souls.
Principal Cities and Towns. — The city of Guadalajara,
capital of the State and of the district of the same name, is
situated in latitude 200 41' north and 40 15' west longitude from
the City of Mexico, and 1 50 leagues distant from that capital. Its
streets are wide and at right angles. It has fourteen squares ; the

47
principal square is the Plaza de Armas (Military Square), on the
east side of which is situated the Government Palace. The portico
of Cortazar (a distinguished leader of the revolution of 1810), on
the south ; the Portico of Bolivar on the west, and the Sagrario
(Sagrario is a church where holy relicts are kept) on the north.
Among the principal edifices are the Government Palace, the
Hospital, the Bishop's Palace, the City Hall, the Mint, the Custom-
House and the Theatre. Among the private buildings are many
that would be an ornament to any city. Guadalajara was always
considered the third city of the Republic in wealth and population.
This city possesses a university, a college, an academy of
painting, drawing, architecture and sculpture, also a seminary,
besides many establishments of primary education.
The Alameda is a fine public walk, well ornamented with trees
and fountains. The climate of the city is very dry. The popula
tion of the city, in 1856, was set down at 68,000 inhabitants.
Industry. — There are in the city several factories of unbleached
cotton and of woolen goods. It was at one time the most noted
city for the manufacture of silk, thread, and cotton rebozos (a sort
of Mexican scarf, used by Mexican ladies in which to wrap them
selves, a very graceful piece of attire that distinguishes the Mexican
ladies from those of other nations).
The City of Lagos, containing 10,000 inhabitants, is an import
ant manufacturing place.
The City of San Juan de los Lagos — its population was set down;
in 1856, at 6,000 people. This is a noted place on account of the
yearly fair that used to take place in that city. At one time it was
the emporium of commerce of all the country situated northwest
of the capital. Merchants from all parts of the world resorted to
that great fair. It has lost much of its importance of late years.
La Barca.
Tepatitlan. Sayula,
Zapotlan. Ameca — has large sugar refineries and tanneries.
Autlan.
Mascota.Compostela.Almacatlan.

48
Colotlan.All the above are large towns, with populations varying from
five to fifteen thousand. Also Tepic, a large, fine city, well laid out,
about twenty-five miles from the port of San Bias, in a beautiful
country ; it is also a manufacturing place of importance. Among
its produce it is celebrated for its good quality of cigars.
In this State there are many little towns where Mexican pottery
is manufactured.

THE STATE OF MEXICO.
This State is bounded as follows : On the north, by the new
State of Hidalgo ; on the east, by the States of Tlaxcala, Puebla and
Morelos ; on the south, by the States of Morelos and Guerrero ; and
on the west, by the State of Michoacan.
This State is divided into the following districts, viz. : Toluca,
Lerma, Tenango, Ixtlahuaca, Jilotepec, Zumpango, Otumba, Tex-
coco, Chalco, Sultepec, Tejupilco, Tenancingo, Tlalnepantla, Cuau-
titlan, and Villa del Valle.
The city of Toluca, capital of the State, has a population of
14,376 inhabitants. The district of the same name, in which it is
situated, is the highest inhabited land of Mexico, being situated at
an elevation of 3,110 varas, or 8,638 feet above the level of the
Gulf of Mexico. Toluca itself is 498 varas higher than the City of
Mexico. The climate is cold.
The district of Tlalnepantla is composed of rich plains, well
cultivated, in which is situated the city of the same name, and is
renowned for its mild climate and pretty landscape. It is a Summer
resort for the inhabitants of the City of Mexico, being almost one
of its suburbs.
The district of Texcoco comprises the lowest portion of the
great valley of Mexico, where all its waters unite and form the two
great lakes of Texcoco and Chalco. The other portion of this dis
trict is composed of beautiful hills, whose climate is delightful. The
district of Zultepec comprises rich mineral hills, and also enjoys a
temperate climate.

49
The population of this State was set down at 607,435 inhabi
tants in 1 88 1.

STATE OF MICHOACAN.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Michoacan is situated between 17 ° 50' 5"
and 20 26' 30" north latitude, and 1° 9' 20" and 4° 3' 30"
west longitude from the City of Mexico. The western portion is
crossed by the Cordillera. It is bounded on the north by the State
of Guanajuato. The Rio de Lerma, known here as the Rio
Grande, and a portion of Lake Chapala, forming a natural boundary ;
on the east, by the States of Queretaro and Mexico ; on the south, by
the- States of Mexico and Guerrero, and on the west, for more than
thirty leagues, by the Pacific Ocean, the States of Colima and
Jalisco. Its superficy contains an area of 6,556 square leagues.
Michoacan was admitted as a State in 1 826.
Topographical aspect and climate. — This State is very fertile.
Its surface is composed of vast inclined plains, of easy grade toward
the Pacific shore, which are divided by branches of the Cordillera.
The Sierra Madre (Mother or Main Chain) enters this State in the
district of Coalcoman. The climate in general is temperate but
damp. Rivers. — The principal are the Rio Grande or de Lerma, the
Rio Duero, the Pantla, the Rio de las Balsas or Puebla and the
Melonar. Lakes. — The principal one is that of Patzcuaro. In this lake
are five small islands ; their names are : Xanicho, Pacanda, Xara-
cuaro, Yuguan and Tecuen. These small islands present to the
traveller an enchanted landscape of beauty beyond description,
particularly those of Xanicho and Pacanda, which are covered with
beautiful flowers and rich vegetation. All those appear to move
like the floating gardens of the Valley of Mexico. This lake is only
five leagues long from northeast to southwest, and about twelve in
circumference. And the lake of Cuitzco, north of Morelia.
Mountains. — The most important are the Jorrullo (volcano),

50
the Taneitaro, Periban, the Tzirate, and the peaks of Pantamban,
San Nicolas and San Andres.
Natural productions. — Here we will only enumerate a few of
the most valuable productions of this rich State, where everything
is still to be developed. Among the timber are found the maho
gany, oak, ebony, iron-wood, cedar, rosewood, evergreen oaks, and
many still unknown in the United States. Corn, wheat, barley,
oats and beans are cultivated with success ; also, the cocoa, sugar
cane, coffee, cotton, vanilla and aniseed are produced and could
be made the chief produce of this State for exports.
Zoology. — Among the wild animals the deer, hare, rabbit, the
coyote and many others are found. Also a great variety of birds.
Among the fishes are the Bagre and white-fish.
Mining. — Among the richest in all Mexico in old times was
the mining district of Tlalpujahua, also those of Angangueo,
Espiritu Santo, Guayabo, Inguaran, Curucupaceo, Ozumaltan y
Barra, Chapatuato, San Antonio, Cualcoman, and many others.
The produce of these mines consist of silver mixed with gold,
copper mixed with gold, iron, cinnabar, antimony, stone-coal, and
emery. The State is divided into four districts, known as the districts
of Morelia, Patzcuaro, Maravatio, and Zamora.
Population. — This State, in 1856, had a population of 491,679
inhabitants, entirely mit is (mixed breed) and Indians; in 1881,
618,240 souls.
Dialects. — The principal spoken are the Tarasco and the
Otomi. Real estate. — In 1856, there was in the State 6,989 country
estates or small farms, and 2,386 houses, situated in cities. The
assessed value of the same amounted to the sum of $14,181,662.
This aggregate value did not include the clergy, or church property,
which then amounted to the sum of $800,000.
Industry. — The principal industry of this State consists in
mining, agriculture, also some silk and cotton manufactures of good
quality, which can be developed when railway communications are
opened. The State possesses three cities : Morelia, Patzcuaro and
Zamora ; two towns : Tacambaro and Zitacuaro ; 276 villages, and
many haciendas and ranches.

51

. THE STATE OF MORELOS.
This State was created, in 1 869, out of the States of Mexico and
Puebla. It is bounded as follows : On the north, by the State of
Mexico ; on the east, by the State of Puebla ; on the south, by the
State of Guerrero ; and on the west, by the State of Mexico.
It contains an area of 262 square leagues.
Its population, according to latest statistics, consists of 1 59,300
souls. Its principal productions are coffee, sugar, fruits, corn, rice,
alcohol, wheat, etc., etc.
History. — This State is situated in the ancient country of the
Tlahuicos, part of the estate of the Marquis del Valle Hernando
Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico, and was, prior to the 17th of April,
1869, a district of the State of Mexico. It was named in honor of
ex-priest, General Don Jos6 Maria Morelos y Pabon, one of the
principal chiefs of the revolution for independence of Mexico.
Principal cities and towns. — Cuernavaca, capital of the State,
was founded by the Tlahuicos, a tribe of the nation Nahuatlacos,
about the fourteenth century. It was incorporated, in 1432, by
Itzcoatl to the crown of Mexico ; was conquered by the Spaniards
in April, 1521 ; declared a city October 14th, 1834. It contains the
palace of Hernando Cortez, the parochial church, built in 1713, the
beautiful church of Guadaloupe, and of Los Tepetates, San Pedro
and San Pablo, the immense gardens of Borda in ruins, market,
hospital, a garden on its principal square, two Protestant churches,
a literary institute, the Stage and San Pedro hotels. The Indian
name of this city was Quanhuahuac (which means, adjoining the
beautiful hills). It contains a population of 12,000 souls. The un
fortunate emperor, Maximilian, made it his favorite place of resort
Cuantla de Morelos, principal city of the district of Morelos,
called the " Heroical Cuautla," was also founded by the Tlahuicos,
with the name of Quanhtli (delightful hills) ; was conquered by the
Spaniards in 1521, who called it Cuautla de Amilpas ; it was cre
ated a city in April, 1829. It possesses a fine city hall, a public
garden, a parochial church, built in 1605, and the churches of San
Diego, Senor del Pueblo, or lord of the city and the calvary. It
has a population of 3,000 souls. Yantepec of Zaragoza, the princi-

52
pal city of the district of Yantepec, was founded by the Tlahuicos
and conquered by Montezuma the first, in 1440, and by the Span
iards in 1 521. Its Indian name was mountain where the flower of
yahutli grows ; said flower has a scent like the anil. It was cre
ated a city in 1869, and has a population of 4,500 souls.
In the same district is the City of Tetecala de la Reforma,
created a city December, 1873. Its Indian name Tetecala means a
stone-house. It has a good City Hall, hospital and a main square.
Population, 2,500 inhabitants.
City of Jojutla de Juares, created a city in May, 1873. Has
a City Hall, parochial church, hospital and 4,175 inhabitants.
This State contains 5 cities, 13 towns, 106 villages, 7 hamlets,
48 haciendas and 54 ranches.
The value of real estate is set down at $4,193,315.32.

THE STATE OF NUEVO LEON.
SITUATION, BOUNDARY AND AREA.
This State is situated between the 230 5' and 270 10' latitude
north, and o° 30' east longitude, and I ° 26' 40" west longitude
from the City of Mexico. It is bounded on the north and west by
the State of Coahuila ; on the north and east by the State of Ta-
maulipas ; on the south-west by the State of San Luis Potosi. Its
greatest length from north to south is 284 American miles, and its
greatest width from east to west is 105 miles; its area contains
6,695 square miles. Population in 1856, according to Jesus Her-
mosa, 144,869 inhabitants ; population, according to a semi-official
paper published in 1875, 178,872 ; in 1881, 201,732 souls.
Mountains. — Besides the Sierra Madre and many other spurs
of mountains, the most noted are the Cerro de la Silla, or Saddle
Mountain, about six miles south-east from the City of Monterey,
the Mitra, the Picacho, Santa Clara, La Iguana and Gomez
Mountains. Rivers.-— Among the principal streams are the Salado, El Can-

53
dela, El Sabina. The San Juan, which rises in the Sierra Madre
mountains, and has a course of about 1 30 miles before uniting its
waters with that of the Rio Grande ; the Pilon, Monterey and
Linares rivers, etc.
Census. — In 1856 this State contained 4 cities, 29 towns, 118
haciendas, 481 ranches and 182 small ranches.
Natural Productions. — Agricultural productions are numer
ous and of a great variety ; among the timber is found the ebony,
Brazil-wood, beech tree, oak, ash, coyotilla, huisache, cedar, pal
metto, frijolillio, huiachillo, elm, mesquite, willow, pecan, hackberry,
cypress, pine, javay. The Irish potato grows wild in the mountains.
Fruits, Vegetables and Grain. — Among the fruit trees are
found the peach, pomegranate, apple, pear, lemon, orange, mul
berry, aguacate or laureus persea, the chirimoya, which is consi
dered the most delicious fruit in America (known in botany as the
anana humboldtiand), figs, bananas, pears, grapes, etc.
This State produces all kinds of vegetables and corn, sugar
cane, oats, wheat and beans, and a great variety of flowers.
Stock Raising. — Good grazing, adapted to all kinds of stock,
is found in this State. In 1856 the State assessed 48,988 head of
horses, 11,278 head of mules, 117,210 head of cattle, 529,159 head
of sheep, and 15,568 head of hogs.
Wild Animals, Game Birds, Aquatic Birds. — Among the
wild animals and birds are found the following, viz. : mountain
cats, bears, tigers (that is the jaguar), wolves, wild-hogs, hares,
squirrels, armadillos, panthers, coyotes. Among the birds : mock
ing-birds, linnets, larks, cardinals, doves, colibris, pigeons, partridges
and turkeys. Among the aquatic birds : duck, cranes, geese,
herons, etc.
Fish. — Among the fish are found eel, trout, bass, crawfish,
perch and sea breams. Pearl oysters are found in the Salado river,
also otter and beaver.
Thermal Waters. — There are those of El Topo, Potrero
Prieto, Huestas and Huajuco.
Mines. — Most of the mines in this State have been but very
little developed, the surface metal only having been worked. Ac
cording to experts, they contain silver, iron, copper and lead,
sulphur, nitrate of potash, alabaster, white and colored marble, and
muriate of soda. In the mineral district of Villa Aldamas, known

54
before the Mexican Independence as Boca de Leones, the Minas
Viegas, Ladera, Catitta, etc., Vallecillo, Cadereita Jimenez. The
mining districts of Sabina Santiago de las Sabinas, Santa Teresa
and others. Most of the above mines are rich galena, containing
silver varying from five to forty dollars per cargo of three hundred
Mexican pounds.
Schools. — In this State there were, in 1875, 278 primary schools, '
carried on at a. yearly expense of $70,400.00.
Principal Cities and Towns. — Monterey, capital of the State,
is situated in latitude 250 40' 6" north, and 0° 49' west longitude
from the City of Mexico ; 602 miles from the capital, and 1,626
American feet above the level of the Gulf of Mexico. (For a better
description, see itinerary from San Antonio, Texas, to the City of
Mexico.) Although it is situated in a warm climate, it is very
healthy, and is certainly destined to be one of the greatest cities on
this side of fhe Sierra Madre mountains ; its present population is
over 40,000 souls.
The towns of Cadereita Jimenez, Linares, Montemorelos, Sa
linas, Ceralvo, and many others are beautiful places whose sur
rounding country is well adapted to agriculture.
STATISTICS. — Agricultural productions of the State of
Nuevo Leon, a7id value of the same for the year iSyS :

Oats, 2,154 bushels.

. $14,160 00

Sugar-cane,

165,300 00

Sweet potatoes,

5,680 00

Wax, 11,150 pounds,

8,840 00

Onions, .....

20,850 00

Chile pepper, 104,050 pounds.

4,136 00

Beans, 1 1,850 bushels,

19,700 CO

Peas, 270 "

280 00

Corn, 751,200 "

. 250,000 00

Maguey, 1,098,000 plants,

144,250 00

Potatoes, 177,000 cwt..

2,950 00

Pelloncillo, 1,368,250

437,840 00

Ixtle, 3,811,875

86,475 °°

Wheat, 120,000 "

9,600 00

Amount carried forward,

. $1,170,061 00

55

Amou;

it brought forwat

'd, . $1,170,061 00

Tobacco,

45-75° "

4,490 00

Sugar,

300,000 "

36,000 00

Mezcal,

264, 500 "

41,840 00

Fodder,

7,303,7-50 "

73,085 00

Bagging,

37,500 "

3,000 00

Tomatoes,

. measure,

590 00

Peas, 900 ¦

cwt.,

72 00

Total amount of products, . $1,329,13800
Total value of stock of all kinds,

THE STATE OF OAXACA.

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
Oaxaca, in olden times called Antequera, is one of the principal
States of the Republic of Mexico.
It is bounded on the north, by the State of Vera Cruz ; on the
east by the State of Chiapas ; on the south by the Pacific Ocean ;
on the west, by the State of Puebla. It contains an area of 4,426
square leagues.
Oaxaca was created a State in 1824.
Topographical aspect and climate. — Many chains of moun
tains run over this State in various directions, and although the
country is much broken, its climate in general is mild ; like
the balance of the Mexican territory, it varies according to its
altitudes. Rivers. — They are few and of no importance.
Natural productions. — Rich in all productions. This State
has large forests of valuable timber, all tropical fruits, many valu
able gum trees, coffee, cacao, wheat, corn and many other products
of the temperate zone are cultivated with profit by the inhabitants.

56
Zoology. — All kinds of stock are raised in this State with little
or no expense. Game and fish are abundant, and there are rich
pearl fisheries on its Pacific coast.
Mining. — This State possesses many mines rich in silver, gold,
quartz, jaspers, marble and other valuable minerals ; but in former
days the principal revenue of the State was derived from cochi
neal and aniseed.
This State, in 1856, had a population of 489,969 inhabitants,
and of 733,556 in 1881.
Principal cities and towns. — The City of Oaxaca was founded
in a beautiful valley by Juan Nunez del Mercado in the year 1628.
Its streets are laid off at right angles. On the main square is situ
ated the Government palace, the cathedral, worthy of note on
account of its elegant style of architecture and the porticos of our
Lord and of the Star (la Estrelld). Its population, in 1856, was set
down at 28,000 souls.
Principal towns. — Teotitlan, Huahuapan, Ejutla, Jamiltepec,
Teposcola and Villa Alta.
Among the distinguished men born in this State was President
Juarez, who was a pure Zapotec Indian, educated at the Jesuit col
lege of Oaxaca, and whose memory will live in the minds of all lovers
of liberty as one of the great figures of this continent.

THE STATE OF PUEBLA.
BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
This State is bounded on the north by the States of Vera Cruz
and Hidalgo ; on the east by the State of Vera Cruz ; on the south
by the States of Guerrero and Oaxaca ; and on the west by the
States of Morelos, Mexico, Tlaxcala and Hidalgo.
Area, 1,725 square leagues.
Puebla was created a State in 1824.
Population, 697,788 inhabitants in 1857.
Population in 1881, 784,466 souls.

.57
Mountains. — A wide chain of high mountains, cut at intervals
by fertile valleys or plateaus, like those of San Martin, Puebla,
Alixco and Chalchicomula, gives this State a peculiar topographical
aspect without monotony. The mountains of Huaunchinango, Za-
capoaxtla, Zacatlan and Tezintlan are among the principals. On
the eastern boundary of the State are found the Cofre de Perote
and the peak of Orizaba ; and on the west, the Popocatepetl and
Ixtlacihuatl ; and on the north, the mountains of Zacatlan and
Huaunchinango. Rivers. — The principal rivers of this State are the Atoyac, that
rises in the mountains of Tlaxco, which in its course is also known as
the Rio de las Balsas, and those of Vinasco, Pantepec, Cazenes and
Zempoala. Climate and natural productions. — Climate generally tem
perate and healthy ; the soil, very fertile, produces all kinds of gra-
minea, corn, wheat, barley, oats, cotton and sugar.
Mining. — In this State are seven mineral districts that produce
gold and copper, argentiferous lead and iron ; stone-coal is sup
posed to exist in this State. The names of those districts are Tetela
del Oro, San Jose, San Miguel, Ixcamastetlan, Tlalchachalco Hue-
capan, Tlachiaque, Izucar. The ores of these mines are worked
by both the smelting and amalgamating processes.
Principal cities and towns. — Puebla de Zaragoza (formerly of
the Angels), capital of the State and seat of the Bishopric, is situated
in a fine valley, at an altitude of over 7,000 feet, in latitude 190
2' 45" north, and longitude 2° 4' 45" east, from the City of Mexico.
It was founded on the 28th of September, 1531.
Puebla, on account of its industries, is in importance general
ly considered as the third city of the Republic. Surrounded by the
Atoyac, the San Francisco and Alzezeca rivers. It has an abun
dance of good water. It possesses 26 squares. Its cathedral is one
of the finest in Mexico ; its sculptures and ornaments are extremely
gaudy. Puebla has a fine museum — interesting for the numerous
antiquities it contains. In 1856, the city contained 71 churches and
chapels. Its population amounts to 76,817 souls. A railroad con
nects this city with that of Mexico and the port of Vera Cruz.
It has factories of unbleached cotton, thread, crockery, glass and
soap. Among the principal towns of this State are those of Alixco,
Cholula, Izucar, Tehuacan, San Marten and San Andres.

58
Cholula is celebrated on account of its pyramid of the same
name, which resembles very much the Egyptian pyramids.

THE STATE OF QUERETARO.
BOUNDARIES, AREA AND CLIMATE.
This State is bounded on the north by the State of Guanajuato
and San Luis Potosi ; on the east and south by the State of
Mexico, and on the west by the States of Michoacan and Guana
juato. It contains an area of 506 square leagues.
Queretaro was created a State in 1824.
The climate in general is temperate and very healthy.
Rivers. — There are none of much importance, although the
State is well watered, we will only mention the Rio de la Silla and
Santa Lucia.
Natural productions. — Wheat, corn, beans, cotton and all
kinds of vegetables and fruits proper to European and American
climates do remarkably well in this State. There is in the mountain
forests a great variety of first class timber.
Industry. — Queretaro has had quite a name in Mexico for its
manufactures of wollen cloth, casimires, carpets, blankets, and un
bleached cotton. It possesses one of the largest factories on this
continent ; it is a cotton factory and a mill that we have described
in our itinerary from San Antonio, Texas, to the City of Mexico ;
this factory is known as the " Herculus." The artisans of the city
have the reputation of being the best stone-sculptors in the Republic.
Population. — The population of this State was set down at
147,119 souls in 1856, and in 1881 at 154,000 souls.
The City of Queratero which we have described in our itinerary
from San Antonio to the City of Mexico, is the capital of the State.
San Juan del Rio, a large manufacturing city of some importance ;
Cadereita and other small towns.
The Mexican Central Railway, which is to connect with the
United States Railway system at El Paso, is now running four
daily passenger trains from the capital to the City of Queretaro.

59

THE STATE OF SAN LUIS POTOSI.
This State is situated between the 21 " 40' and 240 35' north
latitude, and o° 36' east and 3" 1 5' west longitude from the City
of Mexico. It is bounded on the northeast by the States of Nuevo
Leon and Tamaulipas ; on the south by Guanajuato, Queretaro and
Mexico ; on the west and northwest by Zacatecas. It has an area
of 10,792 square miles. It was created a State in 1844.
Various chains of mountains cross this State, forming many
fine valleys, among which that of San Luis is noted for its large
area ; that of Valley del Mais and Rio Verde are among the richest.
The ravines and mountain chains in this State are spurs of the
Cordillera chain, which covers the eastern portion of the Mexican
Republic and forms the natural boundary line between the States
of San Luis and Tamaulipas.
This State enjoys all climates, that is the warm, temperate and
cold ; but the greatest portion of its territory is favored with
temperate and warm climates.
But few rivers are found in this State, the most noted are the
Santa Maria, the Montezuma or Zimapan, the Rio Verde and the
Tampaon. The most remarkable chains of mountains are the Sierra de
San Luis and the Sierra Gorda ; that on the south forms the bound
ary lines between this State and those of Guanajuato, Queretaro and
Mexico. Natural productions. — In the temperate climes of this State,
cedar, balsam, ebony, rosewood, mahogany, juni, cypress, oaks,
millon and other woods are indigenous.
There are many fruit trees, among which the following can be
noted, viz.: lemon, peach, pears, oranges, apricots, zapote, small-
white and black zapote (achras mammosd), mulberries, chirimoya
(anana Humboldtiand) and others.
Among the grains that can be cultivated with success in this
State is com, wheat and oats, and all kinds of vegetables.
Coffee, cotton, tobacco and sugar-cane of good quality can be
produced with profit.
Horn cattle, goats, sheep and horses do well in this State, and
are raised in large quantities, as well as poultry.

60
Among the wild animals of the mountains and forests are
found the jaguar or Mexican tiger, the puma or Mexican lion, pan
thers, wolves, deer, fox, monkeys and antelopes.
Among the birds are found the following species, viz.: eagles,
eaglets, larks, linnets, wild turkeys, golden pheasants, mocking
birds, sparrow-hawks and vultures.
The mountains of this State are very rich in minerals ; but,
like other portions of Mexico, they are not worked properly for
want of capital and enterprise on the part of their owners, who do
nothing or little with them, and will not allow any one else to ex
tract the mineral. The principal mines are those of Catorce,
Guadalcazar, Charcas, Ramos, Ojo Caliente, San Pedro and Santa
Maria del Penon Blanco. The above mentioned mines produce
gold and silver, copper, lead, mercury and sulphur, the minerals
being mostly of the kind called in the country red and bine silver.
Santa Maria del Penon Blanco has also very rich salt deposits.
And also the following mines : Blancas, Los Pozos, Matehuala,
Ramos, Rio Verde and San Luis Potosi.
There is a mint at San Luis Potosi, and during the Maximilian
rule one was also established at the City of Catorce, which was
suppressed in the year 1865. The mint at San Luis Potosi coined
$1,849,794.95 in silver in 1855.
Political divisions of this State. — This State is divided in four
prefecturas, known as those of San Luis, Rio Verde, El Venado
and Tancanhuiz, and eleven districts. Population, 650,000 inhabi
tants. Public instruction. — In 1875 there was in this State 252
schools, attended by 9,676 boys and 3,343 girls — in all, 13,019 child
ren — carried on at a cost of $91,400.
The price of public lands, as fixed by law for the year 1875,
was $1,755.61 per sitio, or 4,605 of our acres.
The City of San Luis Potosi, capital of the State and district of
the same name, is situated on the east side of the great plateau of
Anahuac, in a valley extending from north to south about 45 miles,
in latitude 220 8' north, and longitude 1" 40' west, of the City of
Mexico. Its streets are narrow, and run at right angles. Among
the principal buildings are the City Hall, the Granary, the Market,
the Theatre. This city contains churches which for their sculptures
can rival any in Mexico, particularly those of " El Carmen," the

61
Cathedral, San Francisco, San Augustin, La Merced, the College of
Loretto and San Nicolas, the Hospital of San Juan de Dios, the
Chapel of El Rosario and Los Remedios, and the Sanctuary of
Guadaloupe, situated at the end of the Alamada public walk, well
adorned with shade trees and sidewalks.
Its population is 45,000 'souls. It has not prospered lately,
although it has always held a certain rank among the Mexican manu
facturing cities. It is of easy access, north and south, and any rail
road constructed from Texas to the City of Mexico must neces
sarily pass through it. It is, in future, destined to be a railroad
centre, and will be the great commercial centre of Northern
Mexico and the frontier of Texas. Its climate is healthy ; it is
temperate, being never very cold nor very warm.
Its principal commerce consists in Mexican groceries, seeds,
bagging, leather and shoes.
After the Royal Decree, dividing New Spain — as Mexico was
then called — into Intendencies, the City of San Luis Potosi was made
the capital of the Intendency of the same name, of which Texas
formed one of the provinces. It was also the headquarters of the
Tenth Military Brigade, at the time of the revolution of Hidalgo
against the Spanish rule, on the 16th of September, 1810; and
it was to the energy of its then distinguished Spanish commander,
Gen. Calleja, that the revolution was suppressed and the indepen
dence of Mexico set back eleven years.
Other cities and towns. — The present State of Texas formed
part of the loth military brigade.
Matehuala, situated within a few miles of the Cerro de los
Frailes and the Catorce mountains, is fast improving. It has a
population of 25,000 souls.
Cedral, situated six miles north of Matehuala, is also a mining
town. It has a population of 1 5,000 souls.
Catorce — the real de Catorce — is only distant four leagues
from Cedral, in the mountain of Catorce, one of the richest mining
districts of Mexico. It has a population of 20,000 souls.
Charcas, also a mining town, beautifully located ; population,
4,000 inhabitants.
El Venado, a city of 10,000 inhabitants ; Ciudad del Mai's, Rio
Verde, Valle of San Francisco, Moctezuma, and many other impor
tant and thriving towns.

62
One of the largest haciendas (estates) in the Republic of Mexico
belongs to the jurisdiction of this State ; it is known as the Ha
cienda of Salado, situated on the main highway between the City
of San Luis Potosi and Saltillo. Its lands belong to the four
States of Zacatecas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and San Luis, and con
tain an area of over 200 leagues in one block, or 885,600 acres.
It is one of the best properties situated on the table lands of
Mexico, being well adapted to all kinds of stock raising, and to the
cultivation of all small grains and corn, the grape and all the fruits
of the temperate climates. This hacienda is well watered by
springs, wells and tanks, and water is found at a depth that varies
from five to fifty feet. Its mountains, which are really the foot
hills of the Sierra de Catorce, contain over two thousand metallic
veins ; some of its mines produced immense bonanzas last century ;
they are principally silver, lead, copper, cinnabar, and some gold,
also a rich iron deposit. The building materials, such as marble,
rock suitable for hydraulic lime, fire-brick, and earth for the best
kind of brick and crockery, are found in abundance for all purposes.
Brushwood and small timber fit for fuel abound in the mountains.
Its natural productions — if properly worked, would alone pay a
large income — they consist principally of the plants known as the ma
guey, the lechuguillas, the zotole, the zolmandoque, the palmetto,
the cactus, all of which abound over the hills and valleys of
this immense estate, and all of which produce a valuable fiber, and
whose roots or fruits can be distilled profitably into alcohol. The
line of the Palmer-Sullivan Railway will traverse the lands of this
estate from south to north on its section between the City of San
Luis Potosi and Saltillo, passing through the ranches of El Gallo,
Salado, San Miguel and San Salvador, all properties belonging to
said hacienda. As poorly as it is worked to-day, it brings to its
owner ten per cent, on a capital of one million dollars. The name
of this vast estate is San Rafael del Salado y Agua Dulce, more
commonly known as El Salado. It is the property of General Don
Juan Bustamante, ex-Governor of the State of San Luis Potosi.

63
THE STATE OF SINALOA.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Sinaloa, or country of the Ostimuro, is situated
between the 22° 30' and 280 of north latitude. It is bounded on
the north by the Yaqui and Sonora rivers ; on the east by the State
of Durango and Chihuahua ; on the south by the Rio de los Canas
and the State of Jalisco ; and on the west by the Gulf of California.
It contains an area of 3,825 square leagues.
Sinaloa was created a State in 1834.
Topographical aspect and climate. — South of the City of
Culiacan, capital of the State, there are barren hills ; some portions
of the State are level, with some high hills scattered about
the plains. The climate of Culiacan is rather warm, but very
healthy. Rivers. — The principal rivers are the Culiacan, which takes its
rise in the Sierra Madre mountains of the State of Durango, and in
this State unite its waters with the Humaya River, that empties into
the Gulf of California at the port of Altata.
Natural productions. — Among the most important are the
following : Coffee, sugar-cane, tobacco, corn, rice and beans are
raised with great profit. There are many fine trees in the forest
such as the Brazil-wood, etc., and all fruits raised in tropical and
temperate climates abound.
Mining. — Rich mines are worked in this State. They contain
gold, silver, copper and lead. From the year 1846 to the year 1853
the mint coined $4,620,422 in gold, and $1,963,636 in silver, making
a total of $6,584,058.
Population. — The population of the State was set down at
250,000 inhabitants in 1856.
Principal cities and towns. — Culiacan, capital of the State and
district of the same name, was founded in 1532, by Nuno de Guz
man. It is situated in latitude north 240 48', and 8° 1 5' 32" west
longitude, from the City of Mexico. The city is built on the left
bank of the river of the same name. Its streets are straight, and
cut each other at right angles. It has a fine square, on one side of
which is situated the cathedral, and on the other are fine porticos

and magnificent (for the country) private buildings. The popula
tion of this city was set down at 9,647 in 1856.
Mazatlan, a seaport of some importance, which has a great
future, and will be probably the greatest port of Mexico on the
Pacific. Its population in 1856 was registered at 31, 000 inhabitants,

THE STATE OF SONORA.
SITUATION, BOUNDARY AND AREA.
The State of Sonora is situated between 26° 40' and 330 50'
north latitude, and 8° 50' and 14° 55' longitude from the City
of Mexico. Its boundaries are, on the south, the State of Sinaloa —
the Rio del Fuerte being the dividing line— and the Gulf of Califor
nia ; on the east, by the State of Chihuahua ; on the north, by the
United States of America ; on the west by the Gulf of California.
Its superficy contains an area of 11,953 square leagues. Sonora
formed a part of the State of Occidente from 1822 to 1830.
Topographical aspect and climate. — A large portion of this
State is composed of vast plains separated by low mountains or
hills. The climate, particularly along the coast of the Gulf of
California, is warm.
Rivers. — The principal rivers are the Rio del Fuerte, the Yaqui,
the Mayo, and the Colorado of California.
Natural productions. — The northern portion of the State is
well adapted to agriculture ; corn, wheat, beans, peas, lentils,
sugar-cane and tobacco produce good crops. Among the fruits
cultivated are dates, peaches, figs, pears, grenades, lemons, and
many others.
Among the timber are found the logwood, the ebony, the elm,
brown and Brazil-wood.
This State is rich in medicinal plants. Some used by the na
tives, like the tomenagua and the root of canaguat, are a sure cure
for fever. Zoology. — This State is well adapted to stock raising. The
vast amount of wild lands, forests, and its large water courses are

65
full of game and fish. The Yaqui and Mayo Indians subsist
mostly by hunting and fishing. Among the wild animals are the
bear, tiger, wolf, the coyote, buffalo, otter, hare, rabbit and others.
In the Gulf of California, the following fishes abound : the
doree, the horse-mackerel, herring, the tunny-fish, whales, and
many others for whose name no equivalent is found in the English
language. In the rivers, carps, eels, bagres, and a variety of the trout
called robalo, are found in abundance.
This State is considered the richest in Mexico, and wonderful
tales are told about its hidden wealth ; until lately, mining was
almost abandoned on account of Indian depredations ; fortunately,
but few Apaches are left to do harm, and the construction of the
Southern Pacific Railway, with the investment of American capital
and industry, will soon again develop its mining wealth. [See
Catalogue of Mines.] The following minerals abound, particularly
in the eastern portion of the State, viz. : gold, silver, copper, lead,
sulphur, carbonate of soda, tin, antimony, alum, salt, potash, marr
ble, and gypsum ; pearls are found on the coast of the Gulf of Cali
fornia. This State is divided into nine partidos or districts, known as
Hermosillo, Salvacion, Ures, San Ignacio, Altar, Moctezuma, Opo-
sura, Sahuaripa, Arispe and Alamos.
In 1856, this State assessed four cities, two towns, seventy-
seven villages, fifty-two mining places, two Indian towns, and two
hundred and fifty haciendas and ranches.
Population. — In 1856, it was put down at 124,000 inhabitants.
1 10,000 are either pure or descendants of Indians, and the balance
white. The present population, official, is 141,000. Among the
various nations of Indians who inhabit this State are the Opata,
who live in the centre of the State ; the Pimas, the Papagos and
Yumas, who live in the northern portion of the State ; the Yaquis
and Mayos, who live in that portion of the State watered by the
rivers of the same name, are corpulent ; their women are generally
pretty, kind and of a jovial nature. They preserve to this day their
traditions and customs ; they are also very industrious, and are
good carpenters, blacksmiths and good sailors, and form the best
laboring class of the State.
The Opatas are half-civilized and very friendly to the whites.

S6
They are a true, sober, and warlike race. They are mostly addicted
to agriculture. Inveterate enemies of the Apaches, whom they
used to fight with success, they are notwithstanding good and law-
abiding citizens.
The various tribes of Apaches that have constantly warred
upon the people of Sonora and desolated the northern States of
Mexico, were the Tontos, Chiricahuis, Gilenos, Mogollones and
Mescaleros. The Spaniards were never able to subdue or induce
them to become Christians.
Principal cities and towns. — The City of Ures, the capital of
the State, is situated on the east bank of the Sonora River ; was
originally a missionary establishment, and among the earnest in the
State. The town presents a lonely aspect. There are no edifices
worth mentioning — the Legislative Hall being a large adobe house,
distinguished by a flagstaff from the other buildings. The Jesuits,
before their expulsion from Mexico, had commenced building a large
church, which was never completed. It has a population of 8,000.
Alamos is of some importance on account of the mines situated
in its neighborhood. It possesses a few churches and a Government
mint. Hermosillo is the modern name for the old Presidio of Pitic.
It is thirty leagues distant from the nearest point on the shore of
the Gulf of California, and thirty-six leagues from the port of Guay-
amas, which lies nearly south. It is probably the finest city in the
State. In 1856 it had a population of 15,000 people. The climate
is dry and exceedingly hot, but nevertheless healthy.
Guayamas stands on the eastern shore of the Gulf of California,
in latitude 28 ° north, and 1 io° 40' west longitude, from Green
wich. It is completely shut in from the sea, as well as from the
winds. Mountains protect it on the main land, while islands with
elevated hills surround it by sea. Next to Acapulco, it is the best
port on the Mexican coast. The entrance from south to north is
formed by the Island of Pajaros on the east, and by the islands of
San Vicente and Pitayas and the mainland on the west. There is
another entrance, called Boca Chica, from the southeast, having
the Island of Pajaros on the south, and the shore of Cochori on the
north, which terminate at the Morro Ingles, or English Hammock.
From the principal mouth to the mole is about four miles, and the
bay is of about the same extent. The bottom is so muddy that

67
ships which are to remain some time, find it necessary to raise their
anchors every week or so to prevent their becoming too deeply im
bedded to be extricated. The soundings commence with seven
fathoms and diminish gradually to two at the mole.
The bay abounds in fish of great variety and delicacy ; also
with shrimps, crabs, lobsters and oysters.
The town stands close on the margin of the bay, occupying a
narrow strip about a mile in length, and not exceeding a quarter of
a mile in width, when the mountains rise and hem it closely in. It
is entered from the north by a single avenue, which forms the main
street ; and this is intersected by short lateral ones leading to the
bay. The houses are built of stone, brick and adobe. The water-
supply comes from wells situated in the suburbs ; it is somewhat
brackish, but is considered wholesome.
Although Guayamas has one of the finest ports in the world,
and is the key to the interior of Sonora, it has never enjoyed much
trade until of late years. When it will be connected by railway
with the Southern Pacific, it will become the greatest port of the
Gulf of California.
La Magdalena, a well-built town, Arispe, Presidio del Altar, in
a rich grain valley, and Satmaripa, all capitals of the districts of the
same names, are among the important cities of this State.

THE STATE OF TABASCO.
BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Tabasco is bounded on the north by the Gulf of
Mexico, on the east by the State of Campeche, on the south by
the State of Chiapas, on the west by the State of Vera Cruz. Its
area contains 1 ,876 square leagues.
The name Tabasco is derived from the Cacique that governed
the country at the time that it was discovered by the Spaniards. It
was conquered and reduced to Spanish vasselage by the Spanish
captain, Vallecula.

The climate is warm and generally unhealthy.
Water communications along the coast by the bars of Puerto,
Real, Puerto Escondido, Punto de Zicalango ; bars of San Pedro
and San Pablo, and bar of Tabasco are of easy access for small
crafts. The population of the State, in 1856, was set down at 63,580
inhabitants. The capital of the State, the City of San Juan Bautista de
Tabasco, contains a population of 8,000 souls. The oresent popu
lation of the State is 104,759 inhabitants.

THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS.
BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
The State of Tamaulipas lies between latitudes 220 14' 4" and
27' 30" north of the City of Mexico. It is bounded on the north
by the United States, or rather by the Rio Grande river, which is
the boundary line ; on the northwest by the State of Nuevo Leon ;
on the west and southwest by the State of San Luis Potosi ; on the
south by the State of Vera Cruz, and on the east by the Gulf of
Mexico. Previous to the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidajgo, in 1848, a
large portion of the present State of Texas, in the United States,
belonged to Tamaulipas, the Nueces river being then the bound
ary line. Climate.— In the greater portion of the State the climate is
warm and moist. In that part of Tamaulipas, situated west of the
Sierra Madre mountains, it is cooler and dryer. Exclusive of a
small strip of country bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, subject to
yellow fever, the climate is salubrious.
Rivers, lakes and mountains. — The principal rivers and
streams in Tamaulipas are the Rio Grande del Norte, Panuco,
Concha, Rio de la Purification, San Fernando, Goyalejo, and a
number of others of minor importance. Of these rivers, the Rio
Grande del Norte, the largest and most important, is navigable for
a distance of about 250 miles from its mouth, while the Panuco, the

69
next largest, is navigable for the distance of eighteen miles for
steamers. The only lake worthy of mention is the Laguna Madre,
which connects with the Gulf of Mexico. Tamaulipas is traversed
by the continuation of the Sierra Madre range, which crosses the
State from the southeast to the northwest, from the Hacienda del
Chaburo, on the division line between this State and that of San
Luis to the town of Villagran, near the division line of Nuevo Leon,
forming an almost impenetrable barrier. From this range of
mountains, spurs extend in different directions, forming many beau
tiful valleys, among the principals of which are those of Santa Bar
bara and the Chamal Valley. The products are com, cotton, rice,
sugar-cane, beans, peas, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes (the latter
being indigenous to the soil), all of which can be raised with but
little trouble, and when properly cultivated yield prodigious crops.
The maguey (Agave americand) is grown in large quantities. The
principal fruits are peaches, bananas, mangos, the goayaba (from
which the celebrated guava jelly is made), citron, the aguacate (a
fruit resembling a pear, of which a delicious salad is made, the
technical name being Paurus per sea), the chirmoya (Anana hum-
boldtiana), the most delicious fruit in America. Timber is for the
most part confined to the mountain regions. Besides abundance
of timber fit for building purposes and fine cabinet-work, there is
the ebony tree and the anacahuite. The latter is, however, more
like a bush than a tree, and its use is purely medicinal ; the bark
and root being remarkable for their curative properties in cases of
diseased lungs and throat.
Stock raising. — The eastern portion of this State, as well as
that bordering on Texas, is admirably adapted for stock raising.
Horses, horned cattle, sheep and goats are raised in large numbers.
The mules raised in this State are the finest in Mexico.
Game. — Game is abundant, and includes deer, turkey, haresf
rabbits and quail. The feathered creation is well represented, the
trees being filled with parrots and many other kinds of birds. Among
the wild animals, wolves, leopard and mountain cats may be enum
erated. The rivers abound with fish.
Mineral products.— Tamaulipas is very rich in minerals,
which are found exclusively in the mountainous regions. The sup
ply of gold, silver, copper and other minerals is almost inexhausti
ble. Marble and jasper have also been discovered. In the year

70
1856 the mines of Trinidad, Providencia, Los Pastores and Colorado
were worked with great profit. The copper mine of San Carlos is
also very rich, the copper ore containing a large percentage of gold.
One great advantage this mine possesses, is the facility with which
the metal could be exported, as the seaport of La Carbonera, on the
gulf, is only 120 miles distant. There are 25 abandoned mines in
this State which could be worked, under more favorable local sur
roundings, with great profit.
Territorial divisions. — This State is divided into three dis
tricts (prefecturas), in which are thirty-four municipalities. The
former are called the Southern, Centre and Northern. The muni
cipalities are Santander, Tamaulipas, Villanos, Aldama, San Anto
nio, Tancasnequi, Magiscatzin, Xicotencatl, Morelos, Santa Bar
bara, Ciudad Victoria, Tula, Jaumave, Palmillas, Bustamente,
Miquihuana, Llerra, Guemez, Casas (Croix), Padilla, La Marina,
Abasolia, Jimenez, Hidalgo, Villagran, San Carlos, Matamoros,
Reinosa, Mier, Guerrero, New Laredo, San Fernando, Crucillas,
Burgos and San Nicolas.
Principal cities and towns. — Matamoros, one of the principal
ports of entry of the Republic of Mexico, is situated on the west
bank of the Rio Grande, opposite the town of Brownsville, in Texas,
and about 30 miles from the mouth of the river. Matamoros con
tains about 18,000 inhabitants. During the days of the Confeder
acy this city had an immense trade in cotton from Texas, but at
present its commerce is for the most part with the northern States
of Mexico. Ciudad Victoria, the capital of the State, is a town of
some 8,000 inhabitants, beautifully situated at the foot of a high
mountain. It is well watered by a large clear stream, and lies in
the midst of gardens, and fields of sugar-cane. A graveyard sur
rounded by a high wall, provided with port-holes, and bearing the
marks of shot and shell, occupies a commanding position near the
town. The only object of interest about the place is the old church,
built by the Spaniards, but which has never been finished entirely.
This city has been desolated for the last forty years by the civil
wars that have been almost constantly waged in that part of Mexi
co. It is a desolate, dreary place, almost destitute of commercial
life and enterprise. There is no wagon-road through the Sierra ;
what trade and travel there is has to be carried on through the moun
tains over the almost impassable mule-path. The road, or rather

71
trail, that leads to the port of Soto la Marina, runs for the entire
distance, 1 50 miles, through dense forests. This portion of the
State of Tamaulipas is subject to heavy rain storms, called, in the
language of the country, te?nporals. These storms last for several
days, and the rainfall is so great that the whole country is placed
under water, the damage done at times being very great.
Croix, named in honor of the Marquis of Croix, is an old
Spanish town, of which but few traces of its former importance are
still visible. On the ruins of the villas and stately residences of its
former inhabitants a growth of thatched hovels has sprung up.
The town of Croix is now called Casas, it being the native town of
Col. Casas, who was shot at Monclova for having headed the revo
lutionists who took San Antonio and captured the Spanish garri
son, in 1 812. The name of the town was changed to Casas after
the Spanish were driven out, similar changes were the case with
nearly all towns in Mexico.
Soto la Marina was, in the time of the Spaniards, a flourishing
little town, but it has dwindled down to an insignificant village.
Small as it is, it presents quite a gay appearance, consisting of about
one hundred houses, and a very pretty little church. The Corona
River runs through the town, which is about 35 miles distant from
the Gulf of Mexico. Sota la Marina lies midway between Mata
moros and Tampico, on the Gulf, and has a far better bar than
either of these seaports. Its harbor affords to shipping complete
immunity from the violence of the northers, by which this part of
Mexico is visited. This port will some day become a place of great
importance. That it is not so already is due to the great difficulty
in crossing the mountains between it and San Luis Potosi, but as
soon as the railroad takes the place of mule-transportation in the
traffic and travel of Mexico, Soto la Marina will be one of the most
important of Mexican seaports. In 1864 the trade of this port was
carried on by a few American merchants, the principal item of ex
port being hides. Soto la Marina enjoys a kind of mournful
celebrity from the circumstances of it being the place where the
brave but unfortunate Gen. Mina and the lamented Emperor
Iturbide landed, the former in 1817, and the latter in 1824. Both
were shot, shortly after their landing, by their political enemies.
The town was founded, September 3d, 1750.
Padilla is also an old Spanish town, of which but little remain-

72
to be seen, except ruins. It was on the public plaza of Padilla that
the unfortunate Iturbide, the first emperor of Mexico, was shot, in
1824, in compliance with a decree of the Mexican Congress, which
the rebel General Gutierrez de Lara, who was the Governor of the
State, took great pleasure in enforcing. Gutierrez de Lara is the
same individual who ordered the butchery of fourteen Spanish
officers, prisoners of war, among them two governors, Herrera and
Salcedo, at San Antonio, Texas, in the month of April, 181 3. The
population at Padilla is estimated at 1,500 souls, and it has no com
merce to speak of.
Tampico, on the Gulf of Mexico, is second only to Vera Cruz
in importance. It is situated at the mouth of the Panuco river,
which is navigable as high up as Altamira, a distance of eighteen
miles^ from the mouth of the river. Tampico has quite a large
trade with Europe. The population is about 12,000. It is visited
by yellow fever annually.
Area and population. — The area of Tamaulipas is 11,102
square miles. According to the census taken in 1871, and published
in the Perez Almanac of 1875, the population of Tamaulipas is set
down at 108,788, which is rather under than over estimated. Ac
cording to latest statistics, it is of 1 20,000.
Schools. — In 1865 there were within the limits of the State
sixty primary schools, attended by 3,600 pupils, and carried on at
an annual cost of $10,000.
Public lands. — Public lands can be purchased from the General
Government at $363.34 per sitio, or league, containing 4,428 Ameri
can acres. Even better terms can be made with private individuals.
According to the statistics compiled by Garcia y Cuba, the
State of Tamaulipas contained, in 1856, 6 cities, 128 towns, 18 con-
gregas (Indian settlements), 118 haciendas, nearly all of which
are in ruins, and 984 ranches.
Historical. — About the year 1720, the Indians made war on
the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Leon, at present the State of
Nuevo Leon. This portion of New Spain (Mexico) was so com
pletely overrun by hostile Indians from Tamaulipas that it became
apparent that the only way to save Nuevo Leon was to colonize
Tamaulipas, and by this means divert the minds of the Indians into
other channels. In the year 1738, several Spanish gentlemen made
application to the viceroy, and also to the court of Spain, to colo-

73
nize this territory, but little attention was paid to their desires until
about the year 1747, when Don Jos£ Escandon, having been
appointed Governor of the new colony, and also Vice-Regent of the
Mexican Gulf coast, entered this territory from the south with a
body of troops and a large number of colonists, subduing some
Indian tribes and driving others before him. He founded missions
and towns in all parts of the country, but as the Indians, as a
general thing, objected to being brought under the dominion of
the Spaniards, an immense number of them retired to the rolling
plains of Texas, so that very soon after the colonization of Tamau
lipas, the State of Nuevo Leon became free from Indian invasion
from the east. From that time on, the Indians carried on a
frontier war, which is kept up to the present day. Until after the
declaration of Mexican Independence, this colony was known as
New Santander, when its name was changed to that of Tamau
lipas, the name of a mountain.

THE STATE OF TLAXCALA.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
This State is situated between 190 1' and 190 41' of north
latitude, and the o° 37' east longitude from the City of Mexico,
and is bounded on the northeast, east and south by the State of
Puebla ; on the west by the State of Mexico ; and on the northeast
by the State of Hidalgo.
Its territory contains an area of 221 square leagues.
Topographical aspect. — Part of this small State presents
fine valleys like that of Huamantla, and in others is rugged, being
cut up by mountains and ravines. Among the curious features of
this State, is the Sierra de la Malitzin, a high mountain that occu
pies an important place in the Tlaxcaltecan mythology, on account
of its top being so shaped, by nature, as to represent a corpse lying
in its grave and partly covered up with its shroud. At times the
clouds, loaded with electricity, gather on the top of that mountain,

and burst with a tremendous crash ; for that reason the Tlaxcaltecs
gave it the name of their favorite god. The sides of the mountain
are cut up by deep ravines and rocky bluffs, covered with a
luxurious vegetation. Part of this State is well irrigated by the
waters of the rivers of Zahuapan and Atollac.
Lakes. — The small lakes of Acuitlapilco ; the Rosario and
Tonecuila, are the only ones worth mentioning.
Natural productions. — Grain is produced in abundance ; such
as corn, wheat, barley, oats, peas, lentils and chili-pepper. Fruits
of all climates are also produced in abundance.
Climate. — Is agreeable and healthy.
Mining. — In the mountains of San Ambrosio and San Mateo :
silver, copper, stone-coal, and lead have been found.
Political divisions. — This State is divided into three districts,
those of Tlaxcala, Huamantla and Tlaxco, which are subdivided
into twenty-two municipalities.
Population. — In 1856, it was put down at 80,171 people.
The City of Tlaxcala, the capital of the State, has a population
of 5,000 inhabitants, and at the time of the conquest was the capital
of the Republic of the same name, and occupied, by its industry
and wealth, a distinguished place in ancient Mexico, as a rival of
the Mexican Empire. Some interesting antiquities are found in its
neighborhood. Commerce. — Consists principally in exporting to other States,
grain and hides, and some woolen manufactures, for which is
imported in return groceries and linens.
Census. — In 1856, this State assessed 1 city, 4 sanctuaries,
112 villages, 26 neighborhoods, 150 haciendas, 153 ranches and
16 (ventas) markets.

THE STATE OF VERA CRUZ.
This State is bounded on the north by the State of Tamaulipas ;
on the east and southeast by the Gulf of Mexico ; on the east by
the State of Tabasco ; on the southeast by the State of Chiapas ;
on the southwest, by the State of Oaxaca ; on the west by the

States of Puebla and Hidalgo, and on the northwest by the State
of San Luis Potosi.
It was created a State in 1824.
Area. — 3,501 leagues.
Population. — 552,918 inhabitants. It possesses 620 primary
schools and nine colleges, attended by 24,000 scholars.
Value of real estate : $6,202,928.91.
Principal cities and towns. — The City of Vera Cruz, formerly
the capital of the State, and the principal seaport of the Republic
of Mexico, is situated on a sand beach surrounded by lagoons,
which, on account of its burning sun, makes it very unhealthy ; yel
low fever reigns there the greatest portion of the year. Popula
tion, 20,000 souls.
Jalapa, surnamed by all those who have seen it, the paradise
of this continent, is situated on the side of the mountain of
Macuiltepec, in latitude 190 31 26" north, and 2" 10' longitude
east of the City of Mexico. It enjoys a fine and temperate
climate. Its principal buildings are the old convent of San Fran
cisco, the church of St. Joseph, an Hospital, and substantial
public buildings.
Cordova, a town of some importance, surrounded by rich
coffee plantations.
Orizaba, a city — the principal of the district, 90 miles from Vera
Cruz and 80 miles from Jalapa — to-day the capital of the State, is
located in a beautiful, healthy and rich country. It has good pub
lic buildings. Its populations amounts to 20,000 souls.
Natural productions. — Among them are tobacco and coffee of
superior quality, vanilla, sugar, rice, corn, Chili pepper, all kinds of
tropical fruits in abundance, as well as vegetables of tropi
cal climates ; valuable timber of great variety, also dye and gum
woods, and many valuable medicinal plants.
Mines. — Gold, silver, copper, iron and lead exist in this State.
There are good smelting works at Zomelahuacan and Tenepanoya.

76
THE STATE OF YUCATAN.
This State is bounded as follows : On the north by the Gulf
of Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by the
Republic of Guatemala, and on the west and northwest by the State
of Campeche. Etymology of the name Yucatan. — According to some, it
originated from the word Yucaltepen, which means a pearl or neck
lace ; and, according to others, from the words Nathan cubiatan
" We don't understand what you say," (answer given by the Mayas,
the nation of Indians that inhabited the country, when the Span
iards asked them what was the name of their country.)
The Mexicans called the peninsula of Yucatan and Tabasco,
Pais de Onohualco (country of Onohualco).
Principal cities and towns. — District of Merida, 49,749 in
habitants. City of Merida, founded by Francisco de Montejo in
January, 1542. Its principal buildings consist of a Government
palace, palace of justice, city hall, jail, hospital, soldiers' quarters,
a theatre, a public walk, a literary institute, Catholic college, medical
school, school of pharmacy and jurisprudence, seminary, a con
servatory of music, public library, museum of antiquities, various
schools, a Catholic cathedral, four parochial churches, nine other
churches, and a population of 56,000 souls.
In the District of Progreso, the city of the same name, founded
in 1856. Population, 1,900 inhabitants.
The City of Motul de Zepeda Paraza, 2,900 inhabitants, in the
District of Motul.
The City of Valladolid, in the district of the same name,
founded by Francisco de Montejo, with sixty-three colonists, in
May, 1 543, at a place called Chauachaa, and removed to its present
site in March, 1 544. Its principal buildings consist of a city hall,
hospital, six churches, a public walk. Its population numbers
3,000 souls.
The City of Tical, in the district of the same name, has good
public buildings and a population of 6,000 souls.
The City of Ixamal, in the district of the same name, has also
good public buildings. Its population numbers 4,797 inhabitants.
There are many other towns of importance.
The total population of this State amounts to 422,365 inhabi-

77
tants, who reside in 7 cities, 13 towns, 152 villages, 1,136 haciendas
or estates, 363 ranches, and 831 farms.
Natural productions. — Corn, rice, beans, a great variety of
fruits and roots, all kinds of vegetables. Among those of more im
portance are the anil, tobacco of superior quality, coffee, cotton,
vanilla, various gums and dye-woods.
Industry. — In this State it consists principally in the manu
facture of sugar, in the working of a variety of the palmetto that
produce a fibre called hennequen, in the exportation of logwood
which is carried on in a large scale. It also produces a large quan
tity of wax.

THE STATE OF ZACATECAS.
This State is situated between the 21 ° 2' and 240 29' north
latitude, and 1 ° 46' and 40 54' longitude, west of the City of Mexico.
It is bounded on the north by the State of Coahuila, on the east by
the State of San Luis Potosi, on the southeast by the State of
Guanajuato, on the south by the State of Jalisco, and on the west
and east by the States of Jalisco and Durango.
Its area contains 6,270 square leagues.
Population. — 470,000 inhabitants.
Configuration, topographical aspect, and climate. — The in
terior of this State is rough and mountainous to its western bound
ary, and presents a succession of plains cut by mountain chains in
its eastern portion, among which are found rich valleys.
The temperature is cold in the mountains and pleasant in the
valleys. Mountains. — This State, as all mineral countries, is rather
mountainous. Its principal chains are those of Mazapil, Norillos,
Guadaloupe, Mesa del Fraile, Palomas Pinos, Monte de Garcia,
Conception del Oro, Matehuapil, etc.
Natural productions. — Among the timber : mountain cedar,
oaks of various kinds, elm, millons, cotton-wood, ash, and many
others. Excellent fruits : among them, pears, apples, peaches, apri
cots, grapes, etc. All kinds of vegetables, com and wheat. Cattle,
horses, mules, sheep and goats thrive well in this State.

78
Minerals. — This State ranks among the first in the Republic.
The most noted districts are those of Bolanos, Carcamo, Cedros,
Chalchihuites, Fresnillo, Mazapil, Noria, Nieves, Sombrerete, San
Juan de Guadaloupe, Sierra Hermosa, Pinos, Rio Grande, Teul,
Pico de Freire, Zacatecas, Matehuapil, Conception del Oro and
others. Principal cities and towns. — Zacatecas, capital of the State,
is situated in latitude 22° 46' 3" north, and 20 47' 39" longitude,
west of Mexico, at an altitude of 7,500 feet above the level of the
gulf. This mining district was discovered by Captain Juan de To-
losa on the 8th of September, 1 546. Philip the Second granted it
the title of city in April, 1 585. This city is built in a ravine situated
in the middle of a mountain. Its streets are very irregular. Among
its principal edifices are the Government palace, city hall, markets,
hospital, jail, mint, soldiers' quarters, a theatre, a public walk, a
cathedral and fourteen churches, an amphitheatre for bull-fighting,
and thirteen. squares. Population, 62,000 inhabitants.
City of Fresnillo, mining district discovered in 1 569, possesses a
city hall, jail, a handsome theatre, a parochial church, market and
well-adorned squares. Population, 15,000 souls.
City of Sombrerete, mining distnct discovered by Juan de To-
losa in 1555, obtained the title of city in 1570 under the name of
Town of St. John the Baptist of Yllerera, city with the name of
Herrera, in 1824, which name- was not maintained. Has a city
hall, a hospital in ruin, various churches, thirteen chapels, and a
population of 5,173 inhabitants.
City of Nieves, also a mining district discovered in 1559, 1,500
inhabitants. City of Garcia, founded in 1531, under the name of St. John
of Galicia. In 1572, the name of Jerez de la Frontera was given to
the place on account of its being the residence of the military chiefs
sent by the Viceroy of New Spain to prevent the invasion of the
interior by the Nayarit Indians. Its present name was given it in
1856. Population, 7,255 inhabitants.
City of Villanueva was founded on the 7th of November, 1691,
under the name of Gutierrez del Aguila. Has good public buildings.
Population, 6,065 inhabitants.
City of Sanchez Roman created with its present name in i860.
Its Indian name was Tlalli (land) or Tenamill (wall). Mazapil,

79
discovered in 1582, is a rich mineral district, with public buildings.
Its Indian name was Mazatl (deer), and (pilli) small.
Albaradon and Guatemapile have rich mines in their vicinity.
Population, 1,780 souls.
The State of Zacatecas has 7 cities, 14 towns, 33 villages, 4 In
dian villages, 18 mining districts, 120 haciendas or estates, and 1,068
ranches or farms.

THE TERRITORY OF LOWER CALIFORNIA.
SITUATION, BOUNDARIES AND AREA.
Lower California is situated between the 220 53' and 32° 42' 30"
of latitude north, and the io° 12' and 180 longitude west from the
City of Mexico. Its greatest length is 240 leagues, and its mean
width 32 leagues. It is bounded on the north by Upper California,
now a State of the United States of America ; on the east by the
Sea of Cortez or Gulf of California ; and on the west and south by
the Pacific Ocean. It contains an area of 8,000 square leagues.
Topographical aspect and climate. — The peninsula of Lower
California is properly a chain of mountains bathed by the sea,
although in the centre there is a small interception, which forms
the two great divisions of the Territory. The country is broken,
its plains barren, and the landscape disagreeable and unpleasant to
the eye. The climate is temperate in its northern portion and extremely
warm in the south.
Islands. — The principals are those of the Guardian Angel
(Angelo de Guardia), which is over 60 miles long, and of Salsi-
puedes and del Carmen.
Capes. — In the Gulf of California, those of San Gabriel, south
of the islands of Las Animas ; Cape Virgenes, Cape San Marcos,
on the same parallel of latitude as the port of Mazatlan, and Cape
Porfia. San Jose and San Lucas on the Oct an ; Cape False and
other few smaller ones.
Bays. — The principal ones in the Gulf of California are those
of San Luis Gonzaga, Los Angeles and Mulug£; and on the

80
Ocean those of San Bamab£, Santa Maria, Almejas and La
Magdalena, of some importance as a rendezvous for whalers.
Ports. — The principal ones are those of Loreto, formerly capital
of the Territory ; Escondida, Pichilingue, and on the Ocean that
of San Bartolom£, situated on the 270 45' north latitude.
Natural productions. — They are but few, for the want of
streams, the scarcity of rains and the barrenness of the soil. Some
few fruits are produced, sugar-cane, olives, corn and grapes do very
well. But. little stock is raised in the Territory.
Mining. — It is supposed that mining would pay well if it was
developed properly. The mines of Flores, Santa Ana, Valle Per-
dido, San Antonio, Mulege' and La Guella were at one time worked
with great profit. The untold wealth of mines in this Territory is
equal to that of any of the Mexican States.
La Paz, capital of the Territory, is situated in latitude
240 6' 40" north, and the 11" i' 15" west longitude from the City,
of Mexico. Population, 4,000 souls and increasing.
The whole population of the Territory, in 1862, was set down at
12,000 people, but according to later statistics the population is
now 21,645 inhabitants.

THE FEDERAL DISTRICT OF MEXICO.
Limits. — The Federal District of Mexico extends northward to
the town of San Cristobal Ecatepec, westward to the town of Re
medios, southward to the town of San Augustin de las f uevas or
Tlalpan, and eastward to El Pirion Viejo.
Area. — 50 square leagues.
Popidation. — 31 5,906 inhabitants.
Political divisions. — The Federal district is divided into four
sub-districts, viz.: Guadaloupe Hidalgo, Tacubaya, Tlalpan,
Xochimilco. The total value of real estate in the district is set down at
$51,650,464. The expenditures of the municipality of the City of
Mexico amounts yearly to the sum of $856,000.

81

THE CITY OF MEXICO.
The City of Mexico, capital of the Republic, seat of the Arch
bishopric of the same name, and one of the finest cities of the New
World, is situated in 190 25' 45" north latitude, and 1010 25' 30"
west longitude, from the City of Paris, France, at an elevation of 7,108
feet above the level of the sea. Its site is in the centre of an oval-
shaped valley about forty-seven miles long by thirty-two miles wide.
It enjoys a healthy, temperate climate ; the temperature of the
city averaging 170 Reaumur; the atmospheric pressure being
jgjmm_ fhg wjnds that prevail are from north and northwest.
The longest day in the year has 13 hours 10 minutes, and the
shortest 10 hours and 50 minutes.
The vegetation in the valley, as in the mountains that surround
it, is noted for its vigorous growth and its endless variety. The
winter is hardly felt. Thus it will be seen that the environs of the
city are charming in the extreme, and well deserve to be visited.
" The soil of the valley," says the Count de la Cortina, " is
composed of debris of modern alluvial soil, with beds of calcareous
sweet-water, and other living-beds covered with humus or vegetable
soil." In some places saline efflorescence predominates with an
occasional covering of sand. At about three miles from the city in
a northwest direction, springs of naptha or fluid bitumen are found
and eight miles north are found good thermal springs.
Mexico, according to the most reliable data, was founded by
the Aztecs, on the 18th of July, 1327. Its origin, like Rome, has
a curious tradition.
It appears that after a vagabond life, which lasted about fifty
years, the Aztecs came in contact with the Alcohuas, who, being
pursued by them, started for the lagoons, which in those days cov
ered most of the valley. Among the Aztecs was an oracle, who, in
one of his answers, had said to them that they should not found
their city until they came to a place where they would find an eagle
standing on a rock. The Aztec nation, led by the priest, reached
the margin of the lagoon, they undertook to find and select the most
convenient place for their city. Going ahead they explored' the
banks and canebrake about the lagoon so well that they soon came
across the headland, upon which stood the Tenuchtli, or the real-

82
ization of the oracle's promise. Here you have the origin of the
coat-of-arms of the Mexican Republic.
The Aztec nation, being then convinced that they had reached
their promised land, commenced building their cabins around the
Tenuchtli, making artificial soil by means of vines and drift. In
this manner the city was raised out of the waters of the lagoon.
The life the Aztecs led at first was a poor and miserable one.
Their city, which they called Tenochitlan, or the city of the " cac
tus upon a rock," which, in a long course of years, was changed
into " Mexico," which means fountain or flowing water ; although it
is more probable that it was named after an idol that the first set
tlers brought with them and named Mexitly.
At the time of the conquest it had a population of over three
hundred thousand souls ; but when it surrendered to Cortez, on the
13th of August, 1 521, it was nothing but a heap of ruins and ashes,
and the fine edifices and temples which had succeeded the first huts
of the Aztecs were all destroyed.
The population of the city, at the present, can well be estimated
at over two hundred and twenty-five thousand people.
Buildings and institutions. — In 1865 the city boasted of 482
streets, all at right angles, and not less than fourteen varas or forty
feet wide, and of sixty squares.
The city has fourteen curacies or parish churches, fifteen mon
asteries for men, and twenty-two female convents, which were
seized and sold by the Juarez Government ; also, sixty-eight churches
or chapels, six pantheons or vault cemeteries to bury the dead, three
principal public walks, three first-class theatres and many small
ones, two amphitheatre:; for bull-fighting, ten hospitals, three public
libraries, and other important establishments.
La Fuente del Salto del Agua, or the " spouting fountain,"
terminates the aqueduct at Belen, which brings to the city its water
from the spring at the foot of the Chapultepec hill. It was begun
by the Viceroy Fray Antonio de Bucarelli, and completed on the
20th of May, 1779.
La Fuente de la Tlaxpana (the Tlaxpana Fountain) on the
Avenue of San Cosme, bears two inscriptions by the side of
the coat-of-arms of the House of Austria, stating that it was con
structed in 1737, when Don Juan Antonio Bizarron y Equiarreta
was archbishop and viceroy of New Spain. It belongs to a peculiar

83
style of architecture, known as that of Churiguera. To reach this
fountain you cross El Peunte de Alvarado (Alvarado's bridge),
which now is a handsome street. A stone yet marks the place
that became celebrated for the prodigious leap made by
Alvarado when Cortez retreated from Mexico. A little further on,
following the straight road, the little village of Popotla is reached,
where, en the left side of the road, in a little enclosure near an old
chapel, is found the venerable Ahuahuete tree, the same under
which Cortez sat and cried over his disaster on the night of the 22d
of August, 1 521, which is called by the Spaniards the "noche
trisle," or sorrowful night.
La Plazuela de Santo Domingo. — The small square of St.
Dominick, one of the smallest in the city, forms a quadrilateral,
having a portico on the west, the church of Santo Domingo on the
north, the Custom-house block on the east, a portion of a block and
a street on the south. In the angle between the Custom-house and
the church is the building of the ex-Inquisition. The Convent of
Santo Domingo was at one time one of the most famous and
wealthiest convents in the city. It has been rumored that a treas
ure of some twelve millions was buried within its walls. Many
searches have been made for it ; even a company was formed at one
time to raise the nccccsary capital to hunt up the treasure, but up
to this day it has failed. The building of the ex-Inquisition is used
as a medical college.
Iturbide Market (Ancient Square of St. John). — Its comer-
stone was laid by the President of the Republic, Don Jos6 Joaquin
de Herrera, on Sunday, the 13th day of May, 1849. Don Enrique
Griffon v. ; its architect. This edifice is one hundred feet front and
sixty deep. It has one hundred and eight stalls or shops inside and
outside, most of them occupied by butchers and porkmen. It has
a fountain in the centre and six entrances, two east and two west,
and one north and south.
La Plazuela de Guardiola. —It is a small square enclosed on
the cast by the old residence of the Condes del Valle, on the west
by a portion of San Isabel Street, on the south by the residence of
Mr. Escandon, one of the wealthiest citizens of the city and first
promoter of the construction of railroads in Mexico, and on the
south by the walls of the chapel of our " Lord of Burgos," which
belongs to the great convent of San Francisco. This square was

84
named after the Marquis of Guardiola, who built his residence there,
which is now the property of Mr. Escandon. In olden times the
waters of the lagoon came as far as this place. It is reported that
Chirino, who had revolted against Cortez, while absent "on his
expedition to Yucatan, was exposed in an iron cage on this square.
On this square is a hack station.
El Sagrario. — This beautiful church (the name signifying the
place where sacred relics are kept) is adjoining the cathedral, and
was the first parochial church built in the City of Mexico after its
conquest by Cortez. It is said that the Franciscan friars were the
founders of the parish church, which is at present the cathedral, in
1524, and Don Pedro de Villagran was the first parish priest of
Mexico. The Sagrario was burned, and was rebuilt by Don Fran
cisco Antonio Lorenzana, archbishop of Mexico in 1767. The
style of its architecture is one which is contemporary with the
reign of Louis XV. in France ; it was in its apogee in Spain at the
end of the seventeenth and the beginning of the eighteenth cen
turies, and is considered by competent judges of architecture to be
a style of decline ; it was named after the Spaniard who invented
it, " Churiguera," leaving out the defects that are proper to a style
that has laid aside all known rules applicable to the different orders
of architecture, the front of the Sagrario will captivate the attention
of the traveler by the neatness and perfection of its mouldings,
for the boldness of its columns, and the masterly finish in its
smallest details.
Palacio Municipal (City Hall). — It is also called Deputacion
(Deputation), Casa de Cabildo (corporation or chapter house). The
present building was finished in 1792 at a cost of $130,000 ; it has
91 varas, or over 252 feet, front on the main plaza of Mexico, and
122 feet deep, occupying an area of 4,004 square varas. Besides
the city and district offices, the building contains the corporation
jail, some apartments rented to private individuals, and the Longa
or Merchants' Exchange, which is as fine as any in the world. The
first municipal house was burned by a mob, together with the vice
roy's palace and other buildings, in the year 1692, while the Count
de Galve was viceroy, and a part of the city was also sacked by
the mob. Iturbide Hotel, or Stage Hotel. — This house was occupied by
Don Augustine de Iturbide, Emperor of Mexico, and is known as

85
" La Casa del Emperador Iturbide." It was built by the Count de
Moncada, Marquis of El Jaral, one of the richest men in Mexico, as
a private residence. It is used to-day as a hotel, where first-class
accommodations can be had.
Theatro Nacional (National Theatre). — The comer-stone of
this edifice was laid by General Santa Anna, on the 8th of Febru
ary, 1842; it was, in consequence of this, called "Santa Anna
Theatre." It is second to none in America ; it can accommodate
an audience of three thousand persons. It was built by Don Fran
cisco Arbue, an enterprising Mexican, on the site occupied by
houses Nos. 1 1 and 1 2 of Bergara Street.
Plaza Mayor, or Main Square, also called Military Square.
On the east side of it is the National Palace, where the President of
the Republic resides, and where most all the Government offices are
located. It is a huge mass of stone without any architectural
significance ; it covers all the east side of the square, and has three
entrances fronting on the same. Its front extends 675 feet. It
was originally the property of the family of Cortez, but was subse
quently purchased by the Spanish Government for its viceroys for
$33,30° ; not being large enough, it was rebuilt in 1693. The Ca
thedral and Sagrario occupy the north side of the square. The
Municipal House and Merchants' Portico form the other two sides of
the square ; it is well paved and surrounded by spacious sidewalks.
The Cathedral of Mexico. — It would take a book to describe
that fine monument ; we can only afford to give a brief sketch of
it. The edifice stands on the side of the main square, and is
built on the same spot where stood the temple dedicated to the
Aztec god " Huitzilspotchli," tutelar god of the nation. It was
begun in 1573, by order of King Philip II., Don Pedro Moya de
Contreras being archbishop, and was completed in 1657, under the
government of Don Fray Marcos Ramirez de Prado, 94 years after
its corner-stone had been laid, at a cost of $1,752,000, which sum
was paid by Philip II., Philip III., Philip IV. and Charles II. (sur-
J named the bewitched). This building is about 432 feet long from
north to south, and about 203 feet wide from east to west, without
counting the space which is situated between its porch and the
level of the square, about 140 feet, which is surrounded on the
south, east and west by 124 columns over 5 feet high, to which are
fastened heavy iron chains ; about 1 5 feet from the chains are 77

80
ash-trees equally distant from the columns, and in a parallel line
with them ; these constitute one of the finest walks in the city, and
is known as the Paseo de las cadenas ; it is particularly attrac
tive by moonlight.
The entrance to the prebendary (canonigos) is situated on the
east, surrounded by a fine iron-railing ; the principal front of the
building, which faces south, has three entrances, composed of two
styles of architecture — the first Doric, and the second Ionic, with
statues in bas-relief.
Its two towers are 72 varas, or 200 feet, in height, and cost
$199,000. Between the two towers, and above the main-entrance, is a
beautiful clock, with a face of gilt metal, above which are three
statues representing the three theological virtues, artistically exe
cuted. In the two towers are forty-eight bells ; those worthy of
notice are : ist, Santa Maria de Guadaloupe (Holy Maiy of Guada
loupe), which is 36 feet in height ; 2d, that of " Dona Maria,"
which weighs 15,000 pounds ; and 3d, called " Saint Angel," weighs
14,000 pounds.
Besides the entrances already mentioned, the cathedral has
three more, two of which are situated on the north of the building,
on one side of which is the chapel of Las Animas (the Souls),
where the remains of the clergy are deposited.
The cupola and lantern, which in height is nearly on a level
with the towers, show elaborate and tasteful art.
The interior of the edifice belongs to the Doric order ; has
beautiful and elevated arches, five naves, two closed and three
opened, the latter with fourteen pillars with columns on each of its
sides ; from the pilasters start the arches to meet others before it,
and on the sides of the two lateral naves are located fourteen
chapels, all enclosed with balustrades of iron and carved-wood, be
sides the six chapels named as follows : ist, De los Reyes (of
the Kings), where are buried the viceroys ; 2d, Las Animas (the
Souls) ; 3d, Del Buen Despacho (of the Good Resolution) ; 4th,
San Jos6 (St. Joseph) ; 5th, San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence) ; and 6th,
the El Pardon (the Pardon). In the latter a mass is said every
half hour every day during the year.
Between the vaults and other space of the temple are 147
windows, and in the cupola and lantern already mentioned, which

87
shape is octogonal, is a fresco painting representing the Assumption
of our Lady, executed by the distinguished Spanish painter, Jimeno.
The presbyterium, where stands the main altar, which is
situated in the middle of the church, between the choir and the
altar of the kings, to which one ascends by a flight of wide steps ;
the four fronts of the altar is surrounded by a balustrade of metal
called tumbaga, which extends in a straight line on either side
until it reaches the choir ; this balustrade is ornamented with sixty-
two statues, who hold a chandelier of the same metal in one
hand. The cypress over the main altar is sustained by eight columns,
covered with stucco, in which are located the magnificent statues
of the apostles, evangelists and principal saints, all cf natural size ;
above the second order of architecture \z a group of angels, above
which is the mother cf our Redeemer ; all, formerly, were covered
with precious stones, etc. Its treasure, at one time, was enu
merated as foUows : 20 chalices of gold ; 6 vessels cf gold, in which
wine and water are served for mass ; 132 rubies; 1,676 diamonds,
with 13 marcs of gold ; I chalice, with 122 diamonds ; 143 emeralds,
with 107 marcs of gold ; 2 gold vessels for incense ; a silver image
of the Conception, weighing 28 marcs (a marc, eight ounces) ; the
principal reliquary, which is ornamented with 2,651 emeralds ; 44
rubies, 8 saphires and many more treasures too long to enumerate.
Most of the jewels were presents from the Emperor Charles V.
Theatro Iturbide (Iturbide Theatre). — -It was designed by
the distinguished Mexican architect Don Santiago Mendez, who
also constructed it. It cost $180,000, and was opened on the 3d of
February, 1856, with a brilliant masquerade ball. It is very richly
ornamented inside with red velvet and gold, and is one of the finest
halls in America.
El Paseo de Bucareli (the Walk of Buccareli). — This is one of
the most fashionable promenades in the City of Mexico. Leaving the
main-sauare ana riding up the streets of Platcros and San Fran
cisco, passing the house of Iturbide on his left, then the square of
Guardiola to his right, the convent of San Francisco to the left, and
the beautiful Alameda or public garden to his right, the old prison
of the " Acordada " to his left, the promenader reaches the Paseo
Nuevo, a beautiful ride planted with trees, and spacious sidewalks ;
the magnificent statue of Charles IV. is passed ; it was designed

and moulded by Don Manuel Tolsa, and was placed on its pedestal
in 1803. From four o'clock in the afternoon mounted police are
placed on guard from the Acordada prison to the end of the paseo,
from distance to distance, in order to preserve order among the
numerous files of carriages circulating.
The College of Mines. — This grand edifice was planned and
built by Don Manuel Tolsa, and was completed April 3, 181 3, at a
cost of $1,500,000. The front of the building faces north on
St. Andrew Street ; it has 298 feet front ; one of the sides of the
edifice faces east on the alley of Bethemite, and has 344 feet front ;
the other, west, on the alley of the Countess, and has 2,123^
feet ; the edifice occupies an area of 10,835 square varas (nearly
two American acres) ; the lower floor has 7 court-yards, 5 foun
tains, 5 stairways and 76 rooms. The floor between the ground-
floor and first-floor has 1 fountain, 4 stairways and 75 rooms. The
first story has 3 fountains, 2 stairways, 83 rooms. The terraces :
2 fountains, 2 stairways and 5 rooms, making a total of 7 court
yards, 11 fountains, 13 stairways and 238 rooms. Its organization
as a high-school leaves nothing to be desired, and well deserves
the visit of the traveler.
El Paseo de la Viga. — It is situated on the bank of the canal
of the same name, and is a beautiful walk, well planted with trees.
This canal unites the two large lakes of the valley of Mexico. At
times the canal and the walk presents one of the most picturesque
sights that one can imagine ; the little boats in which the Indians
bring to market their great variety of fruits and flowers, their game,
poultry and fish, the great variety of their costumes, and particu
larly those of the women, who always dress in bright colors, give
this place a curious appearance to the traveler. It is a busy place
on market days , this is really the people's walk, while the Paseo de
Bucareli is the aristocratic walk and drive.
The Street of Roldan Bridge. — At this bridge is the real
landing for boats going up or down the canal, and at this point a
disagreeable smell, caused by the stirring of the turbid water of the
canal, the fruits and garbage that is thrown into it, takes away a
great deal of the charm that the place would otherwise have. But
no one visiting the City of Mexico should fail to see it.
Environs. — The hall, castle, stately trees and spring of Cha-
pultepec.

89
The beautiful hills, town and gardens of Tacubaya.
The town of San Angel.
The town of San Augustin de las Cuevas ; it was, before the
conquest, a very important city, known as Tlalpan, which meant
upland, and communicated with the city by means of causeways.
It became celebrated on account of a gambling fair that used to be
held there yearly.
The town of Ixtacalco, situate on the bank of the canal de
la Viga. The town of Guadaloupe, situate one league north of the
capital, on the border of the lake of Texcoco ; in this town is
situated the holy sanctuary of Guadaloupe, a beautiful and richly
adorned church, which was built to commemorate the apparition of
the Holy Virgin Mary to the poor Indian Juan Diego, from the 9th
to the 1 2th of December, 1 531.
The Theatro Principal, the Academy of San Carlos, the Na
tional Museum, the Military School of Tacubaya, should all be
visited. In the yard of the Academy of San Carlos can be seen the
great sacrifice-stone upon which the Aztecs, in the practice of their
inhuman religion, sacrificed their prisoners, and part of the people
of both sexes designated for that purpose by the priest.
The great Indian calendar is to be seen on the west wall of
the cathedral, where it cannot fail to attract the attention of the
traveler. A curiosity of the Lake of Texcoco is a white-fish with legs
and feet. Public instruction in the City. — There are in the City of
Mexico the following high-schools :
A national second grade school for girls, kept in the old convent
of Encarnacion. A preparatory national school, kept in the old college of San
Idelfonso.
I A national school of jurisprudence, in Encarnacion Street.
A national school of medicine, in the old edifice of the In
quisition. A national school of agriculture, in the hacienda of San
Jacinto in Popotla, a suburb of the city.
A national school of engineers, in the College of Mines.

90
A national school of fine arts, situated in Academy Street.
A national civil service and commercial school, in the old
hospital of Terceros.
A national school of arts and trades, kept in the ex-convent of
San Lorenzo.
A national school for deaf and dumb, in the old convent of
Corpus Christi.
The National Museum is situated in the old mint building.
The National Library is situated in the ex-convent of San
Augustin. All of these high-schools or academies are interesting to the
scientist ; they are perfect in their organization. Their libraries
are interesting and can be consulted with profit. As much has
been done in the City of Mexico to teach the highest branches of
science as in any other large city of the world.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SANCTUARY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN OF
GUADALOUPE, PATRONESS OF MEXICO.
El Santuario de Guadaloupe. — Two fine causeways and a
railroad, the first constructed in the Republic by Mr. Escandon,
lead from the City of Mexico to the town of Guadaloupe, distant a
little less than three miles from the City, on the border of lake
Texcoco. Here is situated the sanctuary of Guadaloupe, of which it may
by said that there are few in the world as celebrated with the Catholics
as this one, especially in the Republic of Mexico, where it is the
symbol of religion and independence.
Tradition. — The tradition is simple and practical, and the
participants of humble origin. Juan Diego was an Indian from the
village of Cuautitlan — who had but recently been converted to the
Catholic faith — of good conduct and behavior ; his family consisted
of his wife, Maria Lucia, and an uncle named Bernardino. Juan
Diego earned his living by working in the town of Tolpetlac, from
which place he was accustomed to often visit the village of Santiago
Thaltilolco to hear the Franciscans that had charge of the parish
preach the Catholic doctrine. In one of his trips, while crossing
the ridge of brushy mountains that rise in that portion of the

91
valley on the border of a lake which the Indians called Tepetlyecae-
zol, and the Spaniards pronounced Tepeyacac, which means " Nose
of the Mountain" (a very appropriate name for it), Juan Diego
heard soft and harmonious music, such as he had never heard
among his people or among the Spaniards. He stopped to observe
whence came these harmonious sounds, and then saw a rain-bow of
very bright colors, and in the centre a white and transparent cloud
in the middle of which appeared the figure of a beautifully formed
woman, dressed as the Indians of noble caste were dressed in those
days. Juan Diego approached her without fear, and then the lady
told him that she was the Mother of God, that she desired that a
temple should be erected in that locality, and that she would devote
herself and give aid and protection to all those that would have
faith and would call upon her in distress. At the same time she
told Juan Diego that he should without delay report to the bishop
what he had seen and heard. The Indian accordingly went to
the residence of Don Fray Juan de Zumarraga, of the order of
San Francisco, who was then bishop of Mexico, and although he
found much difficulty in gaining admittance, he was fortunate
enough to speak to the prelate, and related what had happened to
him, but did not receive a satisfactory answer, because the bishop
believed that it was only the imaginary vision of an Indian who had
but recently joined the Catholic faith and abandoned the worship
of his idols.
Juan Diego returned to his home very disconsolate, but the
Holy Virgin again appeared to him three times. The fifth time,
Juan Diego, much depressed in spirits, — owing to the many re
pulses he had met with at the hands of the archbishop, — and his
uncle, Juan Bernardino, being seriously ill, he concluded that he had
better procure his uncle a confessor who might save him more
surely than anything else ; but in order not to meet again the
apparition, he took a different road than the one which he used
to travel. However, all this was in vain, because at the place where
now is a thermal spring, held in respect by the sick and by all
people, the Virgin met him and told him that his uncle was then
perfectly well, or in other words that he had recovered from all his
sufferings ; and the Virgin also ordered him to go on the top of
the hill, — the same one already mentioned as the " Nose of the
Mountain," on the border of lake Texcoco, — and gather beautiful

flowers which he was to take to. the bishop in proof of the truth of
what has just been related.
In these hills, where nothing grows but chapparal, and where
no flowers are ever seen, still Juan Diego found a great many beau
tiful and fragrant flowers ; which he gathered in his cloak (tilmd)
and went to Mexico to take them to the bishop, who having heard
that the Indian was bringing the proof he had called upon him to
produce, received him in his parlor with much curiosity, and
accompanied by many priests and friends.
The Indian, in a very modest way, related to the bishop what
had taken place, then dropping the flowers he had in his cloak
(tilmd), the bishop and his followers dropped on their knees before
the image of the Virgin that appeared painted on the cloak or
ayate of the happy and fortunate Juan Diego.
This took place from the 9th to the 12th of December, 1531,
nineteen years and four months after the conquest, Clement XII.
being pope, and the Emperor Charles V. being king of Spain.
The above is the religious tradition, transmitted from father to
son in regard to the Virgin which is venerated in the Sanctuary.
As soon as the Bishop Zumarraga recovered from his great
emotion and admiration caused by the beautiful and rich flowers and
by the sight of the singular image of the Virgin that appeared to
him on the cloak of the Indian, he complimented Juan Diego and
sent for his uncle, Juan Bernardino, who sure enough was found
well and cured of all his infirmities, as the Virgin had announced
to the poor Indian, Juan Diego. The bishop, accompanied by
many priests and persons of notability, together with Juan Diego,
visited all the places where the Virgin had appeared to him. While
visiting these places, they kissed and prayed over them with great
devotion and then returned to the episcopal palace, which in those
days was situated on the site of the present street of Donceles,
and there temporarily deposited the image of the Virgin, which
a few days afterwards was transferred to the Cathedral. A short
time afterwards, the building of an hermitage was begun on the
hill of Tepeyacac at the expense of Bishop Zumarraga, and the
following year, 1533, the image was removed to the hermitage
amid a solemn procession made for that purpose.
Juan Diego built himself a little home adjoining the temple,
and entirely dedicated himself to the worship of the Virgin for

93
seventeen years after the miracle, and died in 1548, at the age
of seventy-four. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, died of yellow fever
(cocolixli) in the year 1544, being eighty-six years of age, and was
buried in the old chapel of the Virgin.
For ninety years the Virgin remained in this temple, which was
rather small and of poor architecture, but among the good Catholics
of Mexico the devotion to the Virgin of Guadaloupe had, by this
time, increased so much, that many contributions were made and
the beautiful cathedral which now adorns the town of Guadaloupe
was begun, the comer stone of which was laid about the middle
of November, 1622, by the most illustrious Lord Don Juan de la
Sema, archbishop of Mexico. The building alone of the cathedral
cost the large sum of $800,000, not including a tabernacle of silver,
a present from the Viceroy Count of Salvatierra, and sixty lamps of
silver which were hung in the vaults of the temple.
The worshippers became so liberal that with their gifts and the
amounts they subscribed, many rich ornaments were purchased,
some of them more valuable than those owned by the Cathedral of
Mexico. The ornaments and articles used for services in this great
Church were of silver, and valued at five thousand marcs.
The chapel called Del Cerrito, which is built on the spot where
the Virgin first appeared to Juan Diego, was constructed one hun
dred years later at the expense of Don Cristobal de Aguirre,
and his wife Dona Teresa Peligrina. The causeway, built of rock,
was constructed at the expense of Don, Fray Payo de Rivera, arch
bishop and first viceroy of Mexico, as well as the aqueduct and
fountain which is located in the square of the town.
For many years this temple was placed under the care of four
or six priests, but in 1750, Don Manuel Jose de Rubio y Salinas
being archbishop, it was transformed into an abbey, and the abbot
and canons took possession of the abbey. About that time Pope
Benedict IV. conceded to the church a special mass and prayer.
In 1751, an enquiry was held, at the demand of Dr. Don
Francisco de Soles, and judicial proceedings were instituted to
prove the apparition of the Virgin.
The Spaniards called the place Tepeatilla, and here were de
posited all the treasurers of Gonzalo de Sandoval during the bloody
battles that preceded the storming of Mexico.
The Virgin of Guadaloupe was stamped upon a cloth made of

94
the fibers of indigenous plants, manufactured by the Indians, " sons
of the soil " (hijos del pais). She appears clothed with a loose
woolen gown falling from her neck to her feet, a mantle covering her
head, the same as worn by the noble Aztec maidens : her color is
dark brown, her hair black and loose, her physiognomy is amiable,
candid and modest. She appeared to an Indian in a place cele
brated among the Indians, all of which is entirely natural and charac
teristic of the country which had but just been conquered. The
Virgin was called the Creole Virgin, and the poor race which had
just been vanquished and humiliated, after having seen its fields
destroyed, its cities and homes burned, and its blood run into
streams, found itself with a divine being to whom they might appeal
from the cruelties and injustice of humanity. After fire and sword,
came the sweet and pacific conquest of religion.
When the old curate of Dolores, Don Miguel Hidalgo, raised
the first cry in favor of Mexican independence on the night of
September 16th, 1810, he caused a flag to be raised upon which was
painted an image of the Virgin of Guadaloupe. After the Mexican
independence was gained, the village where the temple of Guada
loupe is situated was raised to the rank of ciudad or city. Under
the name of " Ciudad de Guadaloupe de Hidalgo," a name which
causes every Mexican to remember the civil and religious history
of which we have just given a sketch.
In October, 1821, the Emperor Iturbide instituted the order of
Guadaloupe, which became extinguished after the overthrow of his
Empire and the republican form of government established. This
order given as a reward to civil and military merit was reestablished
by General Santa Anna on the 19th of December, 1853.
Guadaloupe also brings to recollection one of the greatest
events that took place on this continent. It was in that city that
the celebrated treaty of peace, that put an end to the war between
the United States and Mexico, was signed on the 2d day of Febru
ary, 1848. Messrs. Licenciado Don Bernardo Couto, Licenciado
Don Miguel Atristani and Don Luis G. Cuevas being plenipoten
tiaries on the part of Mexico, and Mr. Nicolas P. Trist on the part
of the United States of America.
The city has improved a great deal of late years. The principal
income of the Cathedral, which is actually one of the finest churches
on this continent, is derived from a lottery which is drawn in the

95
City of Mexico monthly ; but gifts from all classes of people amount
yearly to ver}' large sums.
The 1 2th of each month a high mass is celebrated, which is
generally well attended by people from the City of Mexico ; but on
the 1 2th of December is a great religious festival which is attended
by people from all parts of Mexico to celebrate the day upon which
the Virgin patroness of Mexico first appeared to Juan Diego.
Thousands of Indians in their orignal dress attend the festivities
every year.
The original flag used by Hidalgo in 1810 is deposited in this
Cathedral. The number of miracles which the Mexicans claim to have
been performed by their patroness is much too large to be pub
lished in this notice, although a catalogue of them would be inter
esting to read by the faithful. Nevertheless persons going to Mexico
should not fail to visit the place.
Among the distinguished dead buried there are the Viceroy
Antonio de Bucarelli, one of the best executives Mexico ever had,
and Colonel Obregon, who has a chapel in which a lamp is con
stantly kept burning.

HISTORY OF MINING IN MEXICO
UNDER SPANISH RULE

EXTENT OF THE SPANISH DOMINION. — THE FIRST BONANZA.
In 1737, the Spanish dominion extended as far as the " Pimeria
Alta," that is to the Gila river, owing to the efforts made by the
Jesuits to convert to Christianity the savages who inhabited the
country, and teach them the arts of civilization. This vast
region of country is situated between the 31" and 330 of north
latitude ; it is about 300 miles in length, and is bounded on the east
by the Apache country, on the south by Sonora, on the West by
the Gulf of California (or Sea of Cortez) and the country of the
Serfs Indians, and on the north by the Coco Maricopa. In that
portion of the country which is known as Arizona was found large
pieces of mineral, almost pure silver. As soon as the Sonora
miners heard of it, they rushed to the place, where they found a
large quantity of metal, some of the pieces weighing 20 aiTobas, or
500 pounds, and one piece of 120 arrobas, or 3,000 pounds ; probably
no such a piece of native silver has ever been found in the world.
Such an abundance of silver raised a doubt in the minds
of the counsellors of the Audiencia as to whether the regular
fifth should be collected for the crown, or whether it should be
regarded as a treasure, in which case, after paying the discoverer
his share, the balance would revert to the crown The case
appeared doubtful to the counsellors of the Audiencia at the City
of M xi o, who referred it to the council of the Indies, and while
this appeal was pending the discoverer removed all the silver that
was to be found on top of the earth, so that when the question was
decided by the council of the Indies the commission reported that
the wealth had vanished.

97
THE GOLD PLACERS OF SONORA.
The gold placers of Ceineguilla, State of Sonora, situated 640
leagues, or 1,584 miles, north-west of the City of Mexico, produced
from January, 1773, to November 17th of the following year, 4,832
marcs of gold, which paid into the royal treasury of the town of
Alamos as duties to the king the sum of $72,000, and it is estimated
that at least one third of the yield of these placers was smuggled
out. The immense richness of these placers greatly contrasted
with the scarcity of provisions and water ; as much as $6 was often
paid for a barrel of water.
QUEBRADILLA PRODUCES GREAT WEALTH AND A TITLE.
In 1786, the mines of Quebradilla and la Vicayna, near Zaca
tecas, were worked with success. Don Antonio Obregon having
sunk a new shaft, worked with great success the mine of La Valen-
ciana, near the City of Guanajuato, from the year 1770 to the 14th
of December, 1778 ; he presented to the royal treasury 4,699 bars
of silver, weighing 28,039 marcs and 3 ounces, upon which the
duties amounted to the enormous sum of $648,972, and the further
sum of 53,088 castellanos of gold, upon which the duties amounted
to $13,051. The above statement was made bythe Viceroy Bucarelli
in a letter to the king of Spain, in which he recommended to the
king that the successful and fortunate miner be granted the title of
Count of Valenciana, which distinction was granted by the king.
In June, 1778, the mining district (mineral) of Hostotipaguillo,
distant 513 miles west north-west from the City of Mexico, in the
then province of Guadalajara, at present the State of Jalisco, was
discovered and promised great riches.
THE CATORCE MINES AND THE VICEROY.
In the year 1779, the mining district of Catorce, distant 164
leagues, 431 miles, north north-east from the City of Mexico, was
discovered. It is situated in a canon of the mountain of the same
name, which rises above a high plateau in the State of San Luis
Potosi. Its name Catorce, " fourteen," was given it because this
canon was inhabited by a band of fourteen robbers. It was

98
discovered in the following manner : A militia soldier from San Luis
Potosi had lost his horse while on the way to the town of Mate
huala, 162 leagues or 436 miles north north-west, situated on the
east side of the Catorce mountain ; he returned to search for it, and,
in crossing the mountain of the Conception of Alamos, or of San
Antonio de los Coroncados, in the jurisdiction of Charcas, 150
leagues or 405 miles north north-west from the City of Mexico, dis
tant 150 miles from San Luis Potosi, he found a large and rich
silver lead. The metal found on top the earth when assayed rendered
20 marcs to the carga of 300 pounds. Having dug a little below
the surface, ore was found rendering 50 marcs to the carga, or $400
to 300 pounds of ore. The ore afterwards averaged 30 marcs
to the carga. The soldier who discovered the mine was named El
Negrillo (probably a nickname) ; he was a drunkard and a dis
solute man, which caused the Viceroy Bucarelli to have him a
guardian appointed. The notice of this discovery was the last
made by Viceroy Bucarelli to the king, for he died thirteen days
afterwards. He was much beloved for his valor and his many
virtues, and was one of the best viceroys that governed Mexico.
His memory is venerated to this day.
Don Carlos Maria Bustamente says that the news of the
death of Viceroy Bucarelli, and the appointment of the President
of Guatemala as his successor, was carried from the City of
Mexico to the City of Guatemala, a distance of 400 leagues, or
1,052 miles, over a rough mountainous path, with many wide rivers
to cross, in seven days. The courier's name who performed this
feat was F. Varo. This extraordinary man in his way, was born
in the province of Andalusia, Spain.

THE MINES OF GUANAJUATO.
Every (mineral) mining district was a prosperous centre and a
great source of revenue to the treasury. The province of Guana
juato alone produced to the crown of Spain, from 1760 to 1 781, in
tax upon silver, tobacco, tributes, powder and playing cards,
the sum of $23,143,921, and the following years still produced
more revenue, so that after paying all the costs of government
left a clear revenue to the crown amounting to $1,100,000 an-

99
nually. That was about the time of its greatest prosperity. In
those days the mines of Cata and Mellado were in bonanzas. They
were the property of the Marquis of San Clemente, one of the
richest and most honored families of Guanajuato. After the above
mentioned mines, those of Santa Anita and Rayas come next, also
yielding large profits. The mine of Rayas was the property of
Sardaneta. The head of that family, while that mine was in its
great bonanza, was granted by the king of Spain the title of Mar
quis of Sardaneta. THE ZACATECAS MINES.
The riches derived from the Zacatecas mines were anterior to
that of Guanajuato.
Its mines were discovered about the time of the conquest, and
during the 180 years that elapsed from the discovery oi its leads to
the year 1732, they had produced the sum of $832,232,880, which
paid as tax to the royal treasury the sum of $46,523,000. From
these mines the following wealthy and enobled families came forth :
The counts of San Mateo Valparaiso, Santa Rosa, Santiago de la
Laguna, and many others. In the year 1728, Zacatecas produced
$1,800,000 yearly, which was at that time one-fifth of all the silver
coined in Mexico. It afterwards even produced more, and became
a bonanza equal to the Quebradilla mines, the property then, in
1 810, of Don Firmin de Apezechea. In other mineral districts
many mines were very flourishing, such as the Bolanos mine, the
property of the Marquis of Vivanco ; the mine of " El Pabellon," in
Sombrerete, State of Zacatecas, distant 105 leagues, or 265 miles,
north-west from the City of Mexico, the property of the family of
Fagoaga, and those of Real del Monte, situated in the State of
Mexico, about 21 leagues, or 50 miles, north-east from the City of
Mexico, the property then of the Count of Regla, now worked by
an English company. Most of these rich miners finally became the
owners of the largest and best estates (haciendas) in the country,
having mostly purchased the estates of the Jesuits when they were
expelled from the country. These wealthy citizens expended gener
ally a large portion of their fortune in charities. The large surplus
of money existing in Mexico caused real estate to raise in value,
and brought forth many new industries. ,

100
MAMMOTH VEINS.
One of the peculiar features of the silver mines in Mexico,
distinguishing them from all others in South America, is the large
size of the veins more than the richness of the metals. The vein
worked at Real del Monte, near the City of Mexico, which is calted
la " Biscaina," is several yards wide ; the vein " Calle Veta Madre "
(main vein), at Guanajuato, is about ten yards wide, and some
times more ; this one has been worked for a distance of thirteen
kilometres. One great advantage that Mexican mines have over those of
other countries is the character of the climate where they are found.
They are seldom situated more than six or seven thousand feet
above the level of the sea, hence they enjoy a temperate climate.
The mines of Guanajuato are situated in a country that produce,
in the valleys, two crops of grain yearly ; while the mines of Peru
are at a height of 12,000 to 13,000 feet above the level of the
ocean ; although under the equator, the mines of Peru are situated
in a country as cold as Siberia ; this alone is greatly in favor of the
Mexican mines.
COINAGE OF THE MINT IN THE CITY OF MEXICO.
By consulting a statement published by Don Jose Maria Za-
morra, it will be seen that the mint at the City of Mexico, from
1690 to 1822, had coined :
In gold and silver, ... . $1,640,493,786
And from 1823 to December, 1839, . . . 32,834,361
And in other mints established in other States
and Provinces, ... . 162,263,021
Making a total of . . .... $1,835,591,168
From 1814 to January, 1873, the mint at the City of Mexico
coined $5,060,178.38 copper money. But it must be remarked that
the amount of silver and gold coined does not indicate the pro
ducts of the mines, as a large amount of plata pasta (silver bars)
were sent to Spain, or smuggled out of the country to avoid paying
export duty, and that a considerable amount was manufactured
into plate and used in the mounting of jewels.

101
THE PRODUCT OF LA VALENCIANA.
To conceive an idea of the products of some of the best mines
of Mexico, it is only necessary to know that the mine of " La Va-
lenciana," near the City of Guanajuato, produced to its owners,
from the 5th oj April, 1788, to the 20th of March, 1798, a net profit
of $8,000,000. Until 1848, Mexico was the first country on the face of the
earth in the production of precious metals ; it produced more than
all the American States together.
HISTORY OF MEXICAN MINES.
Immediately after the conquest of Mexico by Cortez, its
mineral wealth was hardly known, and Peru took the palm as a
silver producing country. Its name Peru still seems to designate
an unlimited wealth. The greatest mine in Peru was known
as the Paton Potocchi, which has been corrupted into Potosi,
and out of which $280,000,000 have been extracted.
Under Montezuma, the Aztecs worked but few silver mines; they
were not enlightened enough to work any but those that contained
native silver, and such mines are very scarce. In most of the mines
that are worked with advantage, the appearance of silver is entirely
hid by its intimate association with sulphur, antimony, arsenic and
other substances, so much so that a person who is not versed in
science would not recognize the presence of silver. It is also very
difficult to separate the silver from the various combinations. It is
well known that with gold it is the contrary, as that metal is always
found in a natural state. This, in all probability, explains the phe
nomena well proved by history, that the Spaniards found among
the population of America more gold than silver, although silver
mines are found in much greater number ; or, to express it more cor
rectly, they are much more prolific in metals than the gold mines.
At the beginning of the eighteenth century the mines of
Mexico only produced in gold and silver from six to seven millions
of dollars. In the middle of the last century, they produced about
thirteen millions of dollars. At the end of the last and beginning
of this century they produced from twenty-five to twenty-six mil
lions of dollars. At present they do not produce as much.

102
THE DISCOVERY OF THE- PATIO PROCESS.
It was a Mexican miner, by the name of Bartholomew Medina
(to whose memory no monument has ever been erected, and
whose name and resting place is forgotten, a shame to our rich
miners), who invented or discovered, in 1557, the method by which
nearly all the mineral has been worked to this day. This method
is called in Spanish patio, or cold amalgamation, and consists
in mixing quicksilver, and other ingredients less expensive, such
as salt and a substance called magistral (a mineral composed
of sulphur of iron and sulphur of copper, which has previously been
calcinated), by which method, silver can be extracted out of the
poorest minerals without melting them. This was a fortunate
discovery for a country where fuel was scarce, particularly in
the vicinity of the mines, which are seldom found in places where
fuel abounds, and many mines in Mexico have been abandoned on
account of the difficulty or expense in procuring fuel to work them.
On the other hand, this method consumed large quantities of
quicksilver, as it is calculated that to extract a pound of silver it
takes a pound and a half of quicksilver. All the quicksilver was
furnished by the Almaden mines, of old Spain, until the California
mines of New Almaden were put in working order. It was a
monopoly in the hands of the crown of Spain, and its agents often
abused it to the great distress of the miners.
HUMBOLDT'S OPINION.
Mr. de Humboldt, at the beginning of this century, wrote as
follows : " In general, the abundance of silver is such in the Cor
dillera chain, that when one reflects upon the mines that have not
yet been worked or explored, one is tempted to believe that we
have not yet begun to enjoy the inexhaustible richness that the
New World contains."
The world would be inundated with precious metals if the
mines of Bolanos, Batopilas Sombrerete, El Rosario, Pachuca,
Moran, Zultepec, of Chihuahua, and many others which have here
tofore been celebrated, were worked with the improved machinery
that has been invented since 1848.

103
MR. DUPONT'S OPINION.
Mr. Dupont, a competent Frenchman, after speaking of the
wealth of Mexico, adds that a time will come, sooner or later, when
the production of silver will only be limited by its certainly increasing
depreciation. When we look at our production of silver to-day, we
are tempted to believe that this time has arrived.
In the State of Guanajuato alone, from July, 1876, to July,
1878, the sum of $4,437,286.92 in silver and gold has been coined.

MINTS AND ASSAYING OFFICES.
COINAGE.
City of Mexico, from 1537 to 1867, . . . .'.$2,251,993,61365
City of Zacatecas, from 1 8 10 to 1867, . . . 214,870,89862
City of Guanajuato, from 1812 to 1867, . . . 187,950,385 25
City of San Luis Potosi, from 1827 to 1867, . 52,723,419 75
City of Durango, from 181 1 to 1867  39,827,60868
City of Guadalajara, from 1 81 2 to 1867, . . . 30,307,75596
City of Chihuahua, from 181 1 to 1867, .... 18,055,570 08
City of Culiacan, from 1 846 to 1 867, exclusive of
the year 1857  18,416,336 49
Guadaloupe y Calco, from 1844 to 1850, . . 4,375,06206
Sombrerete, from 1810 to 1812, . . . 1,551,24925
Tlalpan, from 1828 to 1830, . . . 1,162,66087
Oaxaca, from 1859 to 1867, . . . . 1,525,231 35
Catorce, in 1865,  1,321, 545 0°
Alamos, Hermosillo, Cosala, Batoseagachi, Par-
ral, Jesus Maria.
Supposing that the mints of Mexico, Zacatecas,
Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Durango, Gua
dalajara, Chihuahua, Culiacan and Oaxaca
coined, in 1868 and 1869, the same amount
as in 1867, we find the following amount, . 36,557,733 92
Carried forward, . . . $2,860,639,070 93

104
Brought forward,  $2,860,639,070
And supposing that the amount of silver used
in circulation and manufactured into silver
ware or jewelry, and the amount fraudu
lently extracted from 152 1 to 1867, accord
ing to the calculation of the distinguished
statesman Lerdo de Tejada, is $2,500,000
per year, we find the sum of  862,500,00000
We find the products of the mines in Mexico 
amounting to the sum of . . .... $3,723,139,070 93
The above statement only gives an idea of the mineral wealth
of Mexico, which will yet astonish the world when American
capital and industry develop the untold wealth of that country.
AMERICAN GOLD AND SILVER PRODUCTION SINCE 1848.
According to the best data, the production of California,
Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Wash
ington, New Mexico and Arizona, from 1848 to the ist of January,
1882, amounts to the following sums :
Gold, .... . . . $1,713,174,508
Silver  . 583,421,678
Making a grand total of  $2,296,596,186
Most of it produced in territory formerly belonging to Mexico.

CATALOGUE
OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL MINING DISTRICTS SITUATED
IN THE DIFFERENT STATES OF THE REPUBLIC, AND DES
CRIPTION OF SOME OF THEIR MINES.
STATE OF AGUASCALIENTES.
This State possesses rich mines, which, as we will often have
occasion to remark, are not operated, like many others in the Re-

105
public, for want of security of capital ; but, fortunately for beautiful
and rich Mexico, such time is over, and this country will soon expose
its latent wealth to the world.
In the mining Districts of Asientos and Tepesala, 15 leagues
North' East of the Capital, are found the abandoned mines of San
Francisco, Romana and others, Descubridora, Cristo, San Antonio
de los Pobres, celebrated in olden times for the richness of their
silver ores. In the Descubridora mine a vein 1 1 .7 metres wide was
worked. In the District of Calpulalpan are situated the mines of San
Pedro del Bosque and La Purisima.
MINES OF " MAGISTRAL."
Those of La Magdalena, La Cruz, Santo Tomas, Santo Do
mingo, San Dimas, Corralillo, La Verde, San Vicente, La Chicaro-
na, El Aguila and La Penuela.
In all 23 mines.
STATE OF CHIHUAHUA.
The State of Chihuahua is very justly considered to be one of
the richest in minerals in the Republic. It is divided into twenty
cantons — where 120 mining districts are known to exist ; in these
mining districts 575 mines have been worked since the conquest
of the country by the Spaniards. Some mines, yielding 16 ounces
of silver to the carga of 300 pounds, have been abandoned on
account of being too isolated and also for the want of laborers.
The mines that have been worked have only been worked at
a depth of 300 metres, on account of the difficulties encountered
in the extraction of the ores. The inundations of the mines and
the necessity of fortifying the shafts with timber in a country
where wood is scarce or only to be had at a great distance, has
also been the cause of abandonment of well-paying mines, but
with the completion of the projected railroads, and with Ameri
can capital and enterprise, a wonderful change will take place in
the next five years. Lands have already more than quadrupled in
value since the completion of the Southern Pacific to El Paso and
Texas.

CATALOGUE OF MINING DISTRICTS SITUATED IN THE
STATE OF CHIHUAHUA.

Number of mines
in each District.
¦5 6 3

Names
of Mining Districts.
Cusihuiriachic.
Cieneguilla. La Plomosa.

In what Canton
situated.
Abasolo.

Class of ores.
Silver.
Lead and silver.
Lead.

Working or idle.
Working. Idle.

2 5

Milpillas.
Buenos Aires.

..

Silver.

2 5

Jajirachic. Gavilana.

..

Lead and silver.

•

4 3

Arroyo Hondo.
Santo Domingo.

Aldama.

Gold.

Working.

4

Resureccion.

r<

"

6 ii i

Guadaloupe. Coyame.Cuchillo Parado.
Los L£mus.

»

Salt. Silver.Lead and silver.

Idle.
Working.

22 I
26

San Ignacio.
Almoloya. Valsequillo.Urique.

Allende. Arteaga.

Lead.Silver. Lead and silver.

Idle.
Working.

3 i

Guapalaina.Guadaloupe.

«

K

•

Number of mines
in each District.

Names
of Mining Districts.

In what Canton
situated.

6

Cerocahue.

Arteaga.

5

Piedras Verdes.

"

3

San Nicolas.

4

Tubares.

Andres del Rio

5

Conception.

'

52

Batopilas.

7

Zapuri.

4

Guacaybito.

'

2

Guacaybo.

3
Guagiieybo.
2
Satevo.
'
2
Loreto.
11 •*
4
Guapenari.
Balleza.
3
Carmen.
Bravos
4
Jaco.
Camargo.
2
Espiritu Santo.
5
Corralitos.
Galeana.
1
Barranca.
I.
3
Escondido.
3
Mogollon.
"
1
Dolores.
Guerrero.
1
Tutuaca.
1
Class of ores.
Silver, Copper. Saltpetre. Silver.
Copper.Silver.
Gold and salt.
Salt. Lead and silver.
Silver. Silver and gold.
Silver.
Working or idle.
Working. Ii
Idle.
Working. Idle.
Abandoned.
Working.
Abandoned. Idle.Abandoned.
dumber of mines

_ Names

In what Canton

in each District.

of Mining Districts.

situated.

Class of ores.

Working or idle.
I
Guaynopa.
Guerrero.
Silver.
Abandoned
2
Guaynopita.
•'
¦ 1
•
2
Calera.
•
Idle.
4
Pichache. Muguriachic.
Degollado.
,
"
4
Namiquipec.
"
¦
¦
2
Tayapa.
"
¦•
'5
Parral.
Hidalgo.
¦
Working.
9
Minas Nuevas.
11
•
"
6
Santa Barbara.
'
3
San Francisco.
¦
Silver and
gold.
1
San Julian.
"
Silver.
•¦
2 1
Buena vista.
Huertas.
„
lt
¦¦
1
Chihuahua.
Iturbide.
Idle.
3
Chihuahuilla.
"
"
Abandoned
2
Nombre de Dios.
¦
Gold.
Idle.
30
Santa Eulalia.
"
Gold and silver.
Working.
4
Magistral.
"
Copper.
Exploited.
3
Guajuquilla.
Jimenez.
Silver and
copper.
I.
11
Guazapares.
Matamoros.
Silver.
Working.
*^i
Batosigachic.
'
11
»
109

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al'^ISS3Sl3SS3^«3S

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N -t nvo -t n O M

Number of mines

Names

In what Canton
situated.

Class of ores.

Working or idle

in each District.

of Mining Districts.

3

Talconas.

Mina.

Silver.

Idle.

2

Galeana.

"

4 3
El Cuerro.
"
Gold.
San Rafael.
"
Silver
2
El Triste.
"
2
Sapopan.
'
3
Coscomates.
"
2
El Coscomate.
Piedra Larga.
"
¦•
I
Tentaduras.
'
I
San Simon.
"
Working.Idle.
I
La Guitara.
"
2
San F. de Cruces.
4
San Juan N.
II
i
Huarachic.
"
i
El Carnero.
"
2
La Higuera.
"
17
Uruachic.
Rayon.
"
Working.
32 4
Jesus Maria.
"
Bravo.
"
Gold.
'
IO
Yoquibo.
"
Silver.
14
Maguarechic,
Number of mines
in each District. I

Names
of Mining Districts.
Potrero.

In what Canton
situated.
Rayon.

3

Arechuybo. Batuchic. Cajurichic.El Carmen.
S. J. del Pinal.
San Luis.

ii

4

Rosario.

"

3

Moris.

"

2 1I

Naroxaigame. Nayca.La Plomosa.

Rosales. Victoria.

Class of ores.
Silver. Mercury. Silver.Coal. Silver.Gold.

Lead.

Working or idle.
Idle.

Working.

Idle.

112
Of these mineral districts 14 are producers of gold, 4 of copper,
4 of lead, 1 of mercury, 3 of salt, 2 of coal and 541 of silver. They
also contain zinc, antimony, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, bismuth, tin
and other minerals. It is supposed that the Bolsom of Mapini,
which has never been thoroughly explored, contains immense and
untold wealth.
The mountains of this State are also rich in marble, alabas
ter, jasper and coal.
Discoveries. — Santa Barbara was discovered in 1 547 ; Parral
in 1600 ;. Cieneguilla in 1608 ; Guazapares in 1628 ; Urique in 1630 ;
Batopilas in 1632; Cusihuiriachic in 1666; Chihuahuilla in 1671 ;
Santa Eulalia in 1704; Topago in 1750; Umachic in 1760; San
Joaquin, in 1774; Umapa in 1778 ; El Refugio in 1810; Jesus Ma
ria in 1 821 ; Palmares in 1824 ; Morelos in 1826 ; Setentrion in 1829;
Batouzachic in 1839 ; Santo Domingo in 1867 ; Guadaloupe in 1869;
Zapuri in 1873.
If classified according to their richness, they have to be placed
in the following order, viz. : ist, Batopilas; 2d, Parral ; 3d, Santa
Eulalia ; 4th, Jesus Maria ; 5th, Cusihuiriachic ; 6th, Morelos ;
7th, Guadaloupe y Calvo ; 8th, Uriqui ; 9th, Umachic ; loth,
Corralitos ; nth, Zapuri; 12th, Topago and 13th, Umapa.

STATE OF COAHUILA.
At one time, more than sixty mines were worked to advantage
in this State. There are mines of iron, copper, silver, sulphur, nitre
and amianthus, which would pay well if worked with American
improved machinery.
The river Nazas runs through the important mining district of
Real de San Juan de Guadaloupe. In the mining district of Santa
Rosa a number of mines are now worked with profit.
Castana ; this mine was worked with profit until it filled with
water ; it is now the property of an American company, which will
in all probability be successful.
Viezca ; this mine near Parras was at one time worked with
profit

113
Escondida. Within the last two years, some veins have been discovered
near the City of Monclova, but are hardly rich enough to pay.
It was claimed by this State that the territory upon which the
Sierra Mojada mines are situated properly belonged to it.
There is now no doubt but that large quantities of ore are found
in the Mojada mountains, but the lack of water and fuel, and more
particularly the desert of one hundred miles without water which
has to be crossed before reaching the mining district, is at present
a great impediment to its development.
In the archives of the Presidio of Santa Rosa, now Villa (town)
de Musquiz, can still be found a report made to the Government at
Mexico, by Don Felipe Torralva, president»of the mining board of
the department in which Santa Rosa is situated ; it is dated no-
vember 24th, 1844. It shows that, at that time, 51 mines were
known in said mineral mining district, all producing easily smelted
ores, and their yield in silver to have been as follows, viz. : 18 mines
produced ores yielding from 4 to 6 ounces of silver per carga (300
Mexican pounds), or $28 to $42 per ton ; 17 mines yielding I marc
to the carga, or $56 to the ton ; 5 mines yielding 3 marcs to the
carga, or $168 to the ton ; 1 mine yielding 4 marcs to the carga, or
$224 to the ton ; 2 mines yielding 6 marcs to the carga, or $336 to
the ton ; 1 mine yielding 8 marcs to the carga, or $448 to the ton ;
1 mine yielding 10 marcs to the carga, or $560 to the ton ; 3 mines
yielding 30 marcs to the carga, or $1,680 to the ton, and 1 mine
yielding 100 ounces to the carga, or $5,600 to the ton. In the latter
mine, which is known as the San Juan mine, according to tra
dition, large pieces of pure silver were found. In the mines of
Santa Gertrudis and El Pabellon, which produced ores yielding as
much as thirty marcs of silver per carga or $1,680 to the ton?
pieces of virgin silver weighing one ounce and more were
found — leaves of silver as thin as paper were also found mixed with
slate.

114
STATE OF DURANGO.
In this State many mines have had to be abandoned on account
of the Indian incursions. American companies have lately been
formed to develop some of them.
The principal mining districts of this State are the following,
viz. : San Dimas, Guarisamey, Tayoltita, Ventanas, Negros, Gavi-
lanes, Tominil, Basiz, Huahuapan, Guasaya, Amaculy, Tamazula,
Rodeo, Chacala, Bajada, Sianori, Topia, Metatitos, Birimoa, Cane-
las, Copalquin, Todos Santos, Ocotal, Tamazula, Saucito, Santa
Elena, Boca Ortiz, Comitala, Cerro de las Minas, Guanacevi, Cone-
to, Papasquiaro, Chiquihuistita, Inde, El Oro. In the interior of
the State : Cuencame, Parilla, Mapimi, San Juan de Guadaloupe,
Nona de San Juan, Noria de Carleria, Agua Nueva, and lastly the
inexhaustible iron mountain of Mercados. In all, 43 mining dis
tricts. The inexhaustible iron mountain known as the Cerro del Mer-
cado, was discovered by the Spanish captain Gin£s Vasquez del
Mercado in 1 562, it is situated two kilometres north of the City of
Durango. Speaking of this mine, Mr. Bouring says it could supply
for 330 years, all the English iron foundries, which consume yearly
15,000,000 quintals of iron (a quintal is 100 lbs.) This would be
worth 9,900 millions of dollars, a sum representing seven times the
gold and silver coined in the mint at the City of Mexico from
1690 to 1803.
Five specimens of the ore from the Mercado mountain were
essayed by M. H. Borje, of Philadelphia, on the 25th of May, 1880,
and gave the following results. In one hundred parts of metal.
1st Essay. 2d Essay. 3d Essay. 4th Essay. 5th Essay.

Oxide of iron,

• 96-3

93-8

98.2

71.0

67.1

Silica, . . .

2.6

3-4

0.6

28.1

2S-5

Aluminum, . . .

O.I

1.2

0.5

0.2

0.5

Carbonate of lime,

0-3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.5

Water, .

¦ 0.7

1.6
1 00.0

0.7

0.7

6.4

Total, . .

1 00.0

1 00.0

1 00.0

1 00.0

Pure iron, . . .

66.77

65-3

68.8

49.23

5°-55

115

STATE OF GUANAJUATO.
The mines of this State are celebrated as much for their anti
quity as for their extraordinary richness, among the principal are
those of
Guanajuato.La Luz.
San Nicolas.
Santa Rosa.
Santa Ana.
La Valenciana.
Mellado.
Villalpando.San Jos6 de los Muchachos.
The above mines contain gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, tin,
cinnabar and other valuable minerals.
Capulin. Comangilla.
Gigante. Monte de San Nicolas.
Real del Marfil.
Real de Salinas.
Rincon de Centeno.
San Antonio de las Minas.
San Juan de la Chica.
San Rafael de los Lobos.
In the vicinity of the city of Dolores Hidalgo, is found a fins.
quality of rock for mill-stones.

STATE OF GUERRERO.

This State is very justly considered as one of the richest ol
the Republic in minerals ; it is said that gold placers have been
discovered far more rich than any found in Upper California ; civil
war in this State and the hostility of some of the population to

116
foreigners has in a great measure prevented the development of
the immense wealth of this State. In 1880, 460 mines were known
to exist in this State (too numerous to be described in this work).
Among the principal mining districts are those of Cuitlanapa, Tasco,
Hidalgo, Aldama, Brazos, Morelos, Chilapa. In Huilzuco are
found rich quicksilver, silver and coal mines.

THE STATE OF HIDALGO.

This State embraces two well-defined hydrographical regions :
that of the river Amajaque, and that of Tula and Moctezuma rivers,
separated by extensive chains of mountains rich in minerals. This
State was formed out of the States of Mexico, San Luis Potosi
and Vera Cruz, comprising that rich portion of Mexico known as
" La Huastesca.''
The most important mining districts of this State are the
following :
Pachuca.
Real del Monte.
Mineral del Chico — 23 mines were worked in this district in
1879, an(l l7 remained abandoned.
Potosi.Capula.
Santa Rosa — this district was formerly worked by the cele
brated house of Jecker, whose pretended debt was the cause of the
French intervention in Mexico. The following mines are situated
in this district : Santa Rosa, San Jose\ Franco-Mexicana, El Escri-
bano, El Nino, Providencia, Trinidad, Buenaventura, Soledad, San
Briguel, Santisima, and Santa Isabel.
Mineral de Tepeni.
Zimapan.Tolenian, 24 mines.
Lomo del Toro, 19 mines.

117
Monte San Felipe, 17 mines.
Mineral de Jacala.
Mineral de la Encarnacion.
San Bernado, iron mines.
Mineral del Cardenal, 37 mines.

THE STATE OF JALISCO.

This State possesses mines of gold, silver, copper and iron.
Among the richest districts are the following : The mining district
of Tepic contains 8 mineral, or mining districts, and 56 mines ; the
Mountain of Mascota is said to be rich in minerals. The mining
district of San Sebastian, 60 miles south of the city of Tepic, in
which most of the mines are not worked actually ; the mining dis
trict of Talpa, in which 36 mines are worked, and a great many
more are either idle or abandoned ; in the mining district of Te
quila, 54 mines are worked at present ; in the mining districts of
Bolanos and Comanja. (Bolanos is one of the mining districts of
Mexico that has produced immense wealth.) The following sta
tement, showing the amount of coin, the produce of some mines
in this great State of Jalisco, gives an idea of the state of mining
industry in that State in 1879 :

ict of Bramador, .

¦ $399,394

' Cuale,

281,466

" Hostotipaquillo,

• 235,643

" Ixtlan,

178.643

" Etzatlan,

167,578

" Yesca,

70,779

" San Sebastian,

33.875

" Santo Tomas, .

27,366

" La Bautista,

7.753

" Bolanos, .

883

Total, .

• $1,403,380

118

TABLE SHOWING THE MINERAL DISTRICTS IN THE
STATE OF JALISCO.

Number

Names of districts.

of mines.

Quality of metal.

Bolanos, ....



Gold and silver.

Comanja,

—

ii ii

Amalco, .

9

Silver.

Santo Tomas,

—

"

Palmarejo,

—

"

Copala,

—

"

Amatlan de Jora,

3

"

Ameca,

—

Gold, silver and copper.

Ahualulco,

3

Silver.

Anonas,

"

Hostotipaquillo,

27

"

Etzatlan,

6

Silver and lead.

Garabatos,

i

"

Yesca, . . . .

3

•¦

Montaje,

7

"

Ixtlan,

2

"

Mojo Cuatultlan,

2

•*

Acuitapilco,

16

"

San Jose en Tatepusco, .

—

"

Amasaquas,

—

"

Santa Maria del Oro,

4

"

Tenamiche,

5

"

Estanzuela,

4

¦¦

Heutzisila, .

u

"

Chimaltitlan, .

7

"

Huanchinango,

—

Silver, gold and copper

Altena, .

—

Silver.

San Sebastian,

22

Silver and gold.

Avillas, .

—

Silver.

Los Reyes, .



"

La Navidad,

—

"

Ocotital,

50

Negros.

Jalapa,

—

Silver.

Veladero,

52

Copper.

119

Names of districts.
Cuale, Desmoronado,
Bramador, Aranguez,Ayulta, .
Guadaloupe, Agua Blanca,
Talpa, .
La Bautista,
Tapalpa,San Rafael,
El Jabon.
Providencia,

Numberof mines.

Quality of metal

3°

Gold, silver, etc.

3

Black metals.

8
4

Silver and gold.
Black metals.

—

Silver.

3

Silver and gold.
Copper.Gold and silver.

—

Silver.

—

Iron and silver.

23

Silver.

— Iron.

In all, 47 mining districts, in which 303 mines are actually
worked ; there is in this State 46 smelting works for smelting ores.

THE STATE OF MEXICO.

This State possesses very rich mining districts, among which
are the following, viz. : Mineral del Oro, situated in a group of
mountains about 45 miles N. W. of the city of Toluca, capital of
the State. It is a rich gold district, the principal veins are those
named Chihuahua, San Acasio, La Descubridora, San Rafael,
vetilla or smaller veins de los Mondragones, de la Caliza and de la
Descubridora. There are at present seven mines not worked for
want of capital and 18 more abandoned for various reasons.
Temascaltepec — In 1 881, 39 mines were worked in this district.
The best mine, known as La Magdalena, produces silver ore that
yield 50 marcs to the carga of 300 pounds, or 2,100 ounces of pure
silver to the ton of ore.

120
Tejupilco — 3 silver mines are actually worked in this district
and 4 are abandoned.
Nancitilla — There are 1 1 silver mines, at present abandoned.
Amatepec — 3 mines are worked actually.
Ixtapa del Oro — 4 mines are actually worked in this district
and 1 3 are at present idle.
Jultepec — 38 mines are actually worked in this district and
105 are either idle or abandoned.
Zacualpan — 10 mines are actually worked in this district and
68 are either idle or abandoned.
In this State 65 mines are actually worked and 259 are either
idle or abandoned.

THE STATE OF MICHOACAN.

This is also one of the richest mineral States of Mexico.
Among the most celebrated mines of Mexico is that of Halpujahua,
as well on account of its richness as on account of its historical
record. Close to this mine is situated the peak known as " Campo del
Gallo," where Padre Hidalgo established a gun foundry, and where
the first Mexican cannons used by the revolutionists against their
Spanish oppressors were cast. The following mineral districts
are also worked in this State, viz. :
Angangueo.
Espiritu Santo.
Guayabo.Omoltan. Iguaran.
Curucupaceo.Ozumatlan y barra.
Chapatuato.San Antonio.
Cualcoman.Tlalpujahua.The metals of these mines consist of gold mixed with iron,

121

cinnabar, coal, antimony and emeril. The ores are worked both
by the patio or cold amalgamation process and smelting.
In 1880, 32 mines were worked in the district of Tlapugahua
18 in that of Omatlan and 5 in that of Curucupasco. The names
of the innumerable mines situated in the other mining districts are
not known.

THE STATE OF MORELOS.
The principal wealth of this State consists in its agricultural
productions, although the following mines are operated at present :
Mining district of Oaxtepec, . . The mine of Tenango.
" " Huaulta, . . " Tlachichilpa.
" San Esteban.
Conception.
" San Jose.
" Peregrina.
In the municipality of Cuernacaca is a peak called Barriga de
Plata (Silver Belly), in old times some mines were worked in that
mountain, but are now abandoned. In the municipality of Ju-
tepec is a mountain whose formation consists of carbonate of lime,
marble with metallic veins formed by various oxydes, and a fine
quality of gypsum.
There is actually in this State 1 5 paralyzed mines, 7 silver
mines, 1 of cinnabar, 1 of alabaster, 2 of jasper, 4 of marble.

THE STATE OF NUEVO LEON.
In this State mines are found in the valleys as well as on the
mountain tops. Most of its mines are now abandoned, they

122
contain silver, gold, lead, iron, copper, sulphur, nitrate of potash,
alabaster and white marble. Muriate of soda is also found in
large deposits.
Great bonanzas were found during the last centuiy in the
mountains of Boca de Leones or Villaldama, and the Iguana Hills,
situated southeast of the latter place, as appears by the annexed
reports of the Spanish governors and inspectors of that province.
The mines in the District of Serralvo, which produced great
bonanzas last century are now worked again with success, and one
of them is in bonanza.
The following mines have been worked successfully, and are
now being placed in good working order, viz. :
Minas viegas.
La Catita.
La Ladera.
Moreno, Coyache, La Farandula and Chihuahua, four silver
mines now in working order, the property of the Anglo-Texan-
Mexican Mining and Smelting Company, organized by Mr. W. A.
Gifford. Said company has its domicile at Houston, Texas, and
its smelting works at the town of Villadama.
La Valenciana.
San Nicolas.
New mines in Potrero de la Parra.
EI Rosario, now worked by a Texan company.
Vallecillo. L.a. Iguana.
Santa Rita.
Candela.
Pinitas.Montanas.Sabinas Hidalgo.
Real de Salinas.
La Plomosa, Sabarado and Sacramento

REPORTS FROM OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.
Las Minas de San Antonio de la Iguana were discovered in
the year 1757. They were very rich in native silver ; and although

123
the bonanza lasted but a little while, it attracted many people from
the interior. A tour of inspection was made in 1775 by Lieut.-Colonel Don
Melchor Vidal de Lorca, in the new kingdom of Leon, belonging
to New Spain, while Governor of the same. The following is taken
from his report :
" In the Real de San Antonio de la Iguana, mining district of
La Iguana, distant from this city (Montery) 37 leagues north-west,
was discovered a bonanza in the year 1757, it was visited by me
on the 27th of February of the present year. In this place there are
fifteen Spanish families with thirty-two servants, mostly all males,
who are all engaged in mining. None of the mines are worked regu
larly, but rocks taken from them here and there still maintain the
hope in these people. Those mines were in Borrasca (eight leagues
south-west of Lampasas) and situated between two small moun
tains divided by a creek having a small spring at its head, hardly
giving a sufficiency of water for the population, which is obliged to
dig wells in order to provide for the daily wants of that community."
In his Information and Catalogue of Mines (written in 1806),
Don Simon de Herrera, then Governor of Nuevo Leon and
commander of the Corps of Observation sent to the Louisiana fron
tier (the same who, with Governor Salcedo, was butchered in cold
blood on the Rosillo, in 1813, by order of Lara) speaking of these
mines, says: "In 1737, the celebrated mines of La Iguana
(lizzard), well-known in mineralogy, produced many millions
in a few days on account of the richness of its ore. Miners called
it a lizzard of silver, which disappeared in a few days. Most of the
silver was found in loose stones in a ravine in the direction of the
mine that produced the lizzard." The writer had one in his pos
session which weighed twenty-five pounds, and, being smelted, lost
only eight ounces in weight. Being lead and silver it was easily
smelted. To-day there are only a few buscones. Searchers now
occasionally find small veins, which, although very rich, do not pay
on account of the rebelliousness of the ore, in which much powder
and steel are wasted. Mining engineers who have visited the
district, say that it would become of great importance if its ores
were steadily worked with sufficient capital, and prospecting made
for the principal vein.
In 1757, near the frontier of Nuevo Leon, at La Iguana, was

124
discovered immensely rich silver mines, which, if the abundance
of silver they furnished at first had continued, would no doubt
have been by far the richest mines of New Spain. Its veins (retd)
furnished three qualities of metal : The first was very curious (Greta
6 Lend) being a quality of sand which hardened when exposed
to the air, and which would, when broken, uncover threads of pure
silver, so entangled together that art could not have imitated them.
Though beautiful, this metal was inferior. The second vein was of
silver lead, which, when smelted, produced 50 per cent, of silver.
The metal found in the third vein was of a yellowish color, which,
if cleansed of a few pebbles and sand, was pure silver.

THE STATE OF OAXACA.
This State contains the following mining districts : Ixtlan,
Villa Alta, Teoxocomulco and Peras.
The districts of Ixtlan and Villa Alta are producing nearly all
the silver, whether coined or exported from the State. One
hundred and forty mines are now actually in operation and forty
are abandoned.

N THE STATE OF PUEBLA.
But little is known of the mining wealth of this State, though
it is generally believed that important discoveries will hereafter be
made. At present, a superior quality of stone-coal has been found
in the department of San Juan de Los Llanos, and silver mines at
Xihuitlipa, San Andres Chalchicomula, Techachalco and Teteta
del Oro.

125
THE STATE OF QUERETARO.
The mining history of this State is only known with some
degree of certainty since the year 1770, when a mining deputation
was established at Cadereyta, that had within its jurisdiction the
mining districts of El Doctor, San Pedro Escanela, Amoles, Rio
Blanco and Majada Grande.
The variety of minerals found in this State are natural silver,
sulphur of silver, galena, grey copper, copper, malachite, antimony,
red iron, grey iron, cinnabar, native mercury, lignite, anthracite, opal,
very fine and ordinary calcedoine, rock cristal, copperas, and many
others. In 1 88 1, the following mines were either worked or abandoned
as shown in the statement :
Mineral del Doctor ; mining district of Las Aguas. — The mines
of Santa Ines, producing silver, and that of Sombrerete, producing
green silver or chlorure, are both worked with profit.
Mining district of Vizarron. — The mines of La Sojonia and
Nuestra Sefiora de las Nieves, are refractory earth and are worked.
Mining district of Tierra Colorada. — Five quicksilver mines
are operated, viz. : San Joaquin, Sefior de la Esperanza, San Jos6
and San Lorenzo. DISTRICT OF TALPAN.
Mining District of Ahuacatlan.
Pefiasco  . Lead.
Santa Clara, .... . Lead and silver.
San Jos6, 
El Carmen, 
Mina Grande,  Silver.
Purisima,  Lead and silver.
Rosario, 
La Merita,  "
DISTRICT OF TOLIMAN.
Mining District of Rio Blanco.
Nuestra Sefiora de Guadaloupe, . . Gold and silver.
Santa Ana  "
San Antonio del Oro, . .

126
There are actually 23 idle mines in the mining district of
Las Aguas, 3 in the district of Vizarron, 4 in the district of El
Doctor, 11 in the district of San Cristobal, 16 in the district sf
Attuacatlan, 3 in the district of Toliman, 2 in the district of Tolo-
manejo, and 7 in the district of Rio Blanco, mosdy for the want of
capital and enterprise, one only on account of its poor ores.

THE STATE OF SAN LUIS POTOSI.

The rich mines of this State are not developed for the want of
necessary capital to work them, they ranked at one time among
the richest of the country.
The principal mining districts are the following, viz. :
Real de Catorce.
Guadalcazar.Charcas.Ramos.Ojo Caliente.
San Pedro.
Santa Maria del Penon Blanco.
The above mines contain silver, copper, lead, mercury, sulphur,
native silver, gold ; and also others containing red and blue silver
ores of rare beauty.
Santa Maria del Penon Blanco has very rich salt deposits.
Blancas. Los Pozos.
Matehuala.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE GUADALCAZAR MINING DISTRICT.
This mining town was first settled in the years 161 2 and 1620.
Don Diego Fernandez de Cordova, Marquis of Guadalcazar, being

127
then Vice-Roy of New Spain (Mexico). This mining district con
tains a great variety of metals, such as gold in placers, silver,
copper, lead, mercury, iron and sulphur.
It was overflowed in 1622 by a water-spout ; these mines are
said to be very rich and only need capital to be developed profit
ably. They were known under the following names : As-
cencion de Alvarado, Veta Vizcaina, San Pedro, Santo Tomas,
Tercias partes, Corcovada, San Clemente, Remedios, Estaquillo and
San Amaranto : all of them situated on the eastern slope of the
mountain of San Cristobal ; on the west side of said mountain are
also rich mines known as San Francisco del Ramillo, San Jose, El
Cascajal, La Cocinera, Santa Catarina, La Angelica, La Compania
and the Sacramento. All of the above mentioned mines produced
ores very rich in metal, but also were abandoned in those days on
account of the rebelliousness of the ore, but no doubt that
they could with improved American machinery be worked profit
ably. At the foot of the mountain is situated a mine known as
San Juan Stanislao, it was discovered in the year 1648, and it
produced a great bonanza in 1650. Its ores rendered $80.00
per carga of 300 pounds when smelted. Adjoining this mine
are those of Jesus, Promontorio San Juan de Encino, Marquesote,
El Muerto, La Cruz, La Manavilla. On the south slope of said
mountain the following mines are also found : that of San Rafael,
which was discovered in 1627, and denominated as Santo Domingo,
it produced immense wealth ; also those of San Vicente, La Encar
nacion, San Jos6, La Conception, El Carmen, Guadaloupe, and San
Miguel el Gato. In all of the above mentioned mines are found ores
that do not average less than $24.00 per carga of 300 pounds. They
have the great disadvantage of becoming inundated when worked
at a small depth. No doubt that they could be drained and work
ed with great profit.
Good quicksilver mines were also worked in this district until
the year 1853, when this metal was abundantly produced by the
new Almaden California mines.
HISTORICAL NOTICE OF THE MINING DISTRICT OF CHARCAS.
The town was founded in the year 1 574 by Don Juan de Onate
Moctezuma, great-grandson of the emperor of the same name. It

128
was burned by the wild Indians in 1 583, and was removed to the
present site. It is now situated about four leagues west of the old
town. In the year 1574, the mines of San Cristobal, situated about a
league south of the old town, were discovered. Their ores were easily
reduced by smelting. These mines were abandoned soon after their
discovery, on account of becoming inundated. In 1 583, at the
time that the town was removed to its present site, other valuable
mines were discovered in the neighborhood. Large quantities of
metal were taken from them — mostly argentiferous lead. In the
year 1600, the mines of San Carlos, El Sabino, Preasitas, Verganza,
Sierpe, Coronado, and San Pedro were discovered. Out of the
above mentioned mines belonging then to the jurisdiction of Char
cas only two were worked on a large scale — those of San Carlos
and Sabino, the incursions of the Indians were a great drawback
to their working.

MINING DISTRICT OF RAMOS.
It appears that the mines of Ramos were first worked about
the year 1608, but were abandoned on account of a great Indian in
vasion of the country between the years 1636 and 1640, and were not
reopened until the year 1796, when the rich mine of Cocinera was
discovered, together with nine other mines situated on the same
vein ; they were also abandoned, though paying well, on account
of being inundated. The principal mines of the district were those
of La Cocinera, San Juan, San Jose, San Vicente, Animas, Aura,
Valenciana, San Geronimo, Cinco Senores, and San Nicolas. They
produce native silver, red and blue silver, pirites, galena, and rose-
color silver (Rosicler). The stream that floods these mines is
abundant, and they only can be drained properly with steam-
engines of great power.

MINING DISTRICT OF OJO CALIENTE.
In this district is situated the mountain of San Miguel, con
taining valuable quicksilver mines.
Santa Maria del Pefion Blanco is a great salt mine, so rich

129
that the crown of Spain reserved it as a crown property. In 1868,
it was the property of Don Joaquin Erraza.
The mines of La Nevada discovered in 1858. San Pedro, La
Pastora, and La Ventura are situated on lands belonging to the
estate of El Salado.
In the district of San Luis, the mountain of San Pedro and
Bernalejo, 8 mines are actually worked and 66 are idle ; in the dis
trict of Catorce, 65 mines are worked and 26 are idle ; in the district
of Charcas and Sabino, 8 mines are worked and 16 are idle ; in the
district of Penon Blanco and Ramos there are 23 mines lying idle ;
in the district of Guadacalzar, 18 mines are worked and 99 are idle
— making a total, in the State of San Luis Potosi, of 90 mines
worked, and 231 lying at present idle or abandoned.

THE STATE OF SINALOA.

The mines of this State contain gold, silver, copper and lead.
The richest are its gold mines, viz. :
Bacuvirito.Chamelta, in the jurisdiction of Rosario.
Charcas, in the jurisdiction of Rosario.
Cosala. Culiacan, capital of the State, situated 60 miles from the Gulf
of California, on the River of Culiacan.
Frailes.Guadaloupe de las Abas.
Noxotal.
Palo Blanco.
Panuco.Sivirijoa. Tacupeto.
Todos Santos.

130
There is in this State 47 mineral districts containing 406 mines,
30 gold placers, 9 salt mines, and 52 smelting works. (The limita
tion of this work does not permit us to give all the names of the
different mines.)

J

THE STATE OF SONORA.

The State of Sonora has always been considered one of the
richest in minerals of the Republic of Mexico.
Immense masses of virgin iron are found in large veins in the
Sierra Madre mountains and in the vicinity of the Colorado River.
The mountain of Antunez, between the Sonora and Horcasitas
rivers, north-east of the city of Aripe, and principally the Cananea,
are renowned for the great quantity of copper they contain, which
is of very good quality, and yields a large percentage of gold.
Lead ore containing silver abounds in Aguacaliente, Alamo,
Papagueria, Aripe and Cieneguilla.
Sulphur of iron is found in abundance at San Xavier, San An
tonio, La Huerta, Cieneguilla and Aguacaliente.
Silver is found in paying quantities in the districts of Topago,
Saguaripa and Alamos. Among the most noted gold placers are
the following : San Idelfonso, La Cieneguilla, San Francisco, Quito-
vac, San Antonio, Sonoita, El Zoni, La Basura, San Perfecto, Las
Palomas, El Alamo, El Muerto, and El Vado Seco, that have in
former years produced immense wealth. In Cieneguilla and vicinity
pieces of gold have been found weighing from one to twenty-seven
marcs. According to the latest statistics the mineral productions of
Sonora can be classified as follows :
In the district of Hermosillo — silver, gold, lead, copper, salt,
alum, and marble.

131
In the district of Guayamas — gold, silver, copper, salt, lead,
alum, iron, sulphur, and marble.
In the district of Ures — gold, silver, tin, iron, lime, gypsum,
rock salt, precious stones, and topaz.
In the district of Aripe — gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, tin,
nitrate of potassium, rock salt, and marble.
In the district of Alamos — gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, anti
mony, sulphur, salt, and marble.
In the district of Altar — gold, silver, copper, iron, salt, sulphur,
carbonate of soda, and marble.
In the district of Saguaripa — gold, silver, copper, lead, iron,
tin, alum, and antimony.
In the district of Magdalena — gold, silver, iron, copper, lime,
gypsum, nitrate of potassium, and carbonate of soda.
In the district of Oposura — gold, silver, copper, lead, nitrate of
potassium, carbonate of soda, lime, gypsum, and marble.
There are thirty-four mineral districts in the State, in which
a great number of mines were abandoned for the want of security,
as well as of labor and capital, but not on account of the low
grade or lack of abundance of the ores.
In the mining district of Alamos, the mines of Alamos produced
in gold and silver, $146,236.61 ; the mines of Promontorios,
$61,128.92; the mines of Adriana, $37,415.34; the mines of Minas
Viejas, $6,027.94, during the last six months from July to De
cember of 1880.

STATEMENT SHOWING THE MINES ACTUALLY WORKED IN THE DISTRICT OF MAGDALENA.

Gold Mines.

Number of mines
in each District. Names of mines.
Locality.
Hacienda or Rancho.
In what Municipality
situated.
I
San Francisco.
Schuaral.
Jojaba.
Magdalena.
2
Ventana.
Ventana.
Ventana.
"
3
Jesus Maria del Otate.
El Otate.
El Otate.
Santa Ana.
4
Miguelito.
El Aguaje.
Aguaje.
u
5
Tularcito.
Tularcito.
Tularcito.
Terrenate.
6
Guacomoa.
Guacomoa.
Guacomoa.
ii
7
Candelaria.
Candelaria.
Cocospera.
Imuris.
8
Salazarena.
Aguacaliente.
Planchas Plata.
ii
9
Buenavista.
Cerro Santo Domingo.
Santo Domingo.
Cucurpe.
io
Calera.
Cerro de la Prieta.
Silver Mines.
La Calera.
i
Santa Maria.
Cerro Verdosa.
Cuevitas.
Magdalena.
2
Soledad.
Cerro de Enfrente.
R. Monreales.
Santa Ana.
3
Santa Barbara.
Cerro Corral Viejo.
Corral Viejo.
"
4
Pima.
Cerro de la Pefia.
La Pima.
5
La Purisima.
Los Cantiles.
Planchas Plata.
'
6
El Carmen.
Cordon Planchas.
"
Imuris.
7
La Dura.
"
"
"
Silver Mines (continued).

Number of mines
in each District. Names of mines.
8 Santa Teresa.

Locality.
Cerro de Planchas.

Hacienda or Rancho.
Planchas Plata.

In what Municipality
situated.
Imuris.

9

Serfiena.

Cordon Serna.

"

io

Sin Nombre.

Cerro Sin Nombre.

'

n12
'3

La Mejia.
La Linea.
<Mina del Hilo.

Cerro de Mejia.
Cerro de Pajarito.
Cerro del Hilo.

•

'4

Monumento.

Sierra Atascosa.

1
'5
Esmeralda.
Cerro Grande.
•
16
La Verde.
Cerro Verde.
'
17
Mina Pobre.
El Picacho.
"
iS'9
Santa Gertrudes.
Trinidad.
El Cajon.
Santa Teresa.
Cucurpe. i<
20
La Prieta.
Cerro de la Prieta.
Silver and Gold Mine.
Agua Prieta.
I
Jojaba.
Cerro de la Jojaba.
La Jojaba.
Magdalena.
DISTRICT OF MOCTEZUMA.
Twenty-seven mines are worked in this district — two are idle and nine are held by parties who only
work them enough to keep up their rights to the same. They are the following :
Mining district of Lampasas — La Grande, El Arroyo, San Antonio, San Juan, Animas, Los Tajos ; all
silver mines.
134
Mining district of San Bautista de Sonora — Santa Ana, El
Rosano, and San Francisco, silver mines, and Cata de Agua, a
copper mine.
Mining district of Nocosari — La Cobriza, San Pedro, El
Rosario, El Barrigon, all silver mines.
Mining district of San Miguel — San Miguel and El Huacal,
silver mines.
Mining district of Toriquipa — Toriquipa and Santa Genoveva,
silver mines.
Mining district of Valenzuela — Valenzuela and San Ignacio.
Mining district of Tobacachi — Tobacachi, San Pedro, and La
Prieta. Mining district of San Miguel — Daguiro, Chumbarri, and
Guadaloupe. Mining district of Promontorios — Promontorios.
DISTICT OF ALTAR.
The Rosena mine, in the mining district of El Ploma; within
the twenty border leagues on the frontier of Arizona. The lead
runs from east to west, is 75 centimetres wide, and its inclination is
400. It produces gold and bronze silver.
La Descubridera mine, is situated also within the twenty border
leagues. The lead runs from north to south, its width varies from
28 centimetres to I metre 12 centimetres, and its inclination is 200-
It produces gold, silver and lead — $16.00, gold ; $82.00, silver,
and 72 per cent, of lead to the ton.
The mine of Cerro del Oro, in the mining district of San An
tonio, situated as the above. The lead runs from east to west, its
width varies from two to two and a-half metres, and its inclination
is 350 It produces $26.00, gold ; $56.00, silver, and 70 per cent.
of lead per ton.
The Mina Vieja de Oro, in the mining district of San Antonio.
The lead runs from east to west. It produces gold about $40.00 to
the ton. The lead is 74 centimetres wide, with an inclination of 500,
The mine of Rebosadero, also in the, mining district of San
Antonio. The lead runs from south-east to north-west, with a width
varying from 56 centimetres to one metre and 40 centimetres, with
an inclination of 205. Its produce average $15.00 to the ton.
The Cobrisa mine, also in the same mining district. The course

135
of its lead is east and west ; its width one metre, with an inclina
tion of 350. It produces gold averaging $25.00 to the ton of ore.
La Providencia mine, in the same mining district. The course
of its lead is north and south ; its width averages a metre, with an
inclination of 35°. It produces gold, silver, copper and lead;
yielding $8.00, gold ; $40.00, silver ; $20.00, copper, and $2.00 of
lead per ton of ore. All these metals are smelted at the works
established in said mining district.
Mine of Rosario, in the mining district of Sonoita. Its lead
runs from south to north ; being 56 centimetres in width, which
sometimes reaches 1 metre 25 centimetres. It produces silver
averaging $180.00 to the ton.
Mine of San Francisco, in the mining district of the same name.
The course of its lead is from south to north, with a width varying
from 28 to 84 centimetres ; its inclination is 550. It produces gold
averaging $40.00 to the ton.
Mine of Rosales, in the mining district of San Antonio. Its
lead runs from south to north, with a width varying from 28 centi
metres to one metre ; its inclination is 350. It produces gold aver
aging $30.00 to the ton.
Mine of San Francisco, in the mining district of El Corazon.
Course of lead, from south to north ; width, two and a-half metres ;
inclination, 65°. It produces gold and silver ores averaging $20.00,
gold, and 56.00, silver, per ton.
The Mine Grande, in the mining district of Juares. Its vein
runs from south-east to north-west, with a width that varies from 84
centimetres to 3 metres, 36 centimetres, with an inclination 350
It produces gold and silver averaging $50.00, gold, and $15.00, sil
ver, per ton.
The Mina Juares, in the mining district of the same name. The
course of its lead is from south-east to north-west, with a width
varying from 84 centimetres to 1 metre 68 centimetres ; with an
inclination of 650. It produces silver ore averaging $30.00 to
the ton. The mine of San Felix is also situated in the mining district of
Juares, near the coast, 56 leagues from the frontier. The course of
its lead is from north to south ; its width varying from 56 centi
metres to 1 metre 68 centimetres ; its inclination is 1 50. It pro
duces silver ores yielding from $35.00 to $200.00 per ton.

136
Total number of mines worked at present in the district of
Altar : No. i
i
12
IN THE DISTRICT OF ARISPE.

Mining District.
Plomo,
San Antonio,
Sonoita,

No.

Mining District.

2

Corzon, .

6

Juares,

2

In all,

The mine of San Fernando is situated five kilometres west of
the village of Sinoguipe. The course of its lead is from east to west ;
its width, two metres, and its inclination, 75". It produces silver
ores averaging $80.00 per ton. Its ores are worked by the Lixivia-
tion process.The mine of Santa Elena, situated six kilometres west of the
village of Banamichi. The course of its lead is from east to west,
with a width varying from 50 centimetres to two and a-half metres,
and sometimes five metres. It produces gold and silver. Its ores
average $25.00 per ton — four parts gold and one of silver.

THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS.
The mines of this State are not worked for want of capital, and
on account of the indifference which the inhabitants show to the
development of that branch of industry ; notwithstanding this, the
few persons engaged in mining in this State during the five years
elapsing between 1844 and 1848, took out of them 7,680 marcs of
silver, valued at $61,440.
There are six mining districts in this State which are known
under the following names, viz. : San Nicolas, San Jos£, Busta-
mente, El Zique, La Miquihuana and Villagran.
San Nicolas has twenty-five abandoned mines, known as San
Nicolas, Santa Salom£, Remedios, San Gayetano, Santa Gidirina,
Santa Gertrudes, Espiritu Santo, Animas, Soledad, San Augustin,
La Mejora, Toyagua, Pilar, San Jose, San Roman, La Cruz, La
Estaca, San Miguel, Dolores, La Luz, EI Teniente, La Corrolefia,
La Mexicana, Las Hormigas and the Tres Candelarias ; four are

187
now worked, which are those of La Trinidad, Providencia, Pastores
and Colorada. The ore of these mines is extracted by men known in Mexico
as " buscones " or searchers, who then sell it to the smelters.
The Miquihuana district has four abandoned mines known as
Mina Verde, a copper mine ; and San Cajetano, Refugio and Pro-
montorio, silver mines.
The mine of El Zigiie or La Muralla contains lead and silver;
the depth of its shaft is 138 feet. Alabaster also abounds in these
mines. The mining district of Bustamente, originally known as Infantes,
has twelve abandoned mines, known as Santa Ana, Cinco Senores,
Guadaloupe, San Rafael, Nuestra Sefiora del Refugio, San Simon
and Judas, San Cayetano and Promontorio, all silver mines ; Mina
Verde, of copper, and La Ascencion, Dulce Nombre de Maria,
Santo Nino de Atocha, lead mines. Judging from the duties that
these mines paid to the Spanish crown, they must have been very rich.
The mining district of Villagran, known when first discovered
as Real de Borbon, contains gold and silver mines, which have been
abandoned many years ago. In the stretch of country situated be
tween the towns of San Carlos, Morelos, Guerrero and Camargo,
are found copper ore, and in the vicinity of the two latter places,
coal mines ; about Guerrero, red ochre and red lead.
In the vicinity of Ornillas, alabaster of fine quality is found.
About Santa Ana of Tamaulipas, a fine quality of jasper marble
abounds. In the vicinity of Aldama, silver, copper and iron ores are
found ; also good slate quarries.
In the vicinity of Victoria, iron ore of good quality is found.

THE STATE OF ZACATECAS.
This State is considered as the first in the Republic of Mexico
for its mineral productions. It would take a volume to attempt to
describe its mineral wealth. Below we give the names of some of
its most important mineral districts.

Names of Mining Districts.
Quebradilla.

STATEMENT OF DISTRICTS ACTUALLY EXPLORED.
Names of its mines.
Quebradilla, Buena Vista.

El Piquete, La Acacia, Negociacion, Euterpe.

Mining District of
San Marcos.
Barones. Cinco Sefiores.
El Loco.
La Reforma.
El Bote.
San Rafael.
Purisima de Napoles.
Veta Grande.
Purisima Conception.
Zapopan.La Luz.
Hercules.Bilbao.
Nueva Gallega.

Class of metals.
Sulphur, sulphurate of silver in
many varieties.
Silver, argentiferous Galena,
pyrites of iron, quartz, &c.

Metals the same as Quebradilla.
Ordinary.

Veta Grande.
Carniceria, San Marcos, La Union.
San Jos£ de Garcia and San Pablo.
Cinco Sefiores, San Carlos. Jesus Maria and Rosario. Green silver
Tunel of El Refugio and annex. Low grade ores.
La Reforma. y/^ marcs to the carga,
The mines of Cerro del Bote, Clerigosand Caly Canto. Sulphur of silver.
San Rafael, San Bartolo, Bolsas, La Purisima, San Ordinary.
Pascual, San Vicente, La Aurora and La Paz.
Purisima de Napoles. Ordinary.

Purisima Concepcion and Sirena.
Zapopan, La Verde and Los Colorados.
La Luz and Santa Rita.
La Soledad, San Jose and La Chica.
Bilbao, Esmeralda, Salto, Los Lirios and Talisman.
Guarda Raya, La Vista, Porvenir, San Antonio and
Quiote.

Ordinary.Bronze metal.
Not productive.
Ordinary 3 marcs per carga.
Low grades.

Names of Mining Districts.
La Asturiana.
Euterpe.Mines of Veta Grande.

El Refugio.
San Acacio.
Panuco.
Consuelo.Providencia de Panuco.
Santa Rosa.
Moscosa.Santa Teresa.
Bilbao. Gloria.

Names of its Mines.
Asturiana, Nueva Granada, Taso, San
and Sta. Teresa.
5 mines located upon a vein one metre wide.
Cata de Juanes, Gallega, San Francisco, San Borja,
Uriata, Macias, Proano, Purisima, La Flor, Tiro
General, Tiro Nuevo, Alvarada, Soledad, and
Carolina.
El Refugio, San Nicolas and la Ascencion.
San Acacio and annex.
Consuelo and tunnel of San Pedro.
Providencia, El Angel, La Victoria and Purisima,
Santa Rosa.
Moscosa.
Santa Teresa.
Bilbao. Gloria.

Class of metals.
Tiburcio Black bronzed ores.

Sulphur of silver, irregular.
Ordinary.
Sulphurate of silver.
Red ores.
Sulphur of silver.
Ordinary.Lead silver.

MINING DISTRICTS ACTUALLY PARALYZED.

Names of Mining Districts-.
Malanoche.

San Martin.
La Filarmonia.
San Rafael. Veta Grande.
Purisima Concepcion.
La Soledad.
Guarda Raya.
El Refugio.

La Frontera. Panuco.
San Pablo.
La Purisima.
Las Vueltas.

Cause of Abandonment,
Grade of ores too low ; in the
plan of San Amador, rich
ores were found, but had to
be abandoned on account of
the great flow of water.
Cost that would require a new
shaft.
Want of capital.
Grade of ores too low.

Names of Mines.

Class of Ores.

Abundance of water.
Want of capital.
Unproductive.

Want of capital.

San Clemente, San Antonio, Bronzed metal.
Rondarena, San Nicolas, Lo-
reto, La Luz, La Borrega,
Coyotal.

La Filarmonia.
San Vicente, Santa Ana, San
Gregorio, and San Pablo.

Purisima Concepcion.
La Soledad.
Guarda Raya and Lavista.
Revolution, San Pascual, San Ordinary.
Antonio, San Pedro, and San
Buena Ventura.
La Frontera.

1 5 ounces to the carga.
3 marcs per carga.

San Pablo.
La Purisima,
Las Vueltas.

Not known.

Sulphur of silver.

MINING DISTRICTS ACTUALLY PARALYZED (Continued),

Names of Mining Districts.
Catillas,Carolina, Consuelo, San Jos£ de Garcia,
Los Tajos,
Noche Buena,
San Antonio,
El Descubrimiento,
Santa Elena,
Limoneilla,

Cause of Abandonment.
Want of Capital.

Names of Mines.
Catillas.Carolina.
Consuelo. San Josd de Garcia.
Los Tajos.
Noche Buena.
San Antonio.
El Descubrimiento.
Santa Elena.
Limoneilla.

142
MINING DISTRICT OF FRESNILLO.
This mining district is next in importance to that of Veta
Grande, in the State of Zacatecas. The Cerro of Proano, which is
the principal mining point, is worked since the eighteenth century ;
it is located south of the city of Fresnillo, and is about 850 metres
long and 650 wide, and only 100 metres above the surrounding
country, which is 2,368 metres above the sea. This little hill con
tains within its bosom more than 100 metallic veins ; some of
them have been worked to a considerable depth. In the same
plain, at a distance of about two leagues from Fresnillo, are situ
ated the hills of Animas, San Demetreo, and Bueno Aires, in
which are found the mines of Plataros.
The principal mines of Proano are the following: Betena,
Barranco, Obscura, Epasote, Salcedo, Colorado, Santo Domingo,
Valdenegros, Barbosa, San Pedro, Valencia, Plateritos, San Nicolas,
Espiritu Santo, Rosario, Amarilla, Tiro Nuevo, and Santa Ifigenia.
MINING DISTRICT OF SOMBRERETE.
This rich mining district was discovered by Juan de Tolsa in
1555. It has had its ups and downs, having been in bonanzas
several times.
Until 1792 the rich products of the mines of Veta Negra and
Pabellon gave the mining district great renown, placing it among
the first in Mexico.
Sombrerete is situated in a Canada near the boundary of the
State, on the road to Durango, 36 leagues northwest of the City of
Zacatecas, at an elevation of 2,369 metres above the level of the sea,
and comprises the following mining districts : Sombrerete and La
Noria, El Chacuaco, Chapultepec, Minollas, Chalchiquihuite, El
Manto and Colorado.
In the conical hill del Pabellon, which rises above the plain
north of Sombrerete, in a southeast to northwest direction, almost
in a parallel line, are found the veins of El Pabellon and Veta
Negra. Many mines, mostly abandoned, have been opened, and
from them gold, silver, lead, copper and iron have been ex
tracted, besides many other substances such as sulphur, antimony,

143
arsenic and copperas, whose combination have presented to the
miner great difficulties for the extraction of silver. The principal
cause of abandonment of these mines has been the difficulties
encountered to work their ores. The principal mines situated on
the vein of Pabellon which has an extension of three kilometres are
the following : La Concordia, Aranzaza, Arrete, Santa Gertrude,
La Cruz, El Carmen, El Oriste, San Juan Bautista, Soledad, San
Nicolas del Arroyo, Tiro General de San Francisco, San Nicolas de
la Cruz, La Esperanza, Quebradilla, Santo Catuna, Refugio, San
Amaro, Santo Domingo, La Joya, Cata Rica, Cruz de Moros, San
Jos6 de la Llanada.
The temperature at Sombrerete averages i8° to 20'. Six mines
are actually worked (1881) and seventy-seven are abandoned.
These mines produce gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, tin and
copperas. MINING DISTRICT OF CHALCHIHUITES.
This mining district was also discovered by Juan de Tolsa,
about the same time as that of Sombrerete. It is situated south,
eight and a-half leagues from the latter mining district. It
contains numerous mines of lead silver, which metal is easily
smelted. Its mines are the following :
Working — Arellana, Santa Teresa, La Purisima, La Trinidad,
Las Canoas, Chuza, Sangre de Cristo.
Worked by searchers (buscones) — Santa Eduwigis, San Pedro,
El Manzanillal, La Vidriosa, San Francisco el Duro, San Francisco
el Blando, Candelaria, Manto, Guadaloupe, Tajos de los Marciales,
Colorado, Santo Domingo, Todos Santos, San Antonio, El Capu-
lines, Guantes.
The ores of the above mines are worked in seven smelting
works, and three patio or cold amalgamation works, all located
within the mining district.
MINING DISTRICT OF NIEVES.
This old mining district and town, seat of the same, is situ
ated 45 leagues northwest of Zacatecas, at the foot of a range of
mountains running from south to north, whose principal peaks are

144
those of El Calvario, Las Cabras, Colorado. This range of moun
tains is situated on the same plain, south of which extend the
mineral lands of this district and comprises the veins of Potrero, El
Tapon, El Rosario and Santa Rita, all running from east to west.
The following mines are situated in this district, but it is not
known whether they are at present (1882) in operation, viz.:
Santa Rita, Guadaloupe, San Francisco, El Cristo, EI Patrocinio,
Seriollaga, San Jose, San Nicolas, San Joaquin, San Antonio,
Dolores, La Cruz, San Pedro, San Cayetano, Collachi, Guadaloupe,
Marquito, San Antonio, Tiburona, Dolores and San Joaquin
MINING DISTRICT OF SAN MIGUEL DEL MEZQUITAL.
This mining district is situated 59 leagues N. W. of the city of
Zacatecas. Its mines are those of San Jos£, Santa Catarina, Tajo de
Berun, La Bejarena, El Pabellon, Las Navajas, Animas, Guada
loupe, Pozo de Santa Ana, La Blanca, Tiro del Calvario, El Guije
La Prieta, El Burro, El Corral, Tapetes.
There is no definite information as to which of the above
mines are at present worked or abandoned.
MINING DISTRICT OF MAZAPIL.
In the northeast portion of the State of Zacatecas, which ad
joins Coahuila, and at a distance of 70 leagues from the capital, rise
several chains of mountains which are considered of great impor
tance, on account of the large number of metallic veins that they
contain, whose ores can easily be worked at but little expense. The
principal chains are the following : Mazapil in the center of this
group of mountains ; those of Zuloaga, Pozo, Guadaloupe, Potrero
and others that unite on the south with those of Piquita and Sierra
Hermosa. In the above mentioned group of mountains are found
old mining districts which have produced immense wealth. Such
are Mazapil, Albarradon and Bonanza, in the northeast ; Cedros
in the west, Concepcion del Oro in the east, and El Rosario
in the southeast. Besides the cordilleras or chains of mountains
above mentioned, others are found more distant from Mazapil ;

145
west of that of Novillos, and actually known and worked as the
mine of Pico de Teyra.
The section of country above referred to was inhabited by the
Chichimec Indians until the latter part of the XVI century, at which
time it was occupied by the conquerors. In 1612 Mazapil was made
an Alcaldia Mayor and in 1786 was created a district of the pro
vince of Zacatecas with the boundaries which it has retained to this
day. In the district of Concepcion del Oro are two very rich mines,
those of San Jose1 and Santa Eduwigis, producing gold and silver
ores easily worked.
It is generally known that these mines produce silver, copper,
lead and gold : the principal of these are : Animas del Norte,
Malcriado ; La Cruz, San Pedro, El Abra, Aranzaza, San Antonio,
El Placer, Albaradon, San Gregorio, Cuevas, Purisima, Catasillas,
Alicante, La Cata Oportuna in Cedros, El Potrero. And in the
district of Concepcion del Oro, San Jos^ and Santa Eduwigis.
MINING DISTRICT OF PINOS.
About 30 leagues east of the city of Zacatecas is found the
mining district of Pinos. Its principal mines are : Cata Nava,
San Rafael, Aposentillo, Carmen, Santa Gertrudis, Quebradilla,
Mina Grande, Santo Nino, Cara de Pcrro, Animas, Don Julian, Do
lores, Cinco Sefiores, Ave Maria, Almirante, Sapo Pinto, San Igna
cio, Santa Brijida, Santa Anita, Sacramento, Purisima, Reyes, Za
catecas, San Matias, Aflijidos, San Miguel, Santiago, Restaurado-
ra, Valenciana, Cueva Santa, San Bias, Coyotes, San Antonio, Gua-
lupito, Tinajas, Mala Noche, Cucurrasola, Popula, Gloria, Gongora,
Campana, Tepozan, San Pedro, Mina Blanca, Concepcion del Oro, a
very rich gold district, Guadaloupe, Tunel of El Oro, Santa Marga
rita, San Luisito, San Felix, Patrocinio, Lobena, Doncellas, San Ni
colas, Bernalejo, Trinidad, EI Escarbadero, Estafio, Sacramento de
Cascarona, San Francisco, Merced, Derrumbadero, de Ahualula, La
Garriga, Maravilla, Refugio, Esperanza del Picacho, Guadaloupe
de Agostadero, La Providencia, La Luz, Ahualulco, Capulin, Pefia
del Colorado, Jocoqui, San Miguel de Agostadero, Maravillas de
Agua Gorda, Los Narcisos, Purisima de Ahualulco, San Jose, Co-
llazo, Angostura, San Pedro and San Pablo, San Juan, Santa Rosa
de Ahualulco, Candelaria.

146
MINING DISTRICT OF NOVIA DE ANGELES.
This mining district is situated 22 leagues east-south-east from
the city of Zacatecas and 1 2 leagues west of the Town of Pinos.
Its principal mines are : Santo Cristo, San Antonio, Cata Rica,
San Juan, El Nifio, San Jos6, Mina Grande, Aurora, Purisima,
Jesus Maria, Mantos, Belen, Atanasia, San Francisco, Guadaloupe,
San Antonio, La Cumbre, Dolores ; all situated in the Cerro de los
Angeles. MINING DISTRICT OF MEZQUITAL DEL ORO.
The only information we have of this old mining district is that
it is situated 18 leagues south-west of the town of Tuchipila, founded
in 1732, about the time a rich gold vein was discovered. Its owners
obtained very profitable results up to the year 1741. The bonanza
having given out, the inhabitants dedicated themselves to the
pursuit of agriculture. THE STATE OF CHIAPAS.
No mines appear to be worked at present, although several sil
ver mines were worked to advantage in olden times. Trementon,
native load stone (magnet) is found ; also sulphur in the vicinity of
the town of San Bartolom6 and in several springs situated in the
southern portion of the State. In the neighborhood of the capital
of the State, San Cristoval, lead and iron ores are found ; also
a sort of transparent fossil formation called in Spanish talco.
IN THE STATE OF COLIMA.
The :i 'ining District of Tuliapan.
THE STATE OF VERA CRUZ.
Somelahuacan, a rich copper mine.
THE STATE OF YUCATAN.
This State has never been well explored, but it is known that
gypsum and a great variety of marbles are found in quantities.

147
THE TERRITORY OF LOWER CALIFORNIA.
This vast territory is rich in minerals as are also some of the
islands situated along its coasts.
In the municipality of La Paz are 3 gold, 7 silver, 1 diamond
and 2 copper mines.
In the municipality of San Antonio are 16 gold mines, 3 gold
placers, 42 silver mines, 3 of copper, 1 of lead, and 2 of lime.
In the municipality of Todos Santos are I .silver, 1 copper and
1 lime mine.
In the municipality of Santiago are 3 gold, 8 silver, 2 copper, 2
gypsum, 1 stone coal, 1 lime, and 3 sulphur mines.
In the municipality of San Jos6 del Cabo are found 1 silver mine
and two other mines whose mineral products are not given.
In the municipality of Muleg6 there are 5 silver, 28 coppe^
1 lead, 2 marble, 3 gypsum, 1 sulphate of lime, and seven more mines
whose products are not specified.
In the municipality of Comondu are 2 gold mines, 3 silver, 14
copper, 1 of gypsum, I of lime and 17 whose products are not
specified. In the municipality of Santo Tomas are 2 sulphur, 1 salt-peter,
1 fine quarry, 1 gold and 3 other mines whose products are not
specified. The following are the mines actually worked in the mining dis
trict of Santa Agueda in the municipality of Mulege : Esperanza,
Santa Rosalia, Fortuna, Reforma, Lucifer, Soledad, Providencia, A,
Humboldt, Los Angeles, Nochebuena, San Juan, F6, Gloria, Igual-
dad, Santa Rita, Titulo Octavo, Caridad, Ley, Libertad, Purisima,
San Francisco, Purgatorio, Republicana, Porvenir, Abundancia and
Hallazgo. In old times Lower California was celebrated for its pearl
fisheries, but it would take a whole volume to describe the placers
and pearl fisheries of the territory. One pearl was sent to King
Philip the Second that weighed 250 quilates and was estimated to
be worth $150,000. STONE-COAL.
Coal of good quality is known to exist in the following localities
which will some day, when reached by railroads, prove a great

148
source ot wealth and will materially aid in developing the industries
of the country, viz.:
The Cerro del Ocre, State of Puebla.
Rancho del Tiber, Zacatula.
Tantoyuquita, State of Tamaulipas.
Tezontla. Hacienda de la Imagen.
Cerro de Chimatitlan, near Tepic, in the State of Jalisco
Laguna de Enmedio, Tetipac.
Patatlan, Galeana.
South of the City of Culiacan, in the State of Sinaloa.
Tancauhuitz, State of Tamaulipas, near the port of Tampico.
Chilpancingo, in the State of Guerrero.
Santa Marta, Tepehi de la Seda.
Tlalnepantla, near the City of Mexico, State of Mexico.
Huehuetlan. Orizava, State of Vera Cruz.
Ixhuatlan, Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Espinal, State of Vera Cruz.
Juchi, near Chalco Valley of Mexico.
Rancho de Copula, Teziutlan.
Zomelehuacan, Zacapoaxtla.
On the Panuco River, State of Tamaulipas.
In the Sierra Madre mountains, in the State of Nuevo Leon,
and will probably be found in abundance in many other points of
the mountains which are to-day unknown.
PETROLEUM.
Petroleum has been found in the following localities and
neighborhoods, viz. :
Guadaloupe Hidalgo, Federal District of Mexico.
Puerto Angel, State of Oaxaca.
Pochutla, State of Oaxaca.
Cantarranas, near Huejutla.
Cerro del Ocre, State of Puebla.
Hacienda de Santa Ana, Tenancingo.
Tantoyuca.
San Pedro de las Vaquerias, near Atotonileo el grande.

149
De Moloacan a Tabasco, State of Tabasco.
Cerro Coapinoloaya.
Minatitlan. Rancho del Baldwin.
Hacienda de Almagres, Acayucan.
Sayula, Acayucan.
Tamapache, Tuxpan.
Huehuetlan.La Estrella, north of the City of Puebla.
Casa de Llora, west of the City of Puebla.
Tierras de San Antonio, north-west of the City of Puebla.
Niscomel el Grande, notth-west of the City of Puebla.
Rancho de Posadas, north-west of the City of Puebla.
San Francisco, north-west of the City of Puebla.
.San Fernando, Macuspana, State of Tabasco.
Mascalapa, State of Tabasco.
Near Lake Tigre, State of Tabasco.
Cerro del Espinal, near the river of the same name.
Chapopote, Aldama District.
Tomatitas, near Tuxpan.
Tranhuigo, near Tuxpan.
Rancho del Cura Osorio, near Tuxpan.
Rancho de Juan Felipe, near Tuxpan.
Rincon de las Minas, near Mapimi.
Ceroncitos, west of Aldama.
Casa de la Pila, to the left of road leading to Toluca.
In the neighborhood of Juchi District of Chalco, Valley of
Mexico. Mesa de San Diego, Huachinango, State of Vera Cruz.
Potrero de Otapa.
Jalapilla, near Papantla.
Rancho de Copula, State of Puebla.
Cerro de Zacapoaxtla, State of Puebla.
Macuipana, State of Tabasco.
El Limon, State of Tabasco.
Ixhuatlan, near Tehuantepec.
Paquatatempa, State of Puebla.
El Cedral, 2 wells, State of Vera Cruz,
El Jaguar, 6 wells, State of Vera Cruz.

150
El Espinal, State of Vera Cruz.
According to assays of Mexican petroleum, made by Doctor
Manfred, it is estimated that every three pounds of 16 ounces
or every 48 ounces, produces 44 ounces of oil, 2yi. ounces of water,
and 1 yi of coke.
The consumption of the Republic of Mexico amounts yearly to
more than half a million of dollars, and is daily increasing.
AMERICAN SILVER MINING IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO.
For centuries Chihuahua has ranked among the most famous
Mexican States for the production of silver ; but, for various reasons
useless to enumerate here, it was not until lately that the energies
of Americans have been directed to this rich region.
There are now in the State of Chihuahua, at work and organ
ized for work, no less than ten American companies owning and
controlling the richest and best mining property in the State. Nine
of them have been organized within the last fifteen months. A
brief mention of these is all that will be attempted at present.
THE SANTA EULALIA MINES.
The Santa Eulalia Mining Company owns the mines of Santa
Eulalia, sixteen miles from the City of Chihuahua.
Under Spanish rule these mines paid to the Catholic church a
tax on $111,000,000.
They are, without doubt, the most extensive deposit mines in
the world. Owing to a want of capital they are still being worked
by the ancient methods used by the Mexicans. The company pro
poses soon to tunnel the mountain, build a railroad twelve miles long
to the fork of the Sacramento and Chihuahua rivers, and there es
tablish large works for the reduction of ores by modern methods.
THE CUSIHUIRIACHIC MINES.
These mines were purchased last fall by a company from San
Francisco for the comparatively trifling sum of $500,000. These
mines are situated ninety miles south-west from the City of Chihua-

151
hua. The records do not show their former wealth, but it is
known to have been great. The veins are true fissures, containing
at the depth of 600 feet solid metal in some places fifteen feet
wide, averaging nearly $100.00 per ton. The ores are now being
reduced by the lixiviation process with excellent results.
SIERRA RICA MINES.
The Rich Mountain Mining Company, of New York, have pur
chased the Sierra Rica mines, located about thirty miles south of
Presidio del Norte, on the Rio Grande, for $1 50,000, and propose to
erect reduction works at the very earliest date.
THE CORRALITAS MINES.
The Corralitas mining Company, of New York, have purchased
the famous Corralitas mines, situated 200 miles north of the Chi
huahua, for the sum of $350,000, and will soon have their works in
operation at a cost of over $500,000, including the price of mines.
THE BATOPILAS MINES.
Are situated in the south-west part of the State, owned and
operated b,y Wells, Fargo & Co., they contain large deposits of
native silver and are enriching their owners. The record shows that
under Spanish rule they produced $400,000,000. Humboldt said
that their wealth was inexhaustible.
THE MINE OF LA GABILANA.
The Chihuahua Silver Mining Company, of Logansport, India
na, have secured the rich mine of La Gabilana, situated about eighty
miles south of the city of Chihuahua, and will establish their works
as soon as they can get their machinery on the grounds. These
truly famous mines were worked by the Jesuits until about the year
1687, at which time they were driven out of the country by the
Spanish Government, and owing to the fact that this section of Mexi
co was until within a very few years in possession of the Indians,
the mines have remained undeveloped until secured by the above
named company.

152
THE CONSOLIDATED MINES OF HIDALGO OR PARRAL.
The consolidated mines of Hidalgo or Parral, owned by the
Knott's Company, of Chicago, are situated iri the city of Hidal
go or Parral. Their record shows that they have produced
$60,000,000. They are true fissure veins, aggregating in length
three-fourths of a mile, with a width of from six to thirty feet. The
last six years' working by the Mexicans yielded over $900,000, the
ore averaging $81.00 per ton. These mines have been worked only
at a depth of little over 400 feet.
This company claims that they own a larger body of good
paying ore than any other company in the world.
The Philadelphia Mining Company have located their works
three miles west of El Parral or Hidalgo, on the Parral river, and
have secured several valuable mines in the immediate vicinity, and
improved the river, for the purpose of obtaining water-power for
their works. Their buildings are completed at a cost of about
$30,000, and when their entire works are fitted with machinery,
which will be at an early date, it will cost not less than $250,000.
THE MINE OF LA LUZ.
The Dry Mountain Silver Mining Company of Terre Haute,
Indiana, owns the mine of La Luz, situated four miles from Parral.
This is one of the best mines in the district of Parral. It is a
true fissure vein, nine feet in width, yielding from $20 to $100
per ton. The Company propose to secure good water-power which is
accessible to them, and establish large works for the reduction of
ores. Having no water to contend with, the cost of mining will
be comparatively small. LAS GIJAS MINES.
The Hidalgo Mining and Power Company, of Chicago, owns
the mine of Las Gijas, in the dry mountain, five miles west of Par
ral, which is celebrated for having at one time produced a large
pocket of native silver.
This company propose to establish works for the reduction of
the castaway ores of the Knott's Company, and do a general custom

153

business; they also propose to establish a foundry and machine
shop in Parral.

THE MINES OF EL DULCE NOMBRE, LA SANTA NlSfA AND
SAN JUAN.
The Chihuahua Silver Mining Company, organized at Logans-
port, State of Indiana, for the purpose of working the Gabilana
mines, situated in the Gabilana mountain, eighty miles from the City
of Chihuahua, in the canton of Victoria, State of Chihuahua. This
company owns three mines — that of El Dulce Nombre, La Santa
Nina, and San Juan. Each mine is half a mile in length by one
or to two hundred yards in width, and veins when opened are from
•six to fourteen feet in width.
The mines of this company are situated in the same range of
mountains as the famous Cusihuiriachic, Batopilas, and Morelos
mines, from which millions have been extracted. El Dulce Nombre
was worked by the Jesuits about the year 1787. Fine specimens
from these mines assayed by Don Manuel Merino, assayer of the
mint of Chihuahua, with the following result :
Specimen No. 1, assay in silver, . . . $112 00 per ton.
11 ii 2, " " . . 112 00 "
., 3 „ 380 Q3
" 4, " " ... 440 00 '
" " 5. " " ... 1,612 50

MINING IN NUEVO LEON.
THE ANGLO-TEXAS-MEXICAN MINING AND SMELTING CO.
Officers of the Company. — As we understand the matter, this
Company is incorporated and organized under the laws of Texas,
and with its headquarters in Houston, Harris Co., Texas, with the
following well known persons as officers :
A. C. Schryver, of San Antonio, President ; W. A. Taylor, of

154
Waco, Vice-President ; I. C. Stafford, of Houston, Treasurer ; A.
W. Guifford, of San Antonio, Secretary.
Prospectus of the Company and location of its works. — The
company's works and smelters are now located at the town Villal
dama, in the State of Nuevo Leon. It is a prosperous little city,
romantically situated at the foot of the mountains, on the bank of the
river of the same name, in the center of a rich mining country. It
has an industrious population of four thousand people, all Mexicans
favorably disposed toward Americans and American capital and
enterprise for the development of their mines. Its distance from La
redo, on the Rio Grande, is one hundred and thirty-five miles south
west ; from Monterey, the capital of the State, seventy-nine miles
north. The town was founded as a mining settlement in 1646, and
called Mineral de San Pedro Boca de Leones — meaning the mining
district of St. Peter of the Lion's Mouth. In April, 1826, its name'
was changed to San Pedro de Villaldama — St. Peter of Villaldama
— in honor of the Mexican patriot, Licenciado Don Ignacio Alda
ma, who was arrested at San Antonio, Tex., while on his way to
the United States as special envoy of the leader of the Mexican
revolutionist, Hidalgo, taken to Monclova, then the capital of Coa
huila, and shot by the Royalists, in July, 181 1.
Property of company. — This company now owns first-class ma
chinery for crushing and smelting forty tons of ore per day, consist
ing of two boilers, two engines, one roaster, three smelters, diamond
drill capacity three thousand feet, set of Howe scales, and saw mill
capacity of ten thousand feet of lumber per day, together with the
following mines : Chihuahua, with an inferior tunnel of five hundred
feet, and a well-defined vein of galena ore, running from three to nine
feet in width, and carrying from forty to sixty ounces of silver to the
ton. This mine was considered by the Spaniards as one of the best in
the district, and was abandoned after striking fifteen feet of water.
The company have machinery to take the water from this mine in
thirty days. — Coayache containing a valuable vein of earth ore, run
ning from one to three feet wide, which produces from two hundred
to three hundred and fifty ounces of silver to the ton. — To make this
mine valuable and profitable a tunnel from two hundred to five
hundred feet must be constructed lower down the mountain. More
no containing a rich vein of galena ore, carrying silver running from
one to three feet in width, producing from two hundred to three

155
hundred dollars silver to the ton. The Farandula was known by
the Spaniards as the richest mine in the district, but was abandoned
because of striking ore which they could not reduce by their crude
Mexican machinery. The works and machinery of the company
are especially adapted for working the ores of this mine and will
undoubtedly yield for them an immense bonanza.
The company has secured for the erection of their works all
the lands they needed from the municipality of Villaldama.
THE ROSARIO MINING COMPANY.
The Rosario Mining Company of the Republic of Mexico was
organized at Dallas, Texas, by Jules Randle, Esq., of Brenham,
with a capital stock of $2,640,000. The officers elected for the
present year are : John Martin, President ; Jules Schumacher,
Vice-president ; J. L. Leonard, Secretary and Treasurer ; S. O.
Heminway, General Superintendent, and Srs. Licenciado Ygnacio
Galindo, Federal Judge for the State of Nuevo Leon, Don Jos6
Maria Garza, Don Jos6 Maria Fernandez, of Mexico, Jules A. Ran
dle, S. J. Adams, John Martin, Jas. H. Britton, and Jules Schneider,
as Directors. This mine, which is situated within six or eight miles of the
flourishing town of Salinas Victoria, through which the Mexican
Railway from Laredo to Monterey will soon pass, was worked for
a period of 175 years, and only abandoned on account of Indian
incursions. Its ores are what is called low grade ores, but are said
to be abundant.
The men that are at the head of this company are a guarantee
of its success. They are all capitalists of high standing in Mexico
and Texas.

156

RAILROADS IN MEXICO.

LIST OF RAILROADS IN OPERATION DURING THE
YEAR 1880.
The Vera Cruz Railroad. — Some of the most important railroad
charters granted by the Mexican Government.-^- Tariff rates.
— Railroad connections with the United States. — Jay Gould's
south-west system. — The International and Great Northern,
and International and Interoceanic Railroad. — The New
York, Texas and Mexican Railroad, better known as Count
Telfener's road. — The Sunset Extension into Mexico, or Col.
Pierce <S-» Huntington's roads.
RAILROADS IN OPERATION IN 1880.

1. Mexican Railway,
2. From Jalapa to Coatepec,
3. " Esperanza to Tehuacan, ,
4. " Merida to Progreso,
5. " Vera Cruz to Medallin,
6. Ferrocaril de Hidalgo, .
7. " de Zacatecas,

kilometers.

Traction.

423,620

Steam.

126,000

Tramway.

50,000

"

32,000

Steam.

22,OCO

"

26,000

Tramway

6,500

11

157

Kilometers.

Traction.

8.

From Celaya to Leon, .

6o,OCO

Steam.

9-

" Cuantitlan to Salto, .

7L432

»

io.

" Morelos 

95,000

'•

n.

Tramways in the Federal District,

98,598

12.

Other cross branches,

16,428

13-14.
Other branches to the baths,
From Puebla to Cholula and Mata-
2,653
mores de Izucar, .
15,617
15-
From San Luis to Tampico, .
6,000
THE VERA CRUZ RAILROAD.
The Mexican Railway Company presented at the annual meet
ing of the shareholders, held in the City of London, England, on
the 29th of July, 1880, the following statement :
Receipts for 1876  . $2,175,000
" 1877  2,700,000
1878  2,895,000
1879, . . 3,512,000
" five months, 1880, . . . 1,512,000
Supposing that, for the remaining seven months of last year,
the returns have been in the same proportion, it will give for the
year 1880, $3,628,000, which is the largest amount that has been
received. The Vera Cruz Railway and Puebla branch are, together, 292
miles long. The cost of construction was, for various reasons,
excessive, yet its bonds and preferred stocks are at a premium on
the market.
TABLE SHOWING CONCESSIONS GRANTED BY THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT
FROM AUGUST, 1877, TO FEBRUARY 3d, l88l. Length in Kilometers Subsuh
Names of Railroads. To whom Granted. Date of Commission. Kilometers, completed, granted.
National R. R. from Tehuacan to la Espe
ranza. " General Governm't. Aug. 14th, 1877, 50 51
From Celaya to Leon and Guanajuato. Gov't of the State
of Guanajuato. Dec. 21st, 1877. 125 60 $8,000
Mexico, Toluca and Cuantitlan. Anon, company. Dec. 22d, 1877. 120 46,280 8,000
From Salamanca to the Pacific coast. State of Michoacan. Jan. 28th, 1878. 660 8,000
From Ometusco to Pachuca and Tulancingo. State of Hidalgo. Feb. 2d, 1878. 92 25 8,000
San Luis Potosi to Tantoyuquita. State of San Luis. Feb. 14th, 1878. 209 6 8,000
Lagos and Guadalajara to San Bias. State of Jalisco. Feb. 27th, 1878. 737 8,000
From Celaya to San Juan del Rio. State of Queretaro. Feb. 28th, 1878. 104 8,000
From Tehuacan, via Oaxaca, to Port Angel. State of Oaxaca. March 22d, 1878. 519 8,000
From Vera Cruz to Alvarado. State of Vera Cruz. March 25th, 1878. 132 9 8,000
From Tantoyuquita to the limit or boundary
line bet. Tamaulipas and S. Luis Potosi. State of Tamauli
pas. March 27th, 1878. 105 8,000
Central, International and Interoceanic. Company repre
sented by S. Ca-
macho and R.
Guzman. Sept. 8th, 1880. 913 Pac. 7,000
1043 Iron. 6,500

Names of Railroads.
From San Martin to the Hidalgo and Tlax
cala R. R.
Puebla to San Marcos.
From Merida to Kalkini and Celestum.
From Guayamas to the northern frontier.

From Patzcuaro to the Pacific.
From Toluca to the mines of Ixtapa del Oro.
Making a junction between the Morelos
and Mexican lines at a point between Te-
pexpan and Irolo.
Carboniferous district, from the Yaqui to
Morrito.
Merida to Valladolid.
Jalapa to Vera Cruz.
From Salto to Mazavatio, via Tepehi and
Jilotepec.
From San Luis Potosi to the Mex. Central,
in the State of Aguascalientes.
Station and town of Tlalmanalco.
From Merida to Petoria, Ticul and Tecax.

To whom Granted.

Date of Commission.

Length in

Kilometers Subsidy
completed, grantecl.

Kilometers.

State of Tlaxcala.

Sept. 14th, 1880.

65

8,000

State of Puebla.

Sept. 14th, 1880.

51

8,000

State of Yucatan.

Sept. 14th 1880.

142

8,000

Limited company

represented by S.
Camacho and D.
Ferguson.
Sept. 14th, 1880.
457
30 7,000
State of Michoacan
.Sept. 15th, 1880.
342
8,000
Josf; M. Amat.
no sub.
State of Morelos.
Nov. 27th, 1880.
6,500
Robert R. Syman.
Dec. 15th, 1880.
no sub-
Francisco Canton.
Dec. 15th, 1880.
160
6,000
Ramon Zangroniz.
Jan. 10th, 1881.
114
8,000
Pedro del Valle.
Jan. 19th, 1881.
8,000
State of San Luis Feb. 2d, 1881.
150
8,000
& Aguascalientes.
State of Mexico.
Feb. 3d, 1 88 1.
6,000
State of Yucatan.
March 28th, 1878,
126
10
Names of Railroads.
From Zacatecas to San Luis, Aguascaltien-
tes and Lagos.

From the port of Manzanillo to Tonela.
From Mexico to the bank of the Amacuzar.
Matamoros Izucar.
San Martin Texmelucan.
From Cuantitlan to Salto.
Tehuantepec. Matamoros to Monterey.
Mexico to Acapulco.
Chihuahua to the town of El Paso or Ojinaga.
Patzcuaro to Morelia and Salamanca.
From Culiacan to the port of Altata and
Durango.
Prom Anton Lizardo to Huatulco and Port
Angel.
From Jalapa to S. Andres Chalchicomula.
From San Augustin to Huehuetoca.

To whom Granted.
States of Zacatecas,
San Luis, Aguas
calientes and Ja
lisco.
State of Colima..
State of Morelos.
State of Puebla.
Gen. Government.
Toluca Company.
Edward Lamed.
S. of Tamaulipas.
State of Guerrero.
State of Chihuahua.
State of Michoacan

Lengthin Kilometers
Date of Concession. Kilometers, completed.

March 28th, 1878.
March 30th, 1878.
April 1 6th, 1878.
May 6th, 1878.
Nov. 14th, 1878.
April 2d, 1879.
June 2d, 1879.
June 7th, 1880.
June 7th, 1880.
June 9th, 1 880.
July 15th, 1880.

448 104
395 57 37
63
200
400 465 35° 169

State of Sinaloa. Aug. 16th, 1880. 440
State of Oaxaca. Aug. 25th, 1880. 450
States of Puebla and
Vera Cruz. Sept. 6th, 1880. 80
State of Hidalgo. Sept. 7th, 1880. 50

6yi 96 11 2
38 5

Subsidy
granted.

8,000
8,000 8,0008,0007,0007,500 8,000
8,000 8,0008,000

8,000 8,0008,000

161

SKETCH OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RAILROAD
CHARTERS GRANTED BY THE MEXICAN GOVERN
MENT TO AMERICAN COMPANIES.
Contract made between the Department of Public Works,
representing the Executive, and Messrs. Sebastian Camacho
and Ramon G. Guzman, representatives of the Mexican Central
Railway Company (limited), for a railroad to be constructed from
the City of Mexico to Leon, connecting with the City of Queretaro,
Celaya, Salamanca, Irapuato, Guanajualto and Silao ; from Leon,
connecting with Aguascalientes, Zacatecas and Chihuahua, and
from any convenient point between the cities of Mexico and Leon
to any port on the Pacific coast, and connecting en route with the
City of Guadalajara. This road is to be of standard gauge. The
charter extends during the period of ninety-nine years ; the Govern
ment having to pay, in this case, cash upon the valuation to be
made, as in other cases already stated, of all property of the com
pany except the road-bed and structures comprising it. If the Gov
ernment determine to sell or rent the road, the company to have
the preference in either case. The line from Mexico to Leon to be
finished on December 31st, 1882 (a very short time) ; the line to the
Pacific within five years, and to Paso del Norte within eight years
after the conclusion of the road from Mexico to Leon. A bond of
$250,000 to be deposited in the City of Mexico.
Contract between the Executive and James Sullivan, represen
tative of the National Mexican Construction Company, for the con
struction and operation of a narrow-gauge railroad from the City of
Mexico to the Pacific ocean at the port of Manzanillo or Navidad,
passing through Toluca, Maravatio, Acambaro, Morelia, Zamora
and la Piedad, and from Mexico to the northern frontier, leaving
the Pacific line between Maravatio and Morelia, and passing through
the cities of San Luis Potosi, Saltillo and Monterey to any point on
the Rio Grande between Laredo and Eagle Pass. This concession
is for ninety-nine years, the Government obligating itself to pur
chase for cash, or rent or sell to the company as under the conces
sion of September 8th last. The line to the Pacific to be finished
within five years, and that to the frontier within eight years from
date of charter. A subvention granted of $7,500 per kilometre, or

162
$12,075 per mile, for the line from the City of Mexico to the Pacific,
and $6,500 per kilometre, or $10,465 per mile, for that portion
extending from the junction with the Pacific line to the northern
frontier, to be paid out of the proceeds of four per cent, of the
maritime and frontier custom duties, without interest, A subsidy
granted of $9,500 per kilometre, or $15,295 per English mile, except
when route adopted takes lines subsidized under other grants.
Payment to commence after the construction of the first hundred
and fifty kilometres, and paid in installments upon each succeeding
fifty kilometres, except for those portions of the road already occu
pied by narrow-gauge roads, when the difference of $1,500 per
kilometre, or $2,415 per mile, only will be paid, to be met out of an
appropriation of six per cent, of the duties to be collected at all the
maritime and frontier custom-houses of the Republic. The tariff
for freight and passengers to be as authorized by act of Congress of
June ist, 1880. Length, 1,767 miles. Thirty miles of track laid
north from the City of Mexico, and construction being pushed for
ward. Date of contract, September 8th, 1880.
First payment to be made upon the completion of one hundred
and fifty kilometres, and succeeding payments upon the comple
tion of each twenty-five kilometres. A bond of $300,000 in cash
to be deposited in the City of Mexico, to remain on deposit until
one hundred kilometres of road are constructed.
The tariff rates fixed at the time of the granting of the charter ;
to be revised every two years, as is generally provided for under all
charters ; but in every case the company is prohibited from
increasing these rates under any circumstances. Length of
main line and branch, 1,230 miles. Construction said to be
going on rapidly. Date of contract, September 13th, 1880.
THE INTERNATIONAL AND INTEROCEANIC RAILWAY CO.
The Jay Gould South-west System of Railroads to connect with
the City of Mexico and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in
Mexico.The South-west system of roads consists of the Missouri Pacific,
the Texas Pacific, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, the Iron Moun
tain, the International and Great Northern, and the New Orleans

163
and Pacific. They comprise about 7,000 miles of line. They have
all been placed under one head, with Mr. Gould as president of all
the roads, with Mr. R. S. Hayes as vice-president and executive
officer, with headquarters at St. Louis. The managers are A. A.
Talmage, A. W. Soper, H. M. Hoxie. The general management
of the seven roads has been reduced to one. Its eastern connection
is through the Wabash, which connects with a line through Canada,
reaching to the sea-board on one side, and a line south of the lakes
reaching to New York on the other side, giving them two through
outlets. These outlets are the Great Western of Canada, the Dela
ware and Lackawanna, and by means of the Pennsylvania road a
link that connects with the New Jersey Central, which takes them
to New York. This system of roads has obtained a charter from
the Mexican Government under the name of the International and
Interoceanic Railway Co. They are to run from Laredo to the
City of Mexico via Guerrero, Mier Santander, Jimenes and Victoria
in the State of Tamaulipas, and from Victoria via Jalancingo to the
City of Mexico, with the option of building branches to Vera Cruz,
to Tampico and Matamoros. This company is pushing the building
of their roads in Mexico at a rapide rate. This line is of easy
construction from Laredo to Victoria. At the latter place it will
have to go through mountain ranges, and will be more expensive to
construct ; but as it will run through the " Huasteca " country, one
of the richest portions of Mexico in natural and agricultural produc
tions and mineral wealth, as well as on account of its shortness, it
will highly repay for the cost of its construction.
This system, at the City of Mexico connects with the conces
sions obtained by General Grant, which is part of the same scheme.
The connections extend from the City of Mexico via the City of
Puebla to the City of Oaxaca, and is to connect with the trunk line
which is to run almost due south from Vera Cruz to the Pacific.
passing through the State and City of Oaxaca.
THE NEW YORK, TEXAS AND MEXICAN RAIROAD, BETTER
KNOWN AS COUNT TELFENER'S ROAD.
The initial point of this line is at Rosenburg Junction, in
Texas, via Wharton, Victoria, San Patricio and Banquete. It will
reach Brownsville on the Rio Grande.

164
This company has lately obtained a charter from the Mexican
Government to construct a road from Matamoros to Tampico in
Tamaulipas.
THE MEXICAN NATIONAL OR PALMER-SULLIVAN RAILROAD
IN MEXICO (IN FEBRUARY, 1 882).
Official reports, that are beyond a doubt, show that this com
pany is progressing as rapidly as possible in the construction of
their lines, viz. : Toluca Division.
22 kilometres of completed road.
37 " graded. Maravatio Division.
42 kilometres completely graded.
55 " nearly graded.
8 " completed road from Maravatio to Acambaro.
Zacatecas Division.
20 kilometres of completed road.
12 " of graded road.
Morelia Division.
58 kilometres of road graded east.
20 " of road graded west.
Colima Division.
31 kilometres of graded road.
Laredo Division.
40 kilometres of completed road.
40 " of graded road.
Making a total of 82 kilometres of road in running order and
339 of graded road. Since writing the above the line from Laredo
to Monterey has been completed through the town of Lampasas,
to Villaldama and will be completed to Monterey by September
next.

165

THE MEXICAN PACIFIC.

The Mexican Pacific, which is an extension of the Galveston,
Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway in Texas (or Sunset Route),
connects at Houston with the New Orleans and Houston Railway;
also with the International and Great Northern, and at Rosenberg
Junction with the New York and Texas-Mexican, or Count Tel-
fener's road, and the Galveston and Santa Fe Railway. It is con
structed through one of the prettiest portions of Western Texas. It
is almost finished to Eagle Pass, on the Rio Grande, and is now
the shortest and quickest route to the following points in Mexico :
Piedras Negras (town opposite Eagle Pass), Monclova, Duran
go, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Queretaro and the City of Mexico.
Within two months it will be completed to El Paso, where it
will connect with the Southern Pacific, and also with the Mexican
Central road. When completed, which will be about 1883, it will
be the main artery of travel and trade in Mexico.
It is the intention of Cols. Pierce and Huntington to construct a
railway which, starting from Eagle Pass and running through a rich
portion of Mexico, will connect at the rich mining district of Parral
with the Mexican Central, and reach the Pacific at or about the
mouth of the Fuerte River, near the boundary line of the States of
Sonora and Sinaloa. They will probably also construct another
line running from Eagle Pass to Durango, to connect with the
Mexican Central, and reach the port of Mazatlan on the Pacific.
The construction of these roads in the United States, by Cols.
Pierce and Huntington, has been pushed with wonderful rapidity.
They deserve great credit for the manner in which they have lavish
ed capital to make them first-class roads in every respect, and for
opening to the world the garden spot of Texas and the hidden
wealth of Mexico. They must be looked upon not only as great
railroad builders but as public benefactors.

160

TELEGRAPHIC LINES IN THE RE
PUBLIC OF MEXICO IN 1881.

LINES BELONGING TO THE GOVERNMENT.
Eastern lines, 1,945 kilometres, 483 metres; 45 offices. East
ern lines, 6,440 kilometres, 119 metres; 99 offices. Western lines,
1,394 kilometres, 940 metres ; 37 offices. Southern lines, 584 kilo
metres, 376 metres ; 9 offices. Making a total of 10,364 kilometres,
918 metres, and 190 offices, which carried during the year 1 881,
281,697 messages for the amount of $126,962.43.
LINES BELONGING TO THE STATES.
State of Zacatecas, 1,076 kilometres, 492 metres ; 19 offices.
State of Hidalgo, 314 kilometres 250 metres ; 9 offices. State of
Morelos, 251 kilometres, 400 metres ; 12 offices. State of Michoa
can, 11 kilometres; 2 offices. Making a total of 1,653 kilometres,
142 metres, and 42 offices, which carried 31,609 messages for the
sum of $11,031.28. LINES THE PROPERTY OF RAILROADS.
Mexican Railway, 485 kilometres ; 39 offices that carried
349,092 messages for the estimated amount of $203,704.82.
The Morelos Railroad, 127 kilometres; 9 offices that carried
30,300 messages for the amount of $610.33.
The Cuantitlan and Salto Railroad, 81 kilometres, 995 metres ;
8 offices that carried 3,855 messages for the sum of $590.51.
The Central to Tula, 80 kilometres, 210 metres.
The line from San Marcos to Puebla, 49 kilometres, 169 metres ;
2 offices. Making a total of 887 kilometres, 834 metres of telegraphic
lines, with 58 offices, the property of railroads in Mexico that carried
355,977 messages for the sum of $204,905.66.

167
LINES OWNED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES.
From Mexico to Vera Cruz, 1,047 kilometres 500 metres; 17
offices that carried 55,956 messages for the sum of $42,170.78.
Lines in the State of Vera Cruz, 617 kilometres 980 metres;
14 offices whose receipts amounted to $14,743.55.
Lines in the State of Jalisco, 1,635 kilometres 685 metres ; 39
offices that carried 17,823 messages.
Making a total of 3,301 kilometres 165 metres ; 70 offices that
carried 71,779 messages for the sum of $56,914.33.
Submarine cable, inaugurated in March, 1881, 703 kilometres
133 metres; 3 offices.
Making a grand total of 16,910 kilometres 192 metres of tele-
raphic lines, with 363 offices in the Republic that carried 744,917
messages for the amount of $399,813.72.

168

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

The French metric system of weights and measures has been
adopted in the Republic of Mexico and is now in force.
But in the country, the inhabitants have not done away with
the old system, (although it is no longer the legal one,) of which
we give a sketch. MEXICAN LAND MEASURES.
(Translated from the " Ordenanzas de tierras y aguas.")
The Mexican vara is the same as the vara of Castile, and is
divided into thirds or foot-fourths, sixths and thirty-sixths inch. It
equals 33^ inches American measure.
Fifty Mexican varas make a measure called " cordel."
A Mexican league contains 100 cordels, or 5,000 varas.
The league is divided into halves and quarters. The half-league
contains 2,500 varas, and a quarter of a league 1,250 varas.
Sitio de Ganado Mayor (sitio, a farm for raising cattle).
The figure of a sitio de estancia de ganado mayor is a square
whose sides measure 5,000 Mexican varas. The area of a sitio is
25,000,000 square varas, or 4.,428 acres.
Criadero de Gcuiado Mayor (place for breeding animals).
It is a square equal to a fourth part of a sitio de ganado mayor,
whose sides measure 2,500 varas, and contains an area of 6,250,000
square varas.
Sitio de Ganado Menor (farm for raising sheep or goats).
The form of a sitio de estancia de ganado menor is a square
whose sides measure 3,333^ varas. Its area contains 11, 111,111^
square varas.

169
Criadero de Ganado Menor.
It is a square whose sides measure 1,666% varas, and its area
contains 2,767,777^ square varas.
Caballeria de Tierra (jj 1-3 acres American measure).
The form of a caballeria de tierra is a rectangular parallelo
gram whose north or small side contains 552 varas, and whose
greatest length is 1,104 varas. Its area contains 609,408 square
varas. Media Caballeria de Tierra.
It is a square whose side measures 552 varas, and contains
304,704 square varas.
Suerte de Tierra (lot of ground — a chance).
It is the fourth part of a caballeria de tierra and the same
figure, whose long side measures 552 varas and 276 in width. It
contains 152,352 square varas.
The Caballeria de Tierra is also divided into twelve fanegas of
good seed oats. The fanega is equal to three American bushels, or
a superficy of 8.5624 American acres.
Solar de Tierra (ground on which a house is built — town lot).
Any parcel of land less than a suerte.
Solar para Casas (for houses, mills and markets).
It is a square of 50 varas ; 2,500 square varas.
Fundo Legal (piece of ground which is cultivated — town site).
It is a tract of land whose form is a square of 1,200'varas on
each side, and contains an area of 1,440,000 square varas.
Porcion.
Porcion is a measure sometimes used. It is a tract of land
1,000 wide, and 16,000 long.
Labor (a cultivated field).
A square containing 1,000,000 square varas or 177 acres.
Texas Measure.
League and labor, 26,000,000 square varas or 4,605 acres.
To find the number of acres in a given number of square varas,
divide by 5,646, fractions rejected.

TABLE OF MEXICAN LAND MEASURE.

Names of Land Measures in Spanish.
i Hacienda.
i Sitio de ganado mayor.
i Sitio de ganado menor.
i Criadero de ganado mayor.
i " de ganado menor.
i Fundo legal para Puebla (town
site).
i Labor.
i Caballeria de tierra.
X "
% " " or suerte.
i Fanega des embrodurade maiz.
i Solar para casa, molino 6 venta.

Width
in Varas.

Area in Ca-
Area or Superficy ballerias and
in Square Varas. Decimals.

Metrical System.

Length
in Varas.

Hec tares.

Ares.

Centi- ares.

American Acres.

25,000

5,000

125,000,000

205,117

8,778

05

22,143^

5,000

5,000

25,000,000

41.023

1.755

61

4,428
3.333^
3-333K
II, III, III
18,233
780
27
II
1,968^
2,500
2,500
6,250,000
10,256
438
90
25
i,io7£
1,666%
1,666
^,777,7771
4,558
195
06
77
492A
1,200
1,200
1,440,000
2,363
IOI
12
3i
255t(t
1,000
1,000
1,000,000
1,641
70
22
44
i77s
1,104
552
609,408
1,000
42
79
53
I07nnros
552
552
304.704
500
21
29
76
r .5 5 5 18,
53r<nnni
552
276
152,352
250
IO
69
88
Z0Ttnnni
276
184
5°.784
83A
3
56
62
BE 6 2 i
°ToWff
5°
5°
2,500
4
17
55
171

ENGLISH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES COMPARED
WITH THE METRICAL SYSTEM OF
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
LINEAR MEASURES.
English. Metrical.
I inch (J-e of a yard) corresponds to . 2.539954 centimetres.
1 foot (X °f a yard) " . 3.0479449 decimetres.
1 yard " . . . . 0.91438348 metres.
1 fathom (2 yards) " . . 1.82876696
1 pole or perch ($X yards) " *. . . . 5.0291 1
1 furlong (320 yards) " . . 201.16437
1 mile (1,760 yards) "... 1609.3149
Metrical. English.
1 millimetre corresponds to . . . ... 0.03937 inches.
1 centimetre "  . . 0.393708
1 decimetre "  3-937079
( 3937079
1 metre "  I 3.2808002 feet.
( 1.093633 yards.
i kilometre, or 1,000 metres, corresponds to
0.62137 miles, or 3,280 feet 10 inches.
1 myriametre corresponds to  6.2138 miles.

SUPERFICIAL MEASURES.
English. Metrical,
1 square yard corresponds to . . . . 0.836097 sq. metres.
1 rod (or sq. perch) " . 25.291937 "
1 rod (1,210 sq.y'ds) " ... . . 10.1 16775 acres.
1 acre (4,840 s. y'ds) " .... 0.40467 hectares.
Metrical. English.
1 square metre equals . . . . . 1. 1 96033 sq. yards.
1 are " .  0.98845 rods.
1 hectare "  2.471 143 acres.

172

MEASURES OF CAPACITY.

EngUsh.
i pint (y% of a gallon) equals
i quart (% of a gallon)
i imperial gallon
i peck (2 gallons)
i bushel (8 gallons)
i sack (3 bushels)
Metrical.
1 litre equals . . .
1 decalitre equals
1 hectolitre "

Metrical.
0.567932 litres.
1. 135864
4-54345794 "
9.08691 59
36.347664 1 .09043 hectolitres.
English.
j 1.760773 pints.
( 0.2200967 gallons.
2.2009668 "
22.009667 "

WEIGHTS.
English Troy Weight. Metrical Weight.
1 grain (2V of a pennyweight) corresponds to . 0.06477 grams.
1 pennyweight " . . • 1.55456 "
1 ounce (j^ of a pound) " . 31.0913 "
1 pound " . . 0.3930956 kilos.

Metrical.
0.06477 grams.
- 28.3384 "
0.4534148 kilos.
50.78246
1015.649 English,
( 15.438 troy grains.
J 0.643 pennyweights.
f 0.03216 troy ounces.
j 2.68026 troy pounds.
( 2.20549 avoirdupois p'ds.
The troy weights are used to weigh principally precious metals
and medicines, etc., and the avoirdupois for general use in com
merce. (The above tables are taken from the Bureau of Longitudes,
Paris, France.)

English Avoirdupois.
1 dram (T\ of an ounce) corresponds to
1 ounce (jS of a pound) "
1 imperial pound "
1 cwt. (q'ntal of 1 12 pounds) "
1 ton (20 cwt.) " . . .
Metrical.
1 gram corresponds to . . -j
1 kilogram 

173
TARIFF OF PUBLIC LANDS IN 1876.

In the Territory of Lower California,
" State of Sonora,
" " Chihuahua,
" Coahuila,
" " Nuevo Leon,
" Tamaulipas,
" " Sinaloa,
" ' Durango,
" " Zacatecas,
" " San Luis Polos.',
" " Jalisco,
" " Aguas Calientes,
" " Guanajuato,
" " Queretaro, .
" " Michoacan,
" " Colima,
" " Guerrero,
" " Morelos,
" " Mexico,
" Federal District,
" State of Tlaxcala,
" " Puebla,
" " Hidalgo, .
" " Vera Cruz,
Oaxaca,
" Chiapas,Campeche,
" " Yucatan,

ITEMS OF INTEREST TO ALL IMPORTERS OF MERCHANDISE
INTO THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO.
All persons sending articles of commerce from foreign coun
tries into the Republic of Mexico shall make out invoices in tripli
cate of all goods, fruits or effects remitted to each consignee.

Price of
Hectare.

Price of a Sitio
de Ganado
Mayor or 4,428
acres.

$0 06

$105 34

0 12

2IO 67

O 12

2IO 67

0 12

2IO 67

O 1.5

263 34

O 15

263 34

O l8

316 01

O l8

316 01

I OO

1.755 61

I OO

1.755 61

I OO

i,755 61

I 50

2,633 Ir

2 OO

3,511 22

2 OO

3,511 22

I OO

L755 61

I OO

L755 61

O 75

1,316 71

2 OO

3,511 22

2 OO

3,511 22

2 50

4,389 02

I 50

2,633 4i

2 OO

3,511 22

I 50

2,633 4i

0 65

1,141 15

0 75

1,316 7i

0 25

438 90

0 75

1,316 71

0 25

438 90

174
The invoices shall be drawn up according to the form attached
to the tariff.
It shall indicate :
ist. The name of the vessel, her captain, port of destination,
consignee of articles contained in the invoice, and the nation from
which the merchandise originally proceeds, the date of invoice and
the signature of shipper ; same in total.
2d. An account, both in writing and figures, of the number of
packages, boxes, barrels, bales, or any other kind of packing ; the
same in total.
3d. The mark and corresponding number of each package as
well as its gross weight, excepting that of iron, machinery and rail
road material, which may be given with total weight of each lot ;
same in total.
4th. The name, material, and class of merchandise specificed
in accordance with tariff ; same in total.
B. The quantity in writing and figures of articles that are to
pay duty by piece, pair, dozen or thousand ; same in total.
C. The new weight of merchandise that are to pay by net
weight, giving the unit taken as a basis.
The names of the goods contained in one and the same
package, and paying different duties, should be given whether there
is any duty on net weights on them, or whether they are free.
D. The length, width and number of pieces of merchandise
that ought to pay by measurement, giving unit of measurement that
has been used as a basis ; same in total.
Invoices should state the value of free goods.
Invoices must be presented with consular certificates.
As importers will always have to employ a custom-house
broker, we do not deem it necessary to publish here the tariff — the
law of December 14th, 1881 — which is too lengthy. It is only
necessary to say that the penalties imposed by the Mexican laws for
non-compliance, bad faith and fraud are very severe, and importers
should be careful in having their documents properly drawn up.

175

ABRIDGED

Mexican Tariff on Imports.

Cotton Goods.

Domestic (unbleached),

per square metre,

$0 09

" (bleached),

" "

16

Calico,

"

14

Thread (white), .

" kilogram, .

60

Thread (colored),

" "

96

Thread (spool),

" dozen,

H

Cassimeres and similar

woolen goods,
" square metre,
1 40
Carriages (open), and
coupes, .
each,
176 00
Coaches, phaetons, lan
daus, etc., .
"
396 00
Buggies, .
"
132 00
Sulkies 
"
66 00
Wagons, .
"
80 00
Harness for carriages, .
per kilogram (gross weight),
2 00
Harness for wagons, .
" " " "
86
Furniture, 55 percent. on
invoice and25per cent, additional.
Pianos, .
per kilogram (gross weight),
43
Flour,
" " net " .
10
Wheat, .
04
Barley,
03
Rice,
07
Hops,
18
Hams (smoked), .
24
Meats (salt and smoked),
24
Lard, . . . .
24
Butter,
24
170

Cheese 
Candles (tallow).
Candles (stearine), .
Candles (parafine),
Crackers,Canned fruit (cans in
cluded), .
Canned meats and fish
(cans included),
Pickles (jars included),
Soap (toilet),
Soap (common),
Glass (common), .
Gunpowder,Nails of all kinds (iron), .
Toolsfiron, steel or wood),
Clothing (ready-made), .
India-rubber clothing,
shoes, etc.,
" cloth for
table,
Oil-cloth for floors, .
Leather boots (yellow), .
" (calf or
morrocco), shoes (men's
common),
" shoes (men's fine),
(women's
fine),
" shoes (women's
common),
Carpets (2 and 3-ply),
" (Brussels),
(velvet),
Cocoa matting,
Vinegar (barrels),
Vinegar (bottles), .
Whisky (barrels).

per kilogram (net weight),
" gross " .

net

gross

all kinds,
per kilogram, (gross weight),

" dozen,

'4
0838 12
5<>
72
48
I 15
30 to 80 17
2 00 12
T9
1.32 p. cent. 1 434329
29
16 50
27 00
7 00
16 50
17 00

" square metre.

5 50
80

" kilogram (gross weight),
net- " .

95
1 40 16 5

" " " "

10

" " " "

33

177

Whisky (bottles), .
Beer (barrels), .
Beer (bottles),
Petroleum (cans included),
Rosin, ....
Tar,Salt,Potatous,
Onions, ....

per kilogram (gross weight),

38
" . io
20
09
gross " . 25 3
.... s
" " . 2
" 2
From the ist of November machinery is taxed with a duty of
50 cents per hundred kilogram weight imported into the Republic.

NEW TARIFF LAW OF JUNE 25th, 1881, THAT WENT
INTO FORCE NOVEMBER ist, 1881, IMPOSING AN
ADDITIONAL PACKAGE DUTY UPON MER
CHANDISE IMPORTED INTO THE
REPUBLIC OF MEXICO.

SECTION I.

The President of the Republic has thought proper to address
to me the following decree :
Manuel Gonzales, Constitutional President of the United States
of Mexico, to its inhabitants make known : That in accordance
with the power granted to the Executive by the common law of
the 31st of May last, to form tariffs corresponding to the new
duties which said law establishes, have decreed the following :

ARTICLE 1.

From the ist of November next the foreign merchandise
comprised in the schedule below, when imported through the mari-

178
time and frontier custom-houses, shall pay the following duty upon
each and every one hundred kilograms (gross weight), viz. :
Iron or steel wires for carding from No. 26 and above, . $0 50
Rough alabaster,  50
Live stock (except castrated horses),  50
Ploughs with plough-shares  50
Masts, spars and anchors for ship-  50
Oats in grain and straw, . .... 50
Quicksilver, ......... 50
Sulphur,  50
Cylindrical or angular steel bars for mining, ... 50
Fire engines and all kinds of pumps, .... 50
Crow-bars, common cutlasses without scabbards, scythes,
sickles, harrows, rakes, shovels, hoes and spades for
agricultural purposes,  75
Hydraulic lime, . .  50
Water-pipes,  50
Iron and vegetal cards, . . ... 50
Wheelbarrows  50
All collections of minerals, geology, and all branches
pertaining to natural history,  75
Crucibles,  50
Whalebone and parts of the whale,  50
Designs and models of machines, edifices, monuments and
ships,  50
Staves and heads for barrels,  50
Fresh fruit and vegetables, .."... 50
Guano,  50
Ice,  50
Hyposulphate of soda,  50
Corn-meal, and hand corn-meal grinders, ... 50
Scientific instruments,  1 00
Books, pamphlets (bound or without binding), . . 1 00
Fire-wood,  50
Bricks and refractory earth,  50
Types, shields, chases, leads, rules, vignettes and printing
material,  50
Box-wood,  5°

5o
oo

179
Building timber,  cr>
Corn, 
Maps and spheres,  I
Machines and apparatus for industry, agriculture, mining,
science and arts, whole, or separate, or in extra pieces, 50
Sewing machines, whole or in parts, . . . , 1 00
Undressed blocks or marble slabs for paving, ... 50
Wicks and fercue-grass for mining, .... 50
Moulds and models for arts,  50
Cabinets of coins of all sorts,  1 00
Objects of natural history for museums and cabinets, . 50
Hay and straw,  50
Plants and seeds for improving agriculture, ... 50
Lithographic stones,  . 50
Slates for roofs and pavements,  50
Common powder for mining and dynamite, ... 50
Vaccine virus,  50
Oars for boats,  50
Common salt introduced through Paso del Norte, . . 50
. Saltpetre,  50
Sulphate of copper, . .  50
Anvils for silversmiths,  50
Printing ink,  50
Wooden type and other articles used in lithography, . 50
Rags used to manufacture paper  50
Iron rafters for roofs, .... . 50
Anvils, ..... 50
ART. II.
The merchandise specified in the Custom-House tariff, now
in force from and after the ist of November next, shall pay, besides
the duties imposed by said tariff, an additional or package duty as
follows • SCHEDULE A.
Those comprised in the following fractions shall pay fifty cents
for each one hundred kilograms gross weight.
1 to 3, 6 to 9, 13 to 16, 18, 21, 22, 26 to 36, 38 to 40, 42 to 46,

180
51, 52- 54, 58 to 65, 71 to 74, 76, 77, 79 to 84, 86 to 88, 90, 96, 97,
101, 103 to 107, 112 to 114, 117, 118, 120, 127, 129 to 131, 136 to
138, 149 to 151, 162 to 167, 170, 171, 183 to 185, 188 to 191, 198,
200, 202, 207, 208, 210, 212, 215, 233, 234, 252, 255, 256, 260 to 262,
265, 267, 268, 272 to 288, 290 to 299, 302 to 305, 314, 316, 317, 322,
324 to 330, 336, 343, 347 to 359, 364, 369, 371 to 373, 377 to 387,
39'. 393 to 395, 397, 404 to 407, 409 to 412, 414, 416, 419 to 430,
434 to 437, 440 to 442, 444, 445, 447 to 453, 458, 460, 461, 465, 470
to 476, 481 to 489, 493, 495, 499, 502 to 504, 506, 507, 511, 515, 517,
522 to 527, 529, 530, 532 to 538, 540, 542 to 555, 559, 598, 55(9, 601
to 610, 612 to 614, 618 to 626, 631 to 634, 637 to 648, 651, 653 to
655, 657, 658, 660, 661, 663, 668, 686 to 705, 710 to 713, 717, 719,
725, 726, 728 to 731, 733, 735, 736, 738 to 740, 743 to 746, 749, 750,
752, 753- 756, 757, 759 to 762, 769 to 774, 793, 795, 797 to 799, 801
to 807, 816, 820 to 825, 827 to 838, 840, S41, 844 to 853, 855 to 864,
866 to 872, 874 to 882, 884 to 887, and 894.
SCHEDULE B.
All articles mentioned in the following fractions shall pay 75
cents for each one hundred kilograms (gross weight) :
4, n, 19, 20, 23, 37, 41, 47, 56, 57, 78, 91, 92, 108, in, 116,
119, 122 to 125, 132, 135, 141, 142, 153, 154, 155, 173, 186, 187, 192,
193, 203, 204, 209, 211, 213, 218, 253, 257, 264, 266, 300, 301, 312,
315, 360 to 363, 366 to 368, 389, 392, 408, 413, 415, 418, 433, 443*
446, 497, 498, 505, 528, 531, 539, 541, 557, 558, 617, 649, 650, 656,
664, 667, 669, 718, 724, 727, 734, 737, 751, 754, 755, 763, 767, 768,
792, 796, 839, 854, 883, 888, 889, and 891.
SCHEDULE C.
All articles mentioned in the following fractions shall pay $1.00
for each one hundred kilograms (gross weight) :
5, 10, 12, 24, 25, 48 to 50, 53, 66 to 70, 75, 85, 89, 93 to 95, 98
to 100, 102, 109, no, 115, 121, 126, 128, 133, 134, 139, 140, 143 to
148, 153, 156 to 161, 168, 169, 172, 174 to 182, 194 to 197, 199, aoir
205, 206, 214, 216, 217, 219 to 232, 235 to 251, 254, 258, 259, 263,
269, 270, 271, 289, 306 to 311, 313, 318 to 321, 323, 331 to 335, 337
to 342, 344 to 346, 365, 370, 374 to 376, 390, 396, 398 to 403, 417,

181
43i, 432, 438, 454 to 457, 459, 462 to 464, 466 to 469, 477 to 480,
490 to 492, 494, 496, 500, 501, 508 to 510, 512 to 514, 516, 518 to
521, 556, 560 to 597, 600, 611, 615, 616, 627 to 630, 635. 636, 652,
659, 662, 666, 670 to 685, 706 to 709, 714 to 716, 720 to 723, 732,
741, 742, 747, 748, 758, 764 to 766, 775 to 791, 794, 800, 808 to 815,
817 to 819, 826, 843, 865, 873, 890, 892 and 893.
ART. III.
Raw petroleum and naphtha, when imported after the 1st of
November next, instead of 88 per cent., which they pay at present
on invoice value, according to section 393 of the tariff now in force,
will pay 80 cents for each one hundred kilograms (gross weight)
as additional or package duty. ART. IV.
Foreign goods, not specified in the tariff now in force, after
the ist of November next, besides the duties now assessed on
the importation, according to Article XXI of said tariff, shall pay an
additional or package duty of 75 cents for each one hundred kilo
grams (gross weight). ART. v.
Packages comprised in the same entry which, together, weigh
less than one hundred kilograms, shall pay the same duty from 50
cents to $1.00, according to their respective classification in the tariff.

When a package contains goods of different value the duties
shall be assessed upon the goods contained in said package having
the greatest weight. ART. VII.
The duty on packages shall not be collected on goods which
are exempt from duties by virtue of the privileges granted to rail
road companies, and upon those that in each importation the Sec
retary of the Treasury may think proper to exempt.

182
ART. VIII.
From and after the ist of November, 1881, the liquids men
tioned in the schedule below shall pay, besides the present duties
imposed by the tariff now in force and the package duty imposed
by Article II of this decree, an additional duty per net kilogram as
follows :
Gin in jars, bottles, jugs and demijohns, . . . $0 10
Gin in barrels, .... ... 08
Rum, arack and kirch-water in jars, bottles, jugs and
demijohns, .  12
Rum, arack and kirch-water in barrels, . . .10
Whisky in jars, bottles, jugs and demijohns, . 8
Whisky in barrels,  5J^
Brandy, cognac and aniseed in bottles, jars, jugs and
demijohns  8
Brandy, cognac and aniseed brandy in casks, ... sH
Rum, absynthe, or other liquors not specified, in bottles,
jugs and demijohns, .... . 8
Rum, or other liquors not specified, when in casks, . 4^
Beer and cider in bottles,  1
Beer and cider in barrels, ... . o}4
Liquors in bottles or jars,  8
Liquors in barrels,  3^
White wines, except those that are medicinal, when in
bottles, jugs and demijohns, .... 6
White wine in casks,  2%
Clarets (all sorts), except those which are medicinal, when
in bottles, jugs and demijohns. . . . A,yi
Claret in casks, ... .... 1 ^
ART. IX.
From and after the ist of October, 1881, lumber for construc
tion and cabinet work of all kinds, which are exported through the
coast and frontier ports of the Republic, besides the duties col
lected, according to Section 19 of Article LXXVIII of the tariff now
in force, shall pay an additional duty of $1.00 per each ton 'of one
cubical metre.

183

From and after the 1st of October, 1881, lumber for construc
tion and cabinet work of foreign production, which passes in transit
by rivers and through part of the Republic, on their exportation
shall pay a single duty of $4.50 per ton of one cubic metre.
The above provision of this decree shall not be applied to
foreign lumber in transit carried by railroads, when contractors
have special contracts with the Mexican Government, containing
clauses in regard to transits.

In liquidating the duties imposed on foreign goods, imported
through the maritime and frontier Custom-House, they shall place
in separate columns the amount of package duty and that of addi
tional duty upon liquids established by this decree.
Ordered to be printed, circulated and enforced.

Mexico, June 25th, 1881.

(Signed) Landero,
Secretary of the Treasury
and Public Credit

LATE DECREE OF THE MEXICAN CONGRESS CONCERNING THE
REVENUES OF THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR 1882 TO 1883.
(Rendered May 26th, 1SS2.)
Tax upon Imports and Exports.
Goods imported through the maritime and frontier custom
houses, which are subject to the duties fixed in the tariff of 1880
and to the laws of the 28th and 31st of May, 25th of June and 14th
of December, 1881, will be subject to the following modifications .
A. — Shall be excepted from paying the package duties imposed

184
by the Jaws of 31st of May and 25th of June, 1881, the following
articles :
Ploughs and plough-shares, masts and anchors for ships, quick
silver, live animals, bricks and tiles of all kinds, refractory earth,
ordinary building timber, cotton, tobacco, coffee, sugar-cane seeds,
slates for roofing, vaccine matter.
B. — All goods, arms, materials of war, etc., that the executive
will purchase for the use of the public service, shall be imported
free of duties.
II. — Duties on the consumption of foreign goods that are col
lected according to the law of the nth of August, 1875, by the
collectors of the Federal District and of the territory of lower
California. III. — Tonnage duties, pilot duties, storage and light-house
duties shall be collected according to the tariff of November 8th,
1880, and the law of 28th of May, 1 881.
IV. — Transit duties shall also be collected according to said
tariff respecting the special concessions granted to railroad con
struction companies in the country.
V. — From and after the 1st of November next, silver and gold
coin, or bullion, mineral ores in powder, mineral rock or mineral in any
other form, shall be free from circulation duties while passing from
one State into another, in the interior of the Republic, and shall be
free from export duties. In order to provide for the deficit caused
by the above fraction of incomes to the Treasury, on the same day
the different quota fixed by the tariff on importation of foreign mer
chandise shall be raised two per cent. ; in the meantime the export
duties upon gold and silver shall be collected according to the
existing laws for the fiscal year.
VI. — From the ist of November next, precious metals shall
pay a tax of one-half of one per cent, upon the value of silver, and
one-quarter of one per cent, upon the value of gold, the value of
the same to be determined by a test of the metals. The executive
shall determine the time and manner in which the same shall be
collected. VI. — Archil shall pay an export duty of $10.00 per ton of 1,000
kilograms.

185
VII. — Building and cabinet timber shall pay an export duty of
$2.50 per stere, besides the duties imposed by the tariff of Novem
ber 8th, 1880.
IX. — Tax on patents of navigation shall be collected according
to laws in force, in the same manner as for this fiscal year.
X. — Fees may be collected by consuls, vice-consuls or commer
cial agents of the Republic, according to the tariff of November 8th
1880, and other laws in force. The executive is fully authorized to
modify during the coming year all the regulations in regard to con
sular documents used for the importation of foreign goods.

NATURALIZATION LAWS.

(LAWS IN FORCE.)
Minister of Foreign and Interior Relations.
His Excellency the General-in-chief of the supreme executive
power has thought proper to address me the following decree :
Jos6 Maria de Salas, General of Brigade and Chief of the
liberating army of the supreme executive power, to the inhabitants
of the Republic of Mexico be it known ;
Having under my consideration the fact that one of the most
efficacious means of procuring the felicity of the Republic, is to pro
mote the augmentation of its population and facilitate the natural
ization of industrious men, by removing the impediments that have
opposed laws dictated by a principle less frank and liberal than
those now professed by the administration, I have thought proper
to decree, that before the national Congress wilf make the neces
sary reforms the following articles shall be observed :
ist. — Any foreigner who shall manifest the desire of becoming

18G
a citizen of the Republic, and who will produce proof that he has a
profession or carries on an industry that permits him to make an
honest living, can obtain his letter of citizenship.
2d. — In the same manner any foreigner may obtain his natural
ization letter by serving the nation either in the army or navy.
3d. — Letters of citizenship shall be issued by the President of
the Republic, without any charge except those following for those
named in Article I, stamp paper of the first-class, and for those
under paragraph I upon common paper.
4th. — There shall be kept in the Ministry of the Interior and
Foreign Relations a register where the names, country and profes
sion of all foreigners that have become naturalized shall be entered.
5th. — The foreigners who will have become naturalized by
virtue of the conditions of this decree, shall be considered as Mexi
cans, and in consequence shall be entitled to all rights and obliga
tions imposed upon them.
6th. — No letter of citizenship shall be granted to any citizen of
any nation at war with the Republic.
This is accordingly ordered to be published and circulated, and
enforced. Done in the National Palace of Mexico, September 10th,
A. D. 1846.
JOSE MARIA SALAS,
MANUEL REJON.
I communicate the same for your information, and its enforce
ment.
God and liberty! REJON,
Secretary of State and of Foreign Relations.
September 10th, 1846.
The President of the Republic has thought proper to direct to
me the following decree :
Benito Juarez, Constitutional President of the United States of
Mexico, make known to its inhabitants :
That the Congress of the Union has decreed the following :
Sole and only article. — All letters of citizenship shall be issued
by the President of the Republic on common paper, stamped with

187
the seal of the Ministry of State. Accordingly Article III of the
law of the ioth of September, 1846, is hereby repealed.
M. ROMERO RUBIO,
Deputy President.
JUAN SANCHEZ AZCONA,
Deputy Secretary.
JULIO ZARATE,
Deputy Secretary.
Hall of Congress, Mexico, April 9th, 1870.
Accordingly, this decree is ordered to be printed, published and
.jrculated, and enforced.
National Government Palace in Mexico, nth of April A. D.
1870.
BENITO JUARES.
To the citizen, Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada,
Minister of Foreign Relations.
The same is communicated to you for your information and
desired end. Independence and liberty!
LERDO DE TEJADA
To the citizen Governor of the State of 
April 10th.

ABSTRACT OF THE LAWS OF MEXICO FOR THE
ACQUISITION AND OWNERSHIP OF REAL
ESTATE AND MINES IN THE RE
PUBLIC OF MEXICO.
Foreigners established or residing in Mexico are authorized to
acquire and possess real estate from private owners, and also mines
of all kinds.

188
The legitimate means of acquiring real estate and mines or
mining interests are by purchase, adjudication, denouncement, and
by any other means established by the Mexican common law, and
mining ordinances.
No foreigner can own any real estate in a frontier State or
Territory of the Republic except by previously obtaining permission
of the President of the Republic ; or, without this permission,
provided it is situated beyond sixty miles from the frontier line, or
beyond fifteen miles from the coast.
Any foreigner who, desiring permission to own real estate
within the above mentioned limits, must address his petition to the
Secretary of Public Works at the City of Mexico, accompanied by a
report from the Government of the State or Territory where the
property is situated.
The foreigner proprietor of real estate forfeits his rights of
possession under any of the following circumstances :
ist. — By being away from the Republic with his family for
more than two years without permission from the general Govern
ment. 2d. — By residing outside of the Republic, even though he has a
representative residing upon his property or in the Republic.
3d. — By the transferring or conveying said property by
inheritance or any other means to any person non-resident in the
Republic. Any foreign property-owner who may fall into any of the
three conditions above stipulated, is compelled to sell his real estate
to a Mexican citizen within two years from the date of his absence
from the Republic ; or, in case he fails to comply with this pre
scription, the public authority will effect the sale of the property,
depositing the proceeds of it to the order of the owner of the
property. If said sale has been made by denouncement of the
property, one-tenth of the proceeds shall go to the person who
made the denouncement and the balance to the absent foreigner.
Are exempt from these rules, any foreigners who are members
of any mining company that has either discovered or restored any
abandoned mine. In this case he will keep his right to his pro
perty through his co-associates in it, no matter what may be the
time and circumstance of his absence, as long as the labors of the
association are kept up.

189
It is entirely forbidden to natives of neighboring nations and
to those naturalized in them to obtain Government lands situated
in a neighboring State or Territory.
In order that foreigners, who have acquired real estate, may
become naturalized, it is sufficient that after reporting their acquisi
tion to the proper local authority, they apply for their naturaliza
tion papers. The foreigner residing in the Republic and able to acquire
public lands, can denounce 2,500 hectares, and no more, as the
same privilege is granted to native citizens.
In order to obtain public lands in Mexico, a denouncement
must be made before the judge who may have charge of Federal
matters in the judicial district where the land is situated. After the
denouncement has been presented by petition in writing, the survey
and measurement of the land has to made by the engineer appointed
by the judge. When the survey and measurement has been made
and plated, the judge will ascertain if the land really belongs to
the public domain. If such is the case, and there is no opponent,
the judge will decree the adjudication and ownership of the person
who has denounced it.
If there is an opponent to the denouncement, a judgment has
to be passed after a legal trial.
If the land is not represented in the Federal Treasury to have
been granted, the denouncement will be published three times
within thirty days, in which time if an opponent to the denounce
ment appear, the same proceedings will take place as stated in the
clause above. If no opponent appear, the judge will then decree
the possession only, and not the title of the denounced lands.
The judicial decree of adjudication of public lands, either in
possession or property, cannot take its whole effect, until it has
been approved by the President of the Republic j for which pur
pose the papers in the case will be sent to that supreme authority
through the Department of Public Works, accompanied by a report
from the Government of the State, or the highest political authority
of the Territory where the denouncement has been made. The
approval of the President once obtained, and the value of the land
having been paid by the denouncing party, according to existing
tariff, the judge will then grant title of property or of possession as
the case maybe.

190
The adjudication in possession differs from that in property in
that the former gives property as far' as the Government and the
opponent defeated in the trial are concerned, but not in regard to a
third party, in which case the property may be obtained by limita
tion or any other legal title.
All expenses of surveying, measurement, and otherwise con
nected with the denouncement, must be paid by the denouncing
party, but they may be charged to the opponent in case that judg
ment shall be passed to that effect.
Grantees of public lands are compelled to locate on their grant
at least one inhabitant for every two hundred hectares, who shall
reside thereon without interrruption during ten years, not being
absent more than four months during each year. In failing to com
ply with this clause of the law he will forfeit his right to the land
as well as the price paid for it.
Any person enabled to own property by denouncement of pub
lic lands cannot obtain more than 2,500 hectares, by virtue of the
law of limitation, until he has had possession of the land for ten
years and has complied with the other requisites of law and those
prescribed in the above clause.
Foreigners who have acquired real estate from private owners
or the Government of Mexico, are subject to all kinds of taxation,
and are bound to do military duty whenever called upon to protect
the property they have acquired, preserve public order and tran
quility m the place where they reside, and are bound to take part in
the elucidation of all questions that may arise in regard to said
property, according to the existing laws and before the tribunals of
Mexico, without ever appealing to their rights of foreign citizenship,
to any intervention from any foreign power.
The rules to be observed in the transfer of any property
obtained from private owners are very simple, but it is always bet
ter for foreigners to observe the practice of the native citizen, which
consists in engaging a notary public or a lawyer to examine the
title and have it registered in the archives at the office of the notary
public and in the register of the office where taxes are paid for the
local (municipal) and Federal Government

191

SYNOPSIS OF MEXICAN LAWS ON INHERITANCE.
Foreigners making their last will and testament within
Mexican territory can select the law of their country in regard to
the minor solemnity of the act ; but, regarding the external legal
formalities, will subject themselves to the Mexican laws upon the
matter. When the testator is not conversant with the language of the
country, there must be present in the act, besides the witnesses,
two interpreters appointed by the testator himself.
Testaments made in foreign countries will have their value in
Mexico whenever they have been made authentically and in com
pliance with the laws of the country in which they are executed.
Only foreigners who, according to the laws of their country,
can will or leave ab intestado their estate to Mexican citizens, are
authorized to inherit or to obtain ab intestado the estate of any
citizen of Mexico.

INFORMATION FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO PURCHASE REAL
ESTATE OR MAKE CONTRACTS OF ANY KIND IN MEXICO.
All transfers of property, arguments, contracts and all other
documents in order to become valid in Mexico must be drawn up
and executed before a notary public (escribano pziblico).
The required stamps must be placed on the document, or it
will be null and void (see stamp law), and parties using the same
without stamps are subject to heavy penalties.
The original document remains in the archives, and only certi
fied copies are delivered to parties interested.
The Alcabala is a tax that has to be paid into the Govern
ment Treasury upon the amount mentioned in every transfer of
real estate. It is uniform all over the Republic — being one and
a-half per cent, upon the amount mentioned in the deed or transfer,
and twenty-five per cent, additional tax upon the one and a-half
per cent. Some States have imposed a railroad tax on real estate trans
fers. In the State of San Luis Potosi it is ten per cent, on amount
paid as alcabala for transfer of dominion.

192

STATISTICS.
FEDERAL REVENUE DURING THE FISCAL YEAR 1 879 TO 1880,
AS PRESENTED IN THE REPORT OF THE TREASURER
OF THE NATION — $21,936,165.39 DERIVED FROM
THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES.
1. From custom-houses (imports alone $12,338,-
771-87)  $13,438,284 35
2. Incomes from the District and Territory of
Lower California  1,173,877 81
3. From stamp duties, ..... 3,725,036 73
4. " direct taxation, . . 592,688 48
5. " products of national property, . . 148,535 22
6. " " of mints, .... 300,389 32
7. Renting of the following mints : —
Guanaguato and Zacatecas, . $300,000
Alamos, Culiacan and Herme-

sillo 

100,000

San Luis,

100,000

Chihuahua,
60,000
Durango and Guadalajara,
160,000
720,000 00
8.
Fund belonging to public institutions, .
46,716 68
9-
0.
Smaller branches of revenue ; —
967,927 23
Rents 
$22,221 75
Miscellaneous profits,
188,136 04
General archives,
108 71
Gift to the Treasury,
120 00
Appointments of notary
publics,
600 00
Legalization of signatures,
2,305 60
From telegraphs.
119,890 15
" fines.
11,104 16
Naval patents, .
1,385 31
193

Premiums,

7,306 26

Costs of courts,

2,705 63

Redintegration,
497 25
Salt mines,
400 00
Public lands,
33,061 49
Sale of useful objects.
2,731 01
Privileges and patents
565 00
Not specified,
10,117 4°
From consulates, .
70,366 00
473:621 76
II.
Products of property and capital,
856 25
12.
Ten per cent, tax upon lotteries,
4L34I 53
13-
Product of the lottery of the
Cuantitlan
Railway,
25,000 00
14-
Duties on home manufactures,
148.178 09
15-
Balance of taxes, .
,
90,320 09
i6.
Donation to pay the American debt,
43,391 85
$21,936,165 39
Balance on hand from last year,
Total amount to meet the bndget,
1,468,116 35
$23,404,281 74
STATEMENT OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES OF
THE DIFFERENT STATES OF THE REPUBLIC OF
MEXICO DURING THE FISCAL YEAR
1879 TO 1880.
Aguascaliente,Campeche,Coahuila, Colima,Chiapas,Chihuahua,Durango,Guanajuato.
Revenue.
$66,748 57
126,301 32
57,116 66
96,365 43
79,958 55
100,084 04
144,280 56
927,576 30
Expenditures.
$61,085 85
183,061 21
57,116 66
9o,357 44
78,400 00
122,472 37
118,641 58
819,053 93
194

9. Guerrero,
io. Hidalgo,
1 1 . Jalisco, .
12. Mexico
13. Michoacan,
14. Morelos,
15. Nuevo Leon, .
16. Oaxaca,
17. Puebla, .
18. Queretaro, .
19. San Luis Potusi,
20. Sinaloa,
21. Sonora, .
22. Tabasco,
23. Tamaulipas, .
24. Tlaxcala,
25. Vera Cruz,
26. Yucatan,
27. Zacatecas, Total, .

88,426 15
382,385 39
307,540 51
415,633 40
271,555 69
233,527 11
97,460 23
530,993 58
688,155 00
178,831 20
332,927 78
123.969 3°
142,000 00
91,425 26
100,000 00
87,369 79
618,557 75
229,172 44
493,600 00

91,640 36
361,026 00
325,050 27
449,734 09
233.763 42
200,467 56
96,083 00
530,993 58
688,155 00
178,728 83
327,429 91
122,369 04
167,296 50
84,019 91
98,525 25
87,787 34
6o7,335 43
228,792 33
477,383 06

$7,011,962 01 $6,825,684 07

STATEMENT SHOWING THE EXPENDITURES OF THE DIFFER
ENT BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR 1879-1880.

Amount authorizec

Amount actually

tu be expended.
expended.
I.
Legislative Department, .
$983,242 OO
$901,897 69
2.
Executive "
48,832 40
42,170 48
3-
Judicial " .
347,878 OO
319,915 91
4-
Exterior relations,
273,711 46
255,290 88
5-
Interior " .
. 2,831,648 24
2,432,168 14
6.
Justice,
1,152,347 36
1,057,183 00
7-
Public works, .
3,Ol8,II9 42
2,179,088 57
8.
Treasury,
4,938,294 H
4,565,519 87
9-
War and marine,
9,938,224 IO
8,678,562 66
Total, .
• $23,532,297 12
$20,431,797 20
195

RECAPITULATION.

Sums of Authorized Budget.

For Federal Government, . , . . $23,532,297 12
For divers State Governments, . . . 7,657,897 05
Total,  $31,190,194 17

Federal revenue according to Treasurer's Report
for 1879-1880,  $21,936,165 39
Revenue of the different States as already stated, 7,011,962 01
Total  $28,948,127 40

Sums Expended.
For Federal Government, . . . $20,431,896 15
For the Government of the States, . . 6,825,684 07
Total,  $27,257,580 22

THE VALUE OF REAL ESTATE.

The number of estates or farms in the Republic of Mexico in
1856 amounted to 13,000, according to documents on file with the
collector of direct contributions, and the value of the same was
assessed at $720,000,000, and the value of city property was set
down at $635,000,000, making together the total value of real estate
in Mexico at that time amount to $1,355,000,000.
The majority of the population of Mexico resided in 1856 m
26,468 cities, towns, villages, plantations and ranches, most of them
situated on the plateau and on the planes of the Cordilleras or the
inclined plane leading from the plateau to the coasts.

196
It was estimated that in 1856 over one hundred millions of dol
lars was in circulation in the Republic.

STATEMENT SHOWING THE VALUE OF REAL ESTATE IN THE
REPUBLIC OF MEXICO IN l88l.

Value of

Value of

Total Value of

Name of State.

City Property,

Rural Property.

Real Estate.

I

Aguascalientes

$
1,700,000 00

$
3,342,000 OO

$
5,042,000 OO

2

Campeche

552,509 00

691,286 OO

1.243-795 °°

3

Coahuila

1,140,828 00

1,809,865 00

2,95°,693 00

4

Colima

1,891,790 00

800,852 00

2,692,642 00

5

Chiapas

439,994 00

1,836,286 OO

2,276,280 00

6

Chihuahua

1,646,730 00

3,007,200 00

4,653,930 00

7

Durango

2,653,331 00

4,404,548 00

7,057,879 00

8

Guanajuato

8,572,982 88

21,285,290 89

29,858,273 77

9

Guerrero

1,993,304 00

11,503,400 00

13,496,704 00

10

Hidalgo

2,559,3H 22

11,825,426 37

14,384,737 59

11

Jalisco

10,085,295 75

12,980,953 77

23,066,249 52

12

Mexico

4,444,651 43

18,946,445 46

23,39i,°96 89

13

Michoacan

7,299,057 00

13,650,657 00

20,949,714 00

H

Morelos

1,064,059 07

4,193,315 32

5,257,374 39

15

Nuevo Leon

5,029,463 00

4,555,327 00

9,584,790 00

16

Oaxaca

6,178,534 00

5,262,766 00

11,441,300 00

17

Puebla

18,411,678 55

14,609,865 91

33,021,544 46

18

Queretaro

4,861,238 00

5,699,245 00

10,560,483 00

19

San Luis Potosi

5,625,608 58

7,928,048 14

13,565,656 72

20

Sinaloa

2,996,313 00

1,611,477 °o

4,607,790 00

21

Sonora

6,898,000 00
22
Tabasco
1,001,309 00
1,856,940 00
2,858,249 00
23
Tamaulipas
4,264,665 00
1,950,270 00
6,214,935 °°
24
Tlaxcala
713,157 00
5,069,457 00
5,782,614 00
25
Vera Cruz
18,139,822 14
5,793,565 00
23,933,387 H
26
Yucatan
1,449,604 44
1,728,573 62
3,178,178 06
27
Zacatecas
5,774,416 42
9,841,235 59
15,615,652 01
28
Ter. of L. Cal.
7,598,682 00
29
Federal districts
Total
49,194,724 04
5,689,697 97
54,884,422 01
169,684,376 52
181,873,994 04
366,055,052 56
197
The estimated value of real estate in Mexico, without regard to
its taxable value, sums up for the year 1881 to the amount of
$432,000,000. The author of the present work, from his own obser
vations in traveling through the country, believes that the above
sum does not actually represent more than one-fourth of the true
value of real estate in Mexico.

MINING STATISTICS.
During the time that Mexico was a colony of Spain, that is
from 1537 to 1821, the sum of $2,086,269,703 silver and $68,768,411
gold, making a total of $2,155,038,124, was produced by the
Mexican mines ; and after independence was effected, from 1822
to 1880, the mines produced in silver $900,658,309, and in gold
$49,413,786, making a total of $950,072,095, which amounts in all
to the sum of $3,105,110,219. This immense amount of coin is
about the sum in round numbers that France lost in the Franco-
Prussian war. What is mining compared with industry ?

TABLE SHOWING THE EXPORTS OF TIMBER TO FOREIGN
COUNTRIES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING IN 1875.

Quality of Timber.

Total value exported
through all the
ports, in dollars.

Amount of duties
paid the Mexican
Government.

Mahogany,

$877,973 97

$103,455 78

Cedar, .

79,859 00

8,114 25

Lumber,

3,963 14

8 64

Palo Moral, .

io5,555 20



Palo de tinte (dye wood),

543,378 06



Tapinceran, .

150 00

3 00

$1,610,879 37

$111,581 67

198

TOTAL IMPORTS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES INTO
REPUBLIC OF MEXICO DURING THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING IN 1 875.

THE

From what countries

Invoice

Value at Mexican

Custom House

imported.

value.

ports,

duties.

England, .

$8,657,168 68

$12,523,745 77

$5,157,476 92

France, .

3,096,990 17

4,453,327 26

1,811,713 42

Germany, .

1,005,763 33

1,658,394 12

721,912 75

Spain,

914,908 58

1,329,527 02

610,738 42

South America, .

90,031 94

202,553 93

74,869 89

United States,

5,028,635 91

7.133,307 83

3,444,822 09

$18,793,493 61

$27,300,855 93

$11,821,523 49

TABLE INDICATING THE COST OF RAISING AND GATHERING
ONE " ARROBA," OR 25 POUNDS, OF COTTON IN THE
DIVERS STATES OF THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC, AND ITS
COST LAID DOWN AT THE NEAREST PORT OF EXPORTS,
AND THE PROFIT ITS CULTIVATION WILL GIVE TO THE
AGRICULTURIST.

Taken from a memoir upon the culture of cotton in Mexico
by Sefior Don Jose Andrande in August, 1 864.
(Since that time other States have been created out of the State
of Mexico : Puebla, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, etc., and Yu
catan.) The price of freight given in this table is at present much
reduced, but it must be remembered that in 1864 nearly all the
means of transportation was engaged in hauling cotton from
Texas to Mexico, and that all the facilities for transportation were
inadequate to the task.

199

The price of 18 cents is a fair average price as is also the
cost of raising the same.

Cotton gathered
the following
States.

Transported to the
following- ports..

$4
o.gss Is 2£

•gSS o.2rVi
0 © 0OU

C
5

1 "3 £
s>ss!f 8
-4

111

Jo.-
S§?2

$

$

$

$

$

$

Aguasca- )
lientes \

San Bias,

1 38

2 25

3 63

4 50

87

264 00

Baja Cali- i
fornia j

j Any port in that )
/ territory \

37
1 75
2 75
836 00
Chiapas
Tonala
55
1 93
2 57
781 00
Chihuahua
Altata
2 50
3 88
62
188 00
Coahuila
Matamoros
1 62
3 00
1 50
456 00
Colima
Manzanillo
37
1 75
2 75
836 00
Durango
Mazatlan
1 12
2 50
2 00
608 00
Guanajualo
Tampico
1 37
2 75
1 75
532 00
Gerrero
Acapulco
62
2 00
2 50
760 00
Island of [
Carmen \
Carmen
25
1 63
2 87
872 00
Jalisco
San Bias
1 50
2 88
1 62
492 00
Mexico
Vera Cruz
1 25
2 63
1 87
568 00
Michoacan
Zacatula
1 70
3 08
1 42
431 00
Nuevo Leon
Matamoros
1 25
2 63
1 87
568 00
Oaxaca
Huatula
84
2 22
2 28 693 00
Puebla
Vera Cruz
87
2 25
2 25 684 00
Queretaro
Tampico
1 10
2 48
2 02
614 00
San Luis (
Potosi j
do.
1 37
2 75
1 75
532 00
Sierra Gorda
do.
1 10
2 48
2 02
614 00
Sinaloa
Altata
87
2 25
2 25
684 00
Sonora
Guaymas
62
2 00
2 50
760 00
Tabasco
Frontera
5°
1 88
2 62
796 00
Tamaulipas
Tampico
52
1 90
2 60
790 00
Tehuantepec
j Tehuantepec or )
/ Minatillan ]
24
1 62
2 88
875 00
Tlaxcala
Vera Cruz
87
2 25
2 25
684 00
Vera Cruz
do. i j 37
1 75
2 75
336 00
Yucatan
Campeche 45
1 83
2 67
8n 00
Zacatecas
San Bias ; ;2 00
3 38
1 12
340 00
200

TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE
STATES AND THE TERRITORY OF LOWER CALIFORNIA,
AND THE COST OF THEIR MAINTENANCE FOR THE YEAR
1880.

STATES.

3 0
H

Number of male pupils.

Number of female pupils.

Total number of pupils. ,

llll

1. Aguasca- )
lientes \

53

26

79

4,800

1,200

6,000

$
10,000

2. Campeche

43

H

57

3,600

700

4,3°0

15,000

3. Coahuila

70

30

100

5,230

2,127

7,357

26,000

4. Colima

18

17

35

1,452

1,502

2,954

18,000

5. Chiapas

78

12

9°

2,125

500

2,625

10,000

6. Chihuahua

73

40

"3

3,350

928

4,278

28,473

7. Durango

95

30

125

3,102

1,35°

4,452

20,000

8. Guanajuato

176

H5

321

IO,754

7,045

17,799

81,386

9. Guerrero

392

28

420

13,006

L755

14,761

34,965

10. Hidalgo

442

76

518

15.819

3,37i

19,190

82,287

11. Jalisco

439

275

7H

28,376

11,160

39,536

100,000

12. Mexico

887

181

1,068

41,321

10,245

51,566

187,216

13. Michoacan

154

89

243

7,000

3,200

10,200

52,756

14. Morelos

47

40

87

8,209

5,387

13,596

22,866

1 5. Nuevo Leon

181

104

285

8,928

4,732

13,660

68,000

16. Oaxaca

234

47

281

16,420

3,296

19,716

50,982

17. Puebla

889

118

1,007

50,320

15,000

65,320

153,000

18. Queretaro

IOI

62

163

6,271

2,922

9,193

30,000

19. San Luis )
Potosi (

183

56

239

9,486

3,690

13,176

40,000

20. Sinaloa

238

42

280

6,600

2,600

9,200

58,000

21. Sonora

80

25

105

3-500

740

4,240

20,000

22. Tabasco

48

17

65

2,695

525

3,220

20,000

23. Flascala

176

18

194

8.IOO

i,55o

9,650

20,000

24. Tamaulipas

60

—

60

4,000

4,000

10,000

25. Vera Cruz

580

H9

729

20,021

5-937

25,958

218,935

26. Yucatan

163

39

202

8,659

2,643

11,302

50,000

27. Zacatecas

311

178

489

13,738

6,653

20,391

72,000

Ter. of Lower )
California J

17
6,228

9

26

677

367

1,044

10,000

Total

1,867:8,095

307,559

101,125

408,684

1,510,446

In 1874, according to a statement presented by Sefior Jos6 Covarrubias, in a laborious report that
he made upon public instruction in the Republic of Mexico, there were 8,103 primary schools, attended
by 349,001 scholars of both sexes. According to the latest datas received in the Secretary of State's office
in 1880, there were in the Republic 8,536 primary schools, attended by 435,953 scholars. This shows in
six years an augmentation in favor of public schools of 433, and of 86,952 children more attending the same.
TABLE SHOWING THE ALTITUDES OF SOME IMPORTANT POINTS IN THE REPUBLIC.

Names of Places.
Fort Brown, Texas, ...
Edinburgh, Texas,
Ringold Barrack, Texas,
Laredo, Texas,
Eagle Pass, Texas, .
Presidio del Norte, Texas,
San Eleazario, Texas,
El Paso, Texas,
El Paso Plaza, Mexico,
Laguna Encenilla,
Camp between Encenilla and Chihuahua,
Curihuiriachic, 
Mining town 90 miles west of Chihuahua,
La Bufa Mountain, west of Curihuiriachie,

Latitude.
25° 53' 16° 3'
26° 5' 53° 9'

Latitude west of Greenwich
97° 26' 22° 5'
98° 13' 37° 5'
99° 28' 47° 47'
100° 30' 26° 7'
104° 26' 27° 7'
106° 16' 15° '
106° 29' 5° 4'

Altitude in feet.
165.5
422.4 521.6

28° 42' 43° 67'
29° 33' 53° 12'
31° 35' 12° 62'
31° 44' 15° 7'

2,779.03,607.3
3,795-0
( bank of river
( 3,814-0 5,3i7-o
4,940.0

28° 12'
6,275.0 7,918.0
Names of Places. Latitude. Longitude west of Greenwich. Altitude in feet.
Chihuahua   7.9l8-°
San Bernardo, spring route of Coahuila to
Mapimi   4,700.0
San Sebastian, Nazas River, . .   3>785-°
San Lorenzo, near Rio de Nazas, . .  3>8i5-°
San Juan, Valley of Nazas, . .  3,77 5-°
Pozo, . . .   3,990-0
Parras (city), . . . . . 25° 25'  4,987-°
Encantada, rancho near the road to Parras and
San Luis Potosi Fork, ....  6,104.0
Rinconada Hacienda, at the descent of plateau,  — •  3,381.°
Montery (city), . . 20° 40' 13° 100" 25' 36° 1,626.0 »
Cerralvo, . . .  1,000.0
Pontiagudo, .... .  700.0
Reynosa (Rio Bravo), ....  184.0
Catorce, ... . .  7,193-68
Cerro de los Angels, . . ,  10,467.60
Charcas,   6,994.0
San Luis Potosi,   6,ol8.48

to o

203

MEXICAN STAMP DUTY— ABRIDGED.

This work does not permit us to give in full the stamp duty
law (ley del timbre), but we make such abstracts as will be found
most interesting to foreigners.
Article ist of the law says : " The Federal Revenue, known as
stamp duty, shall be made effective by means of stamps, according
to the disposition of this law."
Article 2d. — The stamp shall consist of three different classes,
first, stamps for documents and books ; second, stamps for goods,
and, third, stamps for Federal contributions.
Article 3d. — The stamps shall only be valid for the year
mentioned in their faces, or during the time the executive may
determine, changing their value, if necessary.
Article 4th. — The stamps for documents and books shall be of
the following denominations :
I. — First, ten dollars.
Second, five dollars.
Third, one dollar.
Fourth, fifty cents.
Fifth, twenty-five cents.
Sixth, ten cents.
Seventh, five cents.
Eighth, three cents.
Ninth, one cent.
II. — The stamps for merchandise shall be of the following
denominations, viz., one, three, five and ten cents.
III. — The stamps to be used for the payment of Federal con
tributions shall be of the following denominations, viz, :
First, five dollars.
Second, one dollar.
Third, twenty-five cents.
Fourth, five cents.
Fifth, one cent.

204
IV. — The stamp duty may be paid with the stamps specified in
this law, or with several stamps together amounting to the value
required. E.
42. — Public documents (testimonio), titles, etc.
A. — When no sum is expressed or determined in the first page,
five dollars, and for each additional page, fifty cents.
B. — When sums are mentioned or expressed on every page,
fifty cents.
And for each one hundred dollars, and every fraction of a
hundred dollars, ten cents.
C. — When sums are mentioned, and at the same time include
objects whose value cannot be determined : for the first page, five
dollars, and each additional page, fifty cents.
And for each one hundred dollars or fraction thereof, ten
cents. D. — Contract of rent or yearly lease, for each page, fifty
cents, and for each hundred dollars or fraction of one hundred
dollars mentioned in the same, ten cents.
E. — For a division or partition sale, for each leaf, fifty cents ;
and one cent on all sums from one to twenty dollars, and 07ie cent
for each additional twenty dollars or fractions thereof.
43. — Titles to Mines, for each page, fifty cents.
I.
50. — Inventories, taken by order of court, per page, fifty cents.
L.
51. — For each legalization of signature, ten cents.
52. — Bills of exchange.
From one to twenty dollars, one cent ; over that sum, foi
each twenty dollars or fraction thereof, one cent.
53. — For drafts, as above. M.
58. — Memorials, petitions, etc., before any authority, for each
leaf, fifty cents.

205
65- — Promissory notes, from one to twenty dollars, one cent ; ex
ceeding that amount, for each and every twenty dollars
or fraction thereof, one cent.
67. — Patent rights — Shall be written upon special paper and con
tain stamps to the amount of twenty dollars.
76. — Private power of attorney.
A. — In which no sum is specified, and in which none can be
determined, for each page, fifty cents.
B. — If any quantity is determined, in all cases where it is
legally admissible from one to twenty dollars, one cent ; exceeding
that amount, for each and every twenty dollars or fraction
thereof, one cent.
77. — For a judicial power.
A. — On the first page of the document, five dollars, and each
succeeding one, fifty cents.
B. — For substitution of powers of attorney, tor each page,
fifty cents.
80. — Protest, for each page, fifty cents.
81. — Protocol, for each page, fifty cents.
R.
82. — Receipts, or a7iy document given to prove payment or deposit
of goods or money. For sum of twenty dollars or less
one cent ; exceeding the sum of twenty dollars or frac
tion, one cent. T.
For each will or testament, for the first page, five dollars, and
fifty cents for each additional page.
89. — Testimonio.
A. —For any legalized document, each page, fifty cents.
B. — And for each and every hundred dollars or fraction of a
hundred dollars mentioned in the sum, ten cents.
C. — If no sum of money is mentioned in the document, and the
same is not determined on the first page, for the first page, five dol
lars, and each succeeding page, fifty cents. And for each and every
hundred dollars or fraction, ten cents.

206

90. — Professional titles
A. — Titles and license tax shall be extended on special paper,
and the following stamp duty shall be attached to the same : —
For lawyer,
Business agent,
Agriculturist,

Broker, ist class, .
2d " .
Dentist, .
Notary public (fiat),
Apothecary, .
Flebotomist,
Engineer, ,
Teacher, professor, .
Doctor, ,
Midwife,Scientific professors not menti

oned in the tariff,

.20 00
10 00
5 00
10 00
5 00
5 00
15 00
20 00
5 00
15 00
5 00
20 00
5 00
10 00

91. — Titles to lands.
When value does not exceed two hundred dollars, for each
title, fifty cents.
92. — Titles to mines.
A. — When no quantity or sum is expressed, nor can be deter
mined on first page, five dollars, and fifty cents for each following
page. B. — When a sum is mentioned. For each page fifty cents,
and ten cents for each one hundred dollars or fraction of a hun
dred dollars mentioned in the same.
Penalties for not complying with this law are very heavy.

207

THE MAGUEY PLANT,
OR AGAVE AMERICANA.
The maguey plant is a true vegetal spring. When the plant is
about to bloom it is anxiously watched by the patient Indian, who,
as soon as he discovers the true signs, which consist in the stem
beginning to shoot up, the leaves, which are usually bent toward
the ground, close up, and the appearance of the plant changes
completely. The stem is then cut short and an incision made
with a sharp spoon into the heart of the plant, and the leaves
tied close over it ; the sap or juice is then gathered as often
as three times a day. One Indian can attend to three hundred
plants, usually called a quebra. A plant will commonly furnish,
in twenty-four hours, four cubic decimetres (or 242 cubic inches,
English measure), equal to eight Mexican quartillos. Of this total
quantity they obtain three quartillos at sunrise, two at midday, and
three at six in the evening. A very vigorous plant will yield as
much as fifteen quartillos, or 454 cubic inches, English, per day,
for four to five months, which amounts to the enormous volume of
more than 1,100 cubic decimeters, or 67,130 inches. This abun
dance of juice, produced by a single maguey of scarcely a yard in
height, is so much more astonishing from the fact that the planta
tions are generally situated on arid ground where nothing else will
grow except yuca. It is well to add that the produce of the maguey,
like the produce of the vine, varies very much according to the
latitude and the atmosphere, etc.
After the plant has furnished its crop of juice it dies off. Then
out of the leaves a very good paper can be manufactured ; the point
of the leaves are used by the Indians as needles. Out of the leaves
is made a kind of hemp called istle, which is worth as much as 12%
cents per pound, and is exported to manufacture rope, brushes, etc.
The plant is prevented from blooming, because all that nature
destined to produce, the growth of the stems, flowers and fruit is
to become the favorite beverage of the Mexicans, pulque. The plant
which has until then been abandoned to itself as the wild tree of the

208
forest, when it is about to blossom, becomes an object of the greatest
care and vigilance. The Mexican Indian, with the patience that
characteiizes his race, watches the appearance of the indications of
the growth of the stem, the straightening and closing of the leaves,
and, in fact, the general appearance of the plant ; he inspects care
fully the field and marks each plant that is about to bloom. It
is then that the sap is gathered, which is called in Mexfco
agua miel (honey-water) on account of its sweet flavor, and with it
the pulque is prepared. After cutting the sprout or stem of the
plant and taking away the leaves surrounding it with the spoon, the
stem is hollowed out six or seven inches in diameter, and four to
six inches in depth. It is in this cavity that the sap is gathered ;
the hole or wound made in the plant, enlarged gradually, is covered
by closing the leaves growing around the stem, tying them together
at the points, or bending them by placing a flat rock over them.
The liquid sap is carried off two or three times a day, and in
order to facilitate the flow of sap, the cavity made in the plant
is rasped with a sharp instrument each time that it is emptiedj
something like a spoon with sharp edges. To gather this sweet sap
the Indians use an instrument acting like a pipette, which they call
Acocote. It consists of a long gourd, to each end of which are
affixed two pieces of sharp horn : while one end is plunged in the
liquid, the other placed in the mouth draws the liquid, which is
then emptied in an earthen jar and then carried into the cellar where
the fermentation is to take place.
Although the maguey will grow in soil where no other plant
will, it matures with more precocity when planted in good soil and
is cultivated, and in some localities watered occasionally. In some
soil the agave will mature in five years. Heat has great influence
over the expansion of the growth of the stem and its blooming.
Experience shows that the maguey acclimated in Africa and in South
America will travel over the cycle of its vegetation much more
rapidly than on the table lands of Mexico and Peru. This rapid
growth is, however, unfavorable to the accumulation of the sweet
sap, and that is probably the reason why in Spain and Italy the
agave is not, as in the plateau of Anahuac, cultivated as a produce.
In northern climes the maguey vegetates but rarely matures.
That is probably the reason that has caused the popular belief that

209
it only blossomed in a hundred years. In the State of Oaxaca, in
the Republic of Mexico, at an altitude of 10,000 feet, thefurcra?a
longava being forty-two to forty-five feet in height, bearing leaves
from six to nine feet long, only brings forth its yellow flower once
in every hundred years — if the Indian's statement can be relied on.
In the vicinity of Toluca and Cacanumecan, State of Mexico,
and Cholula, State of Puebla, the cultivated maguey reaches its
maturity in eight years. In that section of the country a plant fur
nishes a gallon of liquid daily, and a vigorous plant will furnish as
much, as seven quarts in every twenty-four hours, during four or five
months ; this is the maximum yield. In bad soils a plant will not
render in the same period of time more than 112 quarts of juice
(agua 7niel).
Dr. Dreyer, military apothecary in the French army, has
observed that one plant during three months yielded one to two
quarts daily ; altogether, 136 quarts. The difference in the yield of
this plant is attributed to the locality, the quality of the soil, and the
culture or the care taken of the plant when the first signs of
maturity are shown, and, above all, of the choice in the variety of
the plant to be cultivated. In the State of San Luis Potosi the
maguey matures in from four to eight years, according to locality ;
five years are considered a fair average. The cost of planting 100,000
magueys in that State is from $400 to $600. A large maguey can
produce twenty-five pounds of istle, worth from $2.50 to $3.00.
The maguey stands at the head of the alcohol producing plants,
producing fifty per cent, more alcohol than corn, sugar-cane, Irish
potatoes, grapes, and in fact of all plants on an equal space of
ground. It excels all other products in its production of alcohol.

210

ITINERARIES
ITINERARIES OF ROUTES THROUGH THE ISTHMUS OF TEHU
ANTEPEC, NICARAGUA AND PANAMA.
From the Atlantic side.
From New Orleans, crossing the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, to
the port of Ventosa on the Pacific, 956 miles ; time, 46 days.
From New Orleans, crossing the Isthmus of Nicaragua, to the
port of San Juan del Sur, 1,430 miles; time, 71& days.
From New Orleans, crossing the Isthmus of Panama, to Pana
ma, 1,458 miles; time, 6% days.
From New York, via Tehuantepec, to La Ventosa, 2,053 miles ;
time, gX days.
From New York, via Nicaragua, to San Juan del Sur, 2,182
miles ; time, 10^ days.
From New York, via Panama, to Panama, 2,045 miles ; time,
gX days. From the Pacific side.
From the port of La Ventosa, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec,
to San Francisco, Cal., 2,118 miles ; time, gX days.
From the port of San Juan del Sur, in the Isthmus of Nicara
gua, to San Francisco, Cal., 2,670 miles; time, 11X days.
From Panama, Isthmus of Panama, to San Francisco, Cal.,
3,210 miles ; time, 14 days. ROUTE NO. I.
From the City of San Antonio, Texas, to the City of Mexico,
overland in 1866.
From San Antonio several roads lead to the City of Mexico,
but they have more or less inconvenience, and many of them are
scarce of water and forage at long intervals between the towns,
haciendas and ranches situated along the routes. The writer of
this itinerary will describe those which he has found the best and

211
safest at all times of the year, having made the trip several times
with one companion and two servants.
The route by way of Eagle Pass is good, but is much longer
than by way of Laredo It was preferred during the rebellion for
trains and travelers because all the streams along that route are
fordable, and having good grass and also safer from robbers and
Indians than the Laredo route
From San Antonio to Eagle Pass, passing through the towns
of Castroville. Dhanis and Uvalde, it is 145 miles, over a good road
with abundance of water and grass, and stores and hotels along the
road where the traveler can find all he desires.
At Eagle Pass, which is situated opposite the town of Piedras
Negras, in the State of Coahuila, m the Republic of Mexico, the
Rio Grande is crossed in a good ferry-boat. The first thing the
traveler has to do is to repair to the custom-house, and either pay
the duties on his outfit or give bond to return the same at the cus
tom-house where he took the permit within sixty days or return a
certificate from any other custom-house in the Republic, showing
that he has recrossed into the United States with the same outfit
that he took into Mexico. [By outfit is meant the ambulance or
conveyance and animals with which one travels.]
The next thing is to procure a passport from the authorities,
with permission to carry the weapons necessary for the defense of
the party ; to obtain this, no impediment is thrown in the way of
the traveler, if any respectable citizen will answer for his good
behavior. The road the writer tr?veled to Monterey and Saltillo is the
one described here as route number one. There are several others,
but I will only describe one or two.
ROUTE no. 2.
From Piedras Negras, z'« the State of Coahuila, to the town and
old presidio of La Punt a de La77ipasas, in the State of Nuevo
Leon. — Distance by way of the Alamo de Los Borregos, 134.
miles. The distance from Piedras Negras, in Coahuila, situated
opposite the town of Eagle Pass, in Texas, to the agricultural
town of Nava, where forage, lodging and good water can be had,

212
is twenty-six miles. From the town of Nava to the old town and
fort of Peyotes, it is eight miles. From the town of Peyotes to the
San Diego cave and ranch, on the arroyo (creek) of the same name,
it is thirteen miles.
From San Diego, where the desert is reached, to a stopping
place known as El Potrillo, is distant forty-two miles ; here water
is scarce, but seven miles further the river Sabinas is reached, and
forded at the passo del coche, a short distance below a small vil
lage ; total distance, forty-nine miles.
From the passo del coche to the large hacienda del Alamo de
los Borregos, on Alamo river, it is about ten miles. At this place
lodging, forage and good water can be found.
From the Alamo to the arroyo of el Saus, where the water is
generally bad, it is distant thirteen miles. The road is level to the
city and old fort of La Punta de Lampasas ; distance, fifteen miles,
Lampasas has some irrigable lands. A mine of some value was
formerly worked in its vicinity.- In former times it was established as
a frontier post, where a company of Spanish troops were stationed.
The soldiers used a sort of armor called "escopilla," which was
entirely arrow-proof. Some years ago many of these accoutrements
could still be seen, as they were preserved as curiosities. The
people of Lampasas manufacture good Mexican blankets. Opposite
this town is the (table) Mesa de los Cartuhanes, a plateau that
rises about two thousand feet above the surrounding plain. On
this plateau there is good water, good grass, and timber is found ;
its extent is about twenty miles from north to south, and fifteen
from east to west, and is only accessible from one point. In old
times it was an India 1 hiding place. It is now the property of Don
Patricio Milmo, a rich merchant and proprietor, of Irish descent,
who is transforming it into one of the finest stock ranches in this
part of Mexico. ROUTE NO. 3.
From San Antonio de la Punta de Lampasas, in Nuevo Leon,
passing through Laredo. — San Antonio to Laredo, 170
miles ; Laredo to La Punta, 79 miles ; making together 249
miles.From San Antonio to Laredo, in Webb county, plenty of
water, good grass, and stores where supplies can be procured, are

213
found on the different roads ; its distance being 170 or 180 miles.
The best road is by crossing the Medina at the old Presidio crossing
or above, and taking the Castroville and old Fort Ewell road. By
this road you avoid the sand. The Frio has a good ford near the
Waul pasture, and from thence rolling hills to Fort Ewell where
the Nueces is forded or ferried according to the season. Here is a
little village and store provided with everything the traveler needs.
From here to Laredo it is seventy miles, mostly through an open
country. New Laredo is situated opposite Old Laredo, of which it
formed a part before Texas was separated from Mexico. It is also
improving very fast, as some large foreign importing houses have
established depots for their goods at this place.
From New Laredo to the Aguaje of Las Habras del Maiz,
fifteen miles ; from Habras del Maiz to the Aguaje la Lomeria,
road good between hills, the Peyotes chain ; distance, fifteen miles ;
Aguaje la Lomeria, road level through a bottom of huisache to the
Rio Salado ; distance, fifteen miles. From Rio Salado to Rancho
la Barranca of Mogina, road over a prairie to the ranch ; distance,
thirteen miles. From Mogina to the town of La Punta de Lam
pasas, crossing this side of the town, the San Matias river, partly
covered with mesquites, is distant eleven miles. In dry seasons
water and grass are more scarce on this route than on that from San
Antonio to Monterey by way of Piedras Negras, particularly the
distance from Laredo la Punta. ROUTE NO. 4.
From the town of Lampasas to Villa Aldama, Salinas and Mon-
tery, distance, ioj miles.
From the town of La Punta de Lampasas to the ranch of Golon-
drinas the road is rough. Here are pens for animals, and a good well
and tank. This rancho is a stock farm formerly belonging to the
Hacienda del Carrizal. It is twenty-one miles from Lampasas, and
six miles further is the rancho of Lagunillas, formerly belonging
also to the Carrizal, where good water and forage can be had.
Here comes in the straight road from El Sauz through the town
of Santiago de Valladares, leaving the town of Lampasas to the
right. From the Lagunillas to Villa Aldama it is ten miles.

214
Villa Aldama, formerly known as Boca de Leones, is a town of
some importance owing to the mines situated near it, which were
formerly of great profit. To-day a large amount of lead silver is
extracted from these mines, also containing silver. The mineral is
galena. At this place was located a hospital used as a resting place for
the Franciscan Friars and other priests, who attended the missions
of Texas while traveling between Mexico, Guadalajara and Texas.
Its population is mostly descendants of Spaniards. About two
leagues north-west of this place is the town of Tlaxcala, also known
as San Miguel Aguayo, and presently as Bustamente, settled by
people from the original Tlaxcaltec tribe. It is a pretty little vil
lage where cultivated gardens could produce all kinds of fruit and
vegetables. From this village a good road through the Gap of
Tlaxcala leads to the Bajan well. The distance from Villa Aldama
to Las Cuevas, a stopping place, is ten miles.
From Las Cuevas to the Hacienda de Palo Blanco the road is
through a palm forest, not bad, but heretofore considered dangerous
on account of Indians ; distance, fifteen miles. At this large ranch;
water and forage can be procured.
From Palo Blanco to the pueblo of Los Morales, passing
through a forest of palm trees, is the pass of La Gacha, a noted
place for Indians in former days, and further down the valley is Los
Morales, where forage and water can be had. This road is eight
miles. From the rancho of Los Morales, over rolling prairie to the
town of Salinas Victoria, it is seven miles.
The town of Salinas Victoria, situated on the river of the same
name, has a fine church, well-paved streets, a good square, and
presents a neat appearance. Its people cultivate the soil, raise
stock and work the silver mines in the canon de Salinas. The
metal is galena and is easily smelted ; population, about 4,000 peo
ple. Orange trees were formerly cultivated here in the open air.
From Salinas to the City of Monterey the road is very good,
and six miles before reaching the city the road passes the village of
La Etanzuela, a beautiful place shaded with a stately forest and fruit
trees. From Salinas to Monterey the distance is twenty-six miles.
Monterey, capital of the State of Nuevo Leon (formerly the New
Kingdom of Leon) is situated 25° 40' 6" north, and longitude 0° 49'
o" of the City of Mexico, on the river of the same name, which is

215
sometimes called Rio de Santa Catarina. It is 602% miles distant
from the City of Mexico, and 1,626 feet above the level of the sea.
It is probable that this portion of Mexico was conquered by the
celebrated Spanish Gen. Francisco de Urdinola, sumamed " El
Viego " to distinguish him from his son who was also a distinguished
warrior. It was probably thirty years after the conquest of Mexico
by Cortez, that Urdinola conquered this portion of Mexico from the
Chichimecas (the Spaniards were in the habit of calling all wild
tribes of Indians, Chichimecas) ; no exact date is, however, fixed for
the foundation of Monterey. It was first named after Santa Lucia,
a beautiful spring situated in the heart of the city. It is well known
from the archives that in 1 569, that portion of the country was
known as the New Kingdom of Leon, that it had a Governor, etc.
In 1 569, Don Luis de Caravajal, was Governor at the City of Leon
(now Monterey), then the capital of the New Kingdom, and in 1 596
Don Diego de Montemayor solemnly founded the metropolis of our
Lady of Monterey, the present city.
Monterey is built mostly of stone, has several fine churches, a
good hospital, a college, a convent of sisters of charity, a spacious
city hall, several well paved squares ornamented with shade trees
and stone benches ; it has several good hotels, and one of the best
populations in Mexico. Its people seem to be more industrious than
their neighbors. Among the noted buildings is the Bishop's palace,
which is situated on a hill west of the city, on the right of the Sal
tillo road. The Black Fort is situated north of the city, and was
intended for a cathedral, but has been used as a fort, and since the
downfall of Maximilian this property has been donated to meritori
ous soldiers. The convent of San Francisco is now used as a jail.
The Governor's palace, now stands where the Jesuits formerly had
a church and school.
Monterey has a good market, and fine gardens where the
orange tree grows indigenous without any attention. Its climate is
warm, but is much tempered by the breeze that comes through the
valley of Juahuco, situated between the Sierra Madre Mountains
and the mountain of La Silla, the saddle mountain. Population,
40,000 souls.
To Santa Catarina, the road to Saltillo, after following the
main street of the city, leads to the foot of the hill where the
Bishop's palace is situated, leaving the Monterey River to the left,

216
and a high ridge of hills situated south of it. The road is good but
a little rocky. Beyond the Bishop's palace hill is another hill called
Independence Hill, upon which it is said the American army in 1847
mounted a gun that commanded the Bishop's palace and finally
caused it to surrender ; the gun, I believe, was under the command
of Lieutenant, now Comander-in-chief of the United States army,
W. T. Sherman. The road then follows the beautiful Cerro de la
Mitra, a high mountain, rich in galena, silver, marble, alabaster
and plaster of Paris. To the left, about eight or ten miles, is
the Sierra Madre, which looks as if it was within reach. The next
place is the Molino of Jesus Maria, one of the largest wheat mills in
the country. A little further on the road passes an important cot
ton factory, which was established by an American called Steel, one
of nature's noblemen, who, through friendship to Gen. Trevino, was
killed in some revolutionary engagement, fighting on Gen. Trevino's
side. At a short distance further is an alameda, the road being
surrounded by fields as far as the town of Santa Catarina. Dis
tance, four leagues from Monterey. The road is very good, being an
inclined plane of pretty heavy grade. One passes the rancho of
Carabajal, to reach a point called El Alto, where is found a pretty
good Mexican hotel, and forage for animals. From this point the
road still leads down the valley of the hacienda de la Rinconada,
leaving the hacienda to the right, and turning to the left is a point
situated on a high hill between the mountains, called Los Muertos,
and another of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is said that the
Mexican Gen. Ampudia intended to stop Gen. Taylor's advance at
this point and had begun fortifying it. It can be added here that a
few determined men with artillery could stop a whole army, but it
has a great disadvantage as it could be easily turned, first by the
pass of Santa Catarina to the left, and by the pass leading to Pes-
queria on the right, and was therefore abandoned by the Mexicans.
Los Muertos is the dividing line between the States of Nuevo Leon
and Coahuila. It has always been considered a dangerous point
for robbers and Indians. The road leads down hill to a poor little
rancho called los Muertos, and from there it rises ; you reach the
hacienda of San Gregorio, where forage and accommodation can be
had for travelers. This place is twenty-one miles to Saltillo. The
straightest road being by way of el Jarral. Another good road is
by the hacienda of Santa Maria.

217

ROUTE NO. 5.

From Piedras Negras by way of Monclova, leaving out Santa
Rosa and traveling the straightest and best road, where
water and forage are found at all seasons of the year — 170
miles. From Monclova to Saltillo, 134 miles.
From the town of Piedras Negras, opposite Eagle Pass in
Texas, over a good road crossing the Rio Escondido and one creek
with good water, it is thirty miles to the town of San Fernando de
Rosa, known at present as Saragoza. The town has a good church
soldiers's quarters ; it is principally built of stone, and adobe houses
with flat roofs ; has very good irrigable lands, and cultivates, with
profit, wheat, corn, sugar-cane and beans. Its population is about
6,000 people.
From Saragoza to the Cabecerra Springs, passing the rancho
of La Sorra, it is about ten miles. From Cabecerra Springs through
the plains of San Jose to the town of San Juan de Sabinas it is
forty-two miles ; a little further on Alamo River is crossed. A little
this side of the Alamo River a road to the right leads to Santa
Rosa, about 1 3 miles distant from the Alamo.
From San Juan de Sabinas to the village of La Aura, the road
is good. Distance, twenty-four miles.
From the village of La Aura to the stock rancho of Lampasi-
tos it is twenty-one miles. From Lampasitos to the hacienda of
Hermanas it is thirteen miles. This was a rich grain and stock
place at one time.
' (Santa Rosa was made headquarters of the military department
of the eastern international provinces, after the decree of the court
of Spain ordering the international province of New Spain to be
divided in two separate departments, had been carried out, in the
year 1788. The province of Tejas formed a part of this military
department, and Colonel Don Juan de Ugalde was appointed
its commanding general. This officer having concentrated his forces
which consisted of the presidio troops, militia and a few auxiliaries,
made a successful campaign against the Indians in the year 1789,
which ended in a complete destruction of the combined forces of
the wild Indians in the canon de Uvalde, Uvalde Co., Texas (this
has by mistake been altered, and should be Ugalde, as the canon

218
was named after the distinguished Spanish officer). This great
success so completely demoralized the Indians that they kept at
peace with the Spaniards until the revolution broke out. Santa
Rosa was almost entirely washed away by a great freshet that took
place about the beginning of this century. It is now a large town,
and the silver mines situated in its vicinity, and which are now
developed by American capital and industry, will give it greater
importance.) The distance from Hermanas to the springs known as Ojo
Caliente, which are famous throughout the country and are recom
mended for rheumatism and syphilitic diseases, is three miles.
From the Hot Springs to the Salado River it is about four miles.
From the Salado River to a point called Los Adjuntas it is ten
miles. Thence following the margin of the Rio de Monclova to
the city of Monclova, it is thirteen miles.
From the city of Monclova, formerly the capital of Coahuila
to the village Castano, the road, although broken, is good. Dis
tance, thirteen miles.
From Castano to the Estanque del Marquez, level road, over
an open country, covered with scattering mesquite. Distance,
thirteen miles.
From El Estanque del Marquez to the rancho de Bajan, good
road. Distance, fifteen miles. Forage doubtful. Here is to be found a
good well of fresh water. This point in the desert has become cele
brated on account of it being the place where Padre Hidalgo, the
Generalisimo of the Insurgents and leader of the first Mexican
struggle for independence, was captured with all his retinue, after
having lost the battle of Puente de Calderon, and while making his
way to the United States, by Colonel Elisondo, the same that was
afterwards defeated at the battle of the Alazan, one mile from San
Antonio, in 1813. This important event — the capture of Hidalgo,
took place on the morning of the 21st of March, 181 1. The
remainder of Hidalgo's army was dispersed, 893 prisoners taken,
and 40 killed ; 24 pieces of artillery and 3 swivels, and over half
a million in silver taken, besides many officers and all the leaders
of the revolution — Hidalgo, Allende, Jimenes, Aldama, Ballezo,
Abasolo, Camargo, Lanzagorta, Mariano Hidalgo, brother of the
curate, who was Treasurer-General of the Insurgents, and many

219
others. This important capture virtually ended the revolution of
Hidalgo. From Bajan to Anhelo, the road is good, one and a half miles to
the hills, then over a level prairie, ten miles, then about eight miles
through a huisache thicket, to la punta del Espinaso (the point of
the spine, which is the end of a spur of high mountains), where
there is a small rancho and a tank of water ; here a fork of roads
leads to the city of Parras. It is a disagreeable place on account of
of three gaps in the different ranges of mountains ; high winds
prevailing all the year around.
From La Punta the road is good, having the mountains of
Espinazo to the south ; for twenty-five miles it is level to la punta
de Anhelo ; from la punta to the rancho of Anhelo it is six miles
over a good road.
Anhelo has a fine tank, some good buildings, and is a grain
country where large quantities of oats are raised. Distance from
Bajan to Anhelo, fifty miles and a half.
From Anhelo to the rancho of Mesillas, good road for seven
and a half miles to the hills (cerrito), where there is a small rancho
called Los Cerritos ; then two and a half miles to the arroyo del
Barreal, and from there seven and a half miles over a good road to
Mesillas. Distance from Anhelo to Mesillas, seventeen and a half
miles. From Mesillas (aguaje) of la cuesta del Cabrito, three miles
level road and seven miles of broken, rough road to la Cuesta.
Distance from Mesillas, ten miles. At this point Don Francisco
Guilbeau was attacked by a band of robbers from Saltillo, which he
succeeded in driving off with his brave Mexicans from San
Antonio. It was about the year 1848. This place has been con
sidered dangerous from Indians and robbers.
From La Cuesta del Cabrito to the city of Saltillo the road
leads up the Cabrito hill, and is good to the hacienda de Capellania,
four miles. A very pretty place, where Dr. Hewitson, many years
ago, erected a cotton factory. This place used to be General
Taylor's favorite ride at the time he was in Saltillo. Then four
miles to the rancho de los Bosques, which is situated between two
little peaks. This is also a pretty place. Then over a level road
six miles to the city, making the whole distance from the Cuest 1
del Cabrito to Saltillo fifteen miles.

220
From Monclova to Saltillo, 121 miles. Over this road, when
the season is good, grass and water are found, but in dry times it
is a hard road to travel. General course of road, south % degree
south-east. ROUTE NO. 6.
From the City of Saltillo, the capital of the State of Coahuila, to
the City of San Luis Potosi, capital of the State of the same
name, 266 American miles.
Saltillo. — The City of Saltillo, the present capital of the State,
formerly province of Coahuila, to which Texas was at one time
attached, is a well-built city with paved streets, situated on the
slope of a ridge that crosses the whole valley coming from Mon
terey ; after leaving the hacienda of San Gregorio you have it in
sight. In the valley of Saltillo several important cotton factories
have been established for the manufacture of unbleached cotton
goods, and are doing well. This city is situated 25° 25' 15" north
latitude, and longitude 1" 31' 30" west, from the City of Mexico;
its population is estimated at 17,000; it has several hotels, and
stores supplied With all kinds of goods. A considerable trade in
goat and sheep skins is carried on here, and the country about pro
duces wheat. Saltillo has a fine parochial church fronting on its
main square ; the church of the convent of San Esteban a convent
for the sisters of charity, who keep a school for girls, with its chapel
situated on the main street ; an abandoned church used at present
as a soldiers' barracks (this latter was built by the Jesuits) ; there
is also a fine amphitheatre for bull fighting, situated on the
square of San Esteban. The beautiful alameda is one of the pret
tiest parks of the kind in Mexico. On the hill to the southward of
the city, is a small fort built during the empire.
Note. — This city and its surroundings afford much entertainment for travelers
or tourists. Its gardens, its maguey plantations, and a hundred other objects, are
¦equally interesting to the stranger.
Buena Vista. — From Saltillo to the hacienda of Buena Vista
the road is good for four miles and then rough to the hacienda.
Passing Angostura, the traveler reaches La Encantada (enchanted
ranch). This is the place where the American army, under Gen.

221
Taylor, was encampea, at the time of the approach of Santa Ana
with his army of 25,000 men. Previous to the battle of Buena
Vista, Gen. Taylor, not finding this position a good one, fell back
and took position at Angostura, the narrowest point of the valley.
This pass lies between two ridges of mountains, five or six miles
apart, which approach to the north-east until at Angostura the
space is not more than two miles ; the eastern range is much the
highest, rising more than 1,200 feet above the plateau; the western
range is about half that height. The plateau from the eastern
ridge extends about a mile or half way across the valley, where it
drops off abruptly to the first or alluvial plain. In this plain
runs a small rivulet, which takes its rise at Encantada, but at times,
after heavy rains, it becomes so large that it has cut for itself a
deep bed, with perpendicular banks of thirty to forty feet deep ;
this bed is quite inaccessible from above, except in a few
places. These deep gullies or ravines are called " barrancas," and
peculiar to the country ; the tenacity of the soil prevents it from
crumbling except at the base where the water washes it away, the
portion projecting until it becomes so much undermined that it
cannot sustain itself, and breaks off, leaving perpendicular walls.
These barrancas extend for more than a mile above and below the
narrow pass of Angostura, and also intersect at various points in
the flat, rendering it impossible for a body of troops to traverse it.
Hence all the operations of the battle were confined to the plateau
above, which extends to the eastern range of mountains ; the bat
tery of Col. Washington was stationed between the barrancas and
a spur of the plateau forming a narrow pass of some sixty or
seventy feet in width. (This is the substance of a description of
the battle-field as given by J. R. Bartlett, and the correct one.)
At La Encantada, the road to Parras forks to the right. From
Monterey to this point, a distance of about seventy-six miles, the
traveler rises 4,478 feet, as Encantada, according to Dr. Wislizenas,
is 6,140 feet above the sea. Over a rough road you reach the
hacienda of Agua Nueva, distant from Saltillo twenty-one and
a-half miles. At Agua Nueva plenty of good water can be found,
and comfortable rooms in the buildings of the haciendas ; forage,
corn and large corrals for animals. In good times this place could
accommodate six or eight hundred animals. Beyond the hacienda
is the pass of Agua Nueva, where Gen. Taylor had his advance

222
guard ; the road up the pass is very good and leads down to a val
ley about two miles wide to another pass called Puerto del Carnero.
This has been a point celebrated for the exploits of robbers
and Indians, and here a battle was fought between General Jimenes,
commanding the revolutionary forces of Mexico, and Colonel Cor-
dero, Governor of Coahuila, on the 9th of January, 181 1. Most of
Cordero's forces having passed over to the so-called insurgents, he
fled towards Messillas • on the road to Mexico, was captured and
well treated by Jimenes. Three days after this battle, a royalist
force that came to reinforce Cordero, consisting of 700 men from
Zacatecas and four pieces of artillery, commanded by Colonel
Ochoa, found Jimenes occupying the pass with 8,000 men ; a battle
ensued, which terminated in the retreat of Ochoa.
From this pass the eye reaches far away, as the country is
open ; the road is good. Passing a point called Messillas you reach
Tanque la Vaca, where plenty of good water is found in the tank.
This stock ranch was abandoned on account of Indians. It is now
the town of Gomez Farias with a population of 400 souls. It is
said that in its neighborhood are very rich diver mines that have
never been worked. Distant twenty-one and three-quarter miles
from Tanque la Vaca is the hacienda de la Encarnacion.
In this place lodging can be had for several hundred people,
plenty of forage, also well-water and a good tank. The population
of the hacienda is over 200 people ; it is a large stock ranch.
At Tanque la Vaca the road forks, the left-hand road goes to
the ranch of Jesus Maria, situated eight miles east of Encarnacion,
and to that of La Ventura, a small stock ranch about six miles
this side of the San Salvador rancho comes into the direct road
from Encarnacion to San Salvador ; it is a plain good road ; course,
south X south-east ; distance, twenty-six miles. La Ventura has
been made a fine hacienda ; it is now the property of Gen. Trevino.
San Salvador is also a stock ranch, whose population is about
1,500 hundred souls. Here is a well and a tank of sweet water.
San Salvador to the little rancho of San Miguel, which consists of
only two houses. Here is a good well but nothing else ; it is eight
and a-half miles to the hacienda del Salado, one of the largest
estates in Mexico, as it contains over 885,600 acres of land, all well
adapted to stock raising, and over one-half well adapted to the
raising of small grains ; cotton could also be raised with advantage.

223
This vast estate is covered with natural productions such as the
maguey (agave Americana), the lechuguilla, the pita, the zoloman-
doque, the zotol and other plants whose fibre, if properly exploited,
would bring an immense income. Water and grass abounds all over
the estate. The various cordilleras that run from south to north
on the lands of this estate are covered with innumerable metallic
veins rich in silver, lead copper, gold and other metals. At this
place, which will hereafter be a railroad centre, good accomodations
can always be found.
From El Salado to Las Animas the road is good, through a
vast plain, mountains in view in the distance ; general course,
south, south one-quarter west ; distance, eighteen miles. Las Ani
mas is a stock ranch belonging formerly to the hacienda del Salado ;
there is good enclosure ; water not plentiful, and very salty on ac
count of the quantity of nitrate of potash it contains ; forage plentiful.
Las Animas to La Punta de Vanegas : general course of the road,
south, south-west ; road good, through plain covered with palm
trees. At tlsis point the road to San Luis Potosi, forks, the shortest
is to the right by way of San Cristobal, hacienda de Guadaloupe,
El Canicero, and that of Laguna Seca, leaving the mountain of
Catorce that rises several thousand feet above the plain to the
left ; and the other route, which leads to the left by the hacienda of
San Juan de Vanegas, the mining towns of Cedral, Matehuala and
hacienda de Solis, and leaving the mountain of Catorce to the right,
coming into the other road at Laguna Seca. I will describe the
shortest by way of San Cristobal :
La Punta de Vanegas is a good ranch, belonging to the
hacienda of the same name ; it has a fine tank of good sweet water ;
and contains about twenty houses. Three miles further on is the
hacienda of San Juan de Vanegas ; distance, from Las Animas,
twenty-one miles.
San Juan de Vanegas is a very large hacienda where ore
from the Catorce mines is worked both by smelting and by patio,
or cold amalgamation process. It raises large crops of grain and
all kinds of stock ; there is a beautiful bath about half a mile from
the hacienda ; it is a bountiful spring that c6mes out of a grotto
hollowed out of the granite ; the water is clear and beautiful and
possesses no mineral taste although it comes out of the Catorce
Mountain which is one of the richest in Mexico.

224
From San Juan de Vanegas to San Cristobal, the road lies over
small hills covered with brush and palm trees to a place called Las
Ratas (the rats) where there is a house and a good well. From there
the road is over a large plain, the mountain of Catorce to the left,
and a range of mountains to the right, in the distance ; general course
of road, south, south-west ; distance, sixteen miles. San Cristobal
consists of about twenty small houses, inhabited by about a hun
dred poor people ; they generally get their forage from San Juan
de Vanegas or the Real de Catorce. Nothing can be had here but
kids or sheep ; there is a well and a tank, but the water is bad.
From San Cristobal to the hacienda of Guadaloupe el Carni-
cero. Half a mile takes you to the hacienda of San Miguel, where
minerals from Catorce are smelted ; its buildings are good. You pass
the rancho of San Rafael and of El Refugio, insignificant places,
the latter distant eight miles from Guadaloupe. The road is through
a large plain to the hacienda, general course of road south ; distance,
twenty-one and one-third miles. This hacienda is also a stock
ranch ; it has a little chapel and a population of 1 50 souls ; has
good enclosures and good lodgings ; forage can be had here. From
this place a road leads to the city of Catorce, a Mexican Leadville
in former days, situated in a depression on .top of the Catorce
mountain, and containing 20,000 inhabitants ; it is about eighteen
miles from this hacienda to the city. The wealth of its mines was
such that at one time a mint was established at that place ; one of
the principal miners is a wealthy Spaniard, Don Santos de la Massa.
Prom Guadaloupe el Carnicero to the hacienda of Laguna
Seca, road hilly for some distance to the pass of Messillas, where
there is a ranch consisting of twelve or fifteen houses, and an
enclosure of stone about 500 yards in length. To the left of the
road, about half a mile further on, is the rancho of Mata Pulgas
(kill fleas). At one time an old friendly Indian kept the only house
in the place, and would graciously furnish the traveler with a good
meal and a glass of mescal. Road through a vast plain, small
hillock to the right of the road ; to the ranch of El Berendo, where
there is a tank of good water ; road south-west, with a small chain
of hills to the left, leaving a tank to the right. A mile further on
you reach the hacienda of Laguna. Seca, distant from Guadaloupe
el Carnicero fifteen miles. Laguna Seca was at one time one of the
richest haciendas of the State of San Luis ; it was celebrated for

225
its good horses ; it has good buildings ; lodging and forage can be
obtained here ; population, about one hundred.
From hacienda de Laguna Seca to hacienda de los Charcos,
road with stone wall sometimes to the left and sometimes to the
right for a long distance, and finally the wall to the right and hills
to the left to Charcos, fifteen miles. Charcos has a church ; forage
and lodging can be had ; this was at one time a large grain
hacienda. From the hacienda de los Charcos to the city of El Venado.
Leaving Los Charcos, the road runs between a stone wall to the
right and within gunshot, a range of hills for about eight miles,
when the rancho of Laborcillo is reached, which consists of one
good house, situated in an open plain, and commands a good view
of the country ; for three miles the earth is very white, to the
rancho del Troncon, where there is a good house. Here we begin
to enter the cactus country ; course of road south-west to the
rancho of San Sabino, a village of huts ; a mile and a half further
on, crossing a stone bridge over a ravine in which flows a small
stream, the city of El Venado is reached ; distance from Los Char
cos, thirteen miles. The city of El Venado is situated in a hollow
surrounded by hills ; it is a paved city, has two large churches and
a cotton factory. I estimate its population at 8,000 inhabitants ;
the people cultivate the soil and manufacture very good blankets.
From the city of El Venado to La Hedionda, sometimes called
Montezuma, course of road south-west one-quarter west, level,
passing through a large " potrero " (pasture) enclosed by a stone
wall, the ranch del Garatillo is reached ; then over hills to the town
of La Hedionda.
The little stream that the road crosses before entering the
town is so impregnated with sulphur that it is disagreeable to
drink. This place is surrounded by shade and fruit trees ; it is
really a beautiful place, an oasis in the desert ; forage abundant ;
population, about 3,000 ; its people are mainly engaged in cultivating
the soil ; distance, thirteen miles.
From la Hedionda to Bocas, a large hacienda, the road is
generally good ; passing through maguey hedges, then up hill to
the hacienda de la Monterilla, about six miles from la Hedionda ;
about three miles further on, a lone hill is seen to the left of the
road ; a short distance from the road, to the right, is a large grange

226
(troja), where there is a good well of water, then over plain to
rancho del Colorado, which is about half way between la Hedionda
and Bocas ; course, west-south-west, up a pass the road becomes
rocky to the huisache rancho ; then over hill to the rancho de las
Sartenegas ; then over a plain covered with cactus and maguey,
crossing the bed of a dry creek about 600 yards from the hacienda,
Bocas is reached ; distance, twenty-one and a half miles.
The hacienda de Bocas was one of the richest in the State of
San Luis ; it is built of rock on a small plateau ; it has a square
surrounded by substantial buildings ; a neat church, a (meson)
hotel with good rooms and large court yard well paved ; it has a
fine orchard surrounded by high walls ; an alameda of large trees
leads from the hacienda to the " huerta " (orchard) and to the dam,
which is a fine piece of masonry, closing the outlet of a creek as it
comes out between two hills. It is several hundred yards long and
about fifty feet high, forming a beautiful lake, from which the water is
taken to irrigate the large fields of the hacienda ; on the right hand
of the dam is a pretty little chapel. During the Mexican revolution
the owner of this hagjgnda mounted and equipped a squadron at
his own expense, to sustain the cause of the King of Spain. It
was, until a few years ago, the property of the Countess of Perez
Galvez, one of the descendants of the Vice-Roy Galvez, and was
almost ruined by the different factions that took possession of it ;
at present it is in good working order.
From Bocas to the hacienda del Penasco. Leaving the
hacienda the road is rocky and up hill through the Tinajeula pass,
when the high plateau of Anahuac is reached ; from the rancho de
Tinajeula to the hacienda del Penasco, quantities of maguey and
cactus are found. Passing several houses on the way, in a little
plain before reaching the hacienda, is a curious formation in the
shape of a lone hill formed of balsatic columns, hence the name,
" Penasco." The hacienda has a population of about a thousand
people ; good buildings and its fields enclosed by stone walls. Large
crops of grain and extensive plantations of maguey are its principal
resources. Distance from Bocas, eighteen miles.
From the hacienda del Penasco to the city of San Luis the
road is good and settled, passing through maguey and cactus of all
kinds. About six miles this side of the city a fine causeway is

227
reached, which is shaded by stately trees all the way to the Indian
town of Tlaxcala, a suburb of San Luis Potosi.
San Luis Potosi is seen in the distance as soon as the plateau
above Bocas is reached, for at least twenty-five miles ; it presents,
with its eighteen domes and towers, a beautiful appearance, looking
in the distance like a Moorish city. The city of San Luis Potosi,
capital of San Luis Potosi, is situated on the east side of the grand
plateau of Anahuac, in a valley extending from north to south about
forty-five miles, in latitude 22° 8' north and longitude 1" 40' west
of the city of Mexico. Its streets, although narrow, are straight
and intersect at right angles. Among the principal buildings are the
city hall, the granary, the market block and the theatre. This city
possesses churches that rival any in Mexico ; among them may be
particularly cited: "San Francisco," "El Carmen," "San Augus
tin." La Merced, the colleges of Loreto and San Nicolas, the hos
pital of San Juan de Dios, the chapel of El Rosario and of los
Remedios, the Alameda, and the sanctuary of Guadaloupe, are all
very interesting to visit on account of their architecture and the fine
paintings some of them still possess. I suppose that the population
of the city, with the suburbs of Tlaxcala, San Juan de Guadaloupe
and San Miguelito, reaches to about 60,000 souls. This city, by
its situation, when a railroad reaches it, will be one of the greatest
commercial centres of the Republic. It carries on a great trade in
groceries and home manufactures, such as leather, shoes, saddlery,
roping, bagging, cassimeres, hats, blankets and grain. In its vicinity
is situated the great San Pedro mine, out of which was taken the
largest piece of solid gold found in America up to that time ; it
was sent to the King of Spain as a present, and in return the King
presented the cathedral with a beautiful clock, where, to this day,
it strikes the hours. The pillars of this mine having been cut away
and the mine has caved in. Competent engineers who have carefully
examined this celebrated mine say that by an expenditure of two
millions, from twelve to fifteen millions could be taken out of it.

228

ROUTE NO. 6.
From the City of San- Luis Potosi, capital of the State of the
sa7ne name, by way of San Miguel de Allende, to the City of
Queretaro, capital of the State of Queretaro : 160 American
77iiles. From the city of San Luis Potosi to the city of Queretaro,
capital of the State of Queretaro, level road to Los Posos : six
miles. From Los Posos to the town of San Francisco, a place of
about 5,000 inhabitants, the road is good ; distance, twenty-six
miles. From San Francisco to Ojo dei Gato, road story and hilly ;
three miles.
To Rancho de las Russias, partly hilly and partly level ; dis-
tacen, five miles.
To the hacienda del Jaral, road level, through a forest con
sisting principally of " huisache " and " arbol del Peru," a species of
mesquite ; distance, eight miles.
El Jaral was at one time probably the largest estate in Mexico,
as it worked or owned twenty thousand peones. It has a fine church
and a chapel of red granite, where the remains of the family of the
Marquez del Jaral, Count of Moncada, are buried. It is a grain
and stock farm ; it was renowned for its horses, and when the
revolution of Hidalgo broke out, in September, 18 10, the Count of
Moncada raised, mounted and equiped from his estate one whole
regiment of cavalry, of which he was the Colonel, in favor of the
King's arms ; he greatly aided with his men, money and influence
General Calleja, the Spanish commander, at San Luis Potosi, in
quelling the revolution and re-establishing the King's authority.
Afterwards, when Mina, with 300 men, invaded Mexico, having
marched from Soto la Marina to el Jaral, he levied heavy contribu
tion on this hacienda, where he found in specie alone the sum cf
$180,000. The road runs between adobe and stone walls of this hacienda
for nearly thirty miles. Between El Jaral and La Russia is the
dividing line between the State of San Luis and that of Guana-

229
juato. From El Jaral to San Bartolo, partly through a forest
before reaching the hacienda, seven and a half miles.
Road a little rough, up the hill of San Bartolo, for six miles
to the town of San Felipe, a place of about 5,000 or 6,000
inhabitants. From San Felipe to the hacienda de la Quemada, road level
through rich cultivated fields of wheat and corn. In this portion
of Mexico two crops are raised annually, mostly by irrigation. The
water, during the rainy season, is gathered in large tanks and used
in the dry season. The mountains to the right of the road are
among the richest in silver in the Republic. At La Quemada a
stage hotel is kept for the entertainment of travelers. Before
reaching the hacienda you cross the dry bed of the Cubo River,
which, during the rainy season, runs a mighty torrent. Distance
from San Filepi, 10 y£ miles.
From ranch La Quemada to the ranch de Laborcilla, road
broken near La Quemada and broken before reaching the ranch ;
distance, three miles.
From the ranch de Laborcilla to the hacienda de Trancas,
good road ; distance, ten miles.
From the hacienda de Trancas to the city of Dolores Hidalgo,
the road crosses the pass of el Gallinero, where there is fine quarries
of mill and " metate " stone, a stone used by the Mexicans to grind
corn for their tortillas, a kind of corn pan-cake, their principal arti
cle of food ; distance, ten miles.
The city of Dolores Hidalgo has become celebrated on account
of having been the parish of Padre Hidalgo, and the place from
which he gave the first cry for the independence of Mexico, on the
16th of September, 1810. A Mexican chronicler says that " Don
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (that was the name of the hero of the
first revolution) addressed the people from the balcony of his
house." The misfortune is that the Padre's house being of one
story, has no balcony ; it must be inferred that it was from the
window : in fact, I was told this was the case by an old corporal
who was among the few soldiers that were in that city at the time
and was sent as a courier to carry the news to the city of San
Miguel. The old corporal then belonged to the Queen's dragoons,
a corps in which Allende, another hero of the revolution, was a

230
captain, and had been in 1865 installed a keeper of Padre Hidalgo's
house by the Emperor Maximilian, where I met him.
From the city of Dolores Hidalgo to the hacienda de la R,
road level ; distance, five miles.
From hacienda de la R to Atotonilco, road over barren hills ;
distance, seven and a half miles.
The town of Atotonilco is an Indian town, where there is a
church with curious fresco paintings.
From the town of Atotonilco to the fine city of San Miguel de
Allende, the road is over barren hills,; just before arriving at the
cjty the road crosses the bed of a river ; distance, seven and a half
miles. San Miguel de Allende is a city of about 20,000 people ; its
streets are well paved; there are fine churches, a college and
several squares, and the city presents a very neat appearance. It
is situated on the declivity of a high hill and can be seen almost
from Atotonilco.
From San Miguel el Grande, as it was called before the Mexi
can independence, to the ranch de los Ricos, the road is level ;
distance, fifteen miles.
From Rancho de los Ricos to the town of Santa Rosa the
road is hilly and stony (bad for robbers) ; distance, ten miles.
From the town of Santa Rosa to the city of Queretaro the
road is rough and hilly ; distance, thirteen miles.
Queretaro, capital of the State of Queretaro, was founded by
the Aztecs in 1445 or x446- It was conquered by the Spaniards
under Don Fernando de Tapia, a lieutenant of Cortez, in July,
1 531, and converted to the Christian religion by the Licenciado
Don Juan Sanchez Alaniz, a celebrated secular priest. Its climate
is temperate ; it is surrounded by gardens. This city has very fine
churches and convents ; it is noted among the cities of Mexico for
the great religious devotion of its people. Among the principal
edifices the convents of San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Antonio,
Santo Domingo, San Augustine and El Carmen are to be noted,
also the hospital of la Merced.
Although the city has irrigation ditches, water is brought to it
by an aqueduct from the neighboring hills, some of the arches of
which are ninety feet high. It was certainly a great piece of
masonry at the time it was built, in the last century ; it cost

231
$124,000, most of which sum was paid by Don Juan Antonio de
Urutio y Arana, Marquis del Villar del Aguila, whom the Quere-
tanos consider to this day the benefactor of the city. A statue of
the Marquis exists on one of the squares. The city also boasts a
fine Alameda. Near the city is the factory of " Herculus," one of the finest in
the world. No traveler should pass Queretaro without visiting it.
In 1866 it was the property of Don Francisco Rubio. It cost
$4,000,000. It was worked by water, steam and horse power. It
turned out 1,500 pieces of unbleached cotton daily, and at night
run a large number of mill stones, grinding principally wheat. It
has probably the highest overshot wheel in the world. The build-"
ings of the factory are of stone, and are surrounded by fine gardens,
with artificial ponds, after the European style. Among the statues
that adorn the grounds is that of " Herculus ;" it cost in Italy
$1 5,000. The superintendents are very polite and have always a
clerk at hand to show the stranger about this beautiful establish
ment. There are several hotels in Queretaro ; among the best is that
of the " Red Eagle ; " the city has also a fine theatre.
It was in this city that Maximilian sustained a siege against the
liberal forces under Gen. Escobedo, which resulted, through the
treachery of his bosom friend, Colonel Miguel Lopez, of the
Empress' regiment, whom he had just made a general, and who
betrayed him, in his surrender to Generals Palaclo and Escobedo,
on the 19th of May, 1867. Maximilian was subsequently tried
before a drum-head military tribunal, and shot, with his unfortunate
companions, Gens. Miramon and Mejia, at the foot of the " Cerro
de la Cruz," on the 19th of June, 1867.
The delicious climate of Queretaro, the abundance of fruits
and flowers, the country produces, makes it a delightful place.
route NO. 7.
From Queretaro to the City of Mexico, the capital of the Repub.
lie, 134 1-2 7niles.
From Queretaro to the hacienda de la Noria, the road leads
up a hill, called " Cuesta de China." There are very large

232
cactus of several varieties on the road-side, among them the
" organos." Distance, five miles.
From La Noria to the hacienda del Colorado, road up hill
through thickets, dangerous for robbers ; distance, five miles.
From El Colorado to Arroyo Seco, level road ; distance, seven
and a-half miles.
From Arroya Seco to El Sauz, five miles.
El Sauz to las Trojas Mocha, good road ; here road forks more
direct to San Miguel Allende by way of Chichimequillas, and cross
ing a river over a good stone bridge, the City of San Juan del Rio
is reached ; distance, six miles.
San Juan del Rio has been, and will be again, a large com
mercial centre, on account of its situation, as it is from this point
that all roads to the interior branch out. It was, in former times,
one of the greatest manufacturing cities of Mexico, renowned for
its woolen textures. Its streets are wide and well paved, and at
one time it had 20,000 inhabitants.
From San Juan del Rio to hacienda de Palmillas, six miles.
From Palmillas to San Antonio, a small town on a high plain,
road rolling ; distance, seven and a-half miles.
From San Antonio to Ruano, ten miles.
From Ruano to Encinillas, down hill ; distance, five miles.
From Encinillas to the hacienda of Arroyo Zarco ; the limits of
this estate is the boundary line between the State of Queretaro and
Mexico. It is a large grain estate, has a fine hotel and spacious
yards for animals, also a fine cotton mill ; distance, four and a-half
miles. At this place two stages meet daily — one coming from Mexico
and the other from Queretaro ; they are large Concord coaches,
carrying twelve passengers inside.
From the hacienda of Arroyo Zarco the road goes up hill to
the highest point reached on this route than Queretaro to Mexico,
which is 9,675 feet above the level of the sea.
This road runs through stunted pines, then goes over a road
down hill to the village of San Miguelito de Capulalpan. This
portion of the road is noted for robbers, so much so that the Mexi
can Government formerly sent an escort along with the stages.
San Miguelito is a small Indian village, and is celebrated not only
on account of the robberies committed in its neighborhood, as on

233
account of the battle of the same name, fought" between the liberal
forces commanded by Gen. Ortega, and the reactionists commanded
by Gen. Miramon.
From San Miguelito to San Francisco, Soyaniquilpan, a large
Indian village, the road is over a rough hog-wallow prairie ; distance
from Arroyo Zarco, thirteen miles.
From San Francisco Soyaniquilpan to the hacienda de la Can
ada road is a little rough, then down hill ; a small rivulet is crossed
over by a stone bridge to the hacienda, which has good buildings ;
it is a grain plantation ; distance, ten miles.
From the hacienda de la Canada to the large town of Tepehi
del Rio, six miles. This place is located between a hill and the
river of the same name ; has good buildings, fine gardens and
stately shade trees.
From the town of Tepehi del Rio to San Miguel you cross the
Tepehi River, which is a fine mountain stream, crossed by a good
stone bridge ; distance, nine miles.
From San Miguel, a small rancho, to the large town of Cuatit-
lan the distance is eleven miles.
This place seems to be a very active business place ; its popu
lation may amount to 12,000 or more people. Going towards Mex
ico you pass a stone bridge over a river of the same name. It is
said that Cortez entered the valley of Mexico at this point. Some
years ago a rock on the left-hand side of the bridge, going towards
the city, was still standing upon which was an inscription to that
effect. Here you enter the beautiful valley of Mexico ; flowers and
fruit abound.
From Cuatitlan to the hacienda of la Lecheria (which is said to
have been purchased by Maximilian at one time), distance, about
three miles.
From la Lecheria to the large Indian town of Tlalnepantla,
distance, seven and a-half miles. This is a very pretty place, shad
owed by stately trees.
From Tlalnepantla to the City of Mexico the distance is seven
and a-half miles.
You enter the city by the causeway of San Cosme, and pass
the house built by Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico ; this house is
to the left of road before passing the city gate, and which but few
people have noticed. It should be visited.

234

DISTANCES
IN MEXICAN LEAGUES FROM THE CITY OF MEXICO TO SOME
OF THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF THE REPUBLIC.
From Mexico to— Leasues'
Aguas Calientes,  132
Acapulco (sea port on the Pacific), . no
San Bias (sea port on the Pacific), 210
Colima (capital of Colima), . . 149
Culiacan (capital of Sinaloa), . . . 403
Chihuahua (capital of Chihuahua), . 333
Chiapas,  289
Durango,  203
Guanajuato,  88
Guadalajara  161
Monterey,  234
Matamoros  326
Morelia,  69
Merida, . . . . 386
Oajaca, . . . 108
Puebla,  28
Queretaro, . . ... 57
San Luis Potosi,  114
Saltillo, .... . . 209
San Juan Bautista de Tabasco, . 239
Tampico (by way of San Luis), . . .218
Tampico (by way of La Huastica), . . 103
Textla,  70
Toluca, .... 16
Ures, ... . 582
Vera Cruz (sea port), . 93
Victoria (Tamaulipas), . 195
Zacatecas, ..... 130
La Paz (Lower California , . . 416
Tlaxcala,  28

235

Itinerary No. i. — From the City of Mexico to the Cities of Quere
taro, San Luis Potosi, Saltillo, Montery and Matamoros.

From Mexico to — '

^eagues.

Total.

Cuautitlan, . . . .

7

0

Tula, ....

11

18

Arroyozarco,

13

31

San Juan del Rio,

12

43

Queretaro, . . . .

H

57

San Miguel,

14

7i

Dolores,,

8

79

San Felipe, ....

10

89

El Jaral, . . . .

7

96

Valle, .

6

102

San Luis, . .

12

114

Bocas, .

12

126

El Venado,

n

137

Laguna Seca,

9

146

Guadaloupe,

5

151

San Cristobal,

S

159

La Parida,

8

167

Salado,

10

177

San Salvador,

7

184

Encarnacion,

9

193

Agua Nueva, .

8

201

Saltillo,

8

209

Santa Maria,

6

215

La Rinconada,

7

222

Santa Catarina,

8

230

Monterey,

4

234

Cadereyta,

9

243

Ayancual,

8

251

Salto,

8

259

China, .

12

271

Zacate,

n

282

Noria, .

12

294

Reynosa,

• 13

3°7

La Mesa,

10

317

Matamoros,

n

328

(328 leagues, or 863 and a fraction A

merican miles.)

236

No. 2. — From the City of Mexico to the port of Acapulco on the
Pacific Ocean.
From Mexico tO— Leagues. Total.
Tlalpan, .
Venta del Arenal,
Huichilaque,
Cuernavaca, .
Sochiltepec,Puente de Ixtla,
Los Azuchiles, .
Tuxpan,Tepecoacuilco,
Venta de Papula, .
Venta de Estola,
Rio de Mezcalo, .
Venta del Zopilote, .
Zumpango, .
Chilpancingo, .
Hacienda de Acahuizotla, .
Hacienda de Bueua Vista,
Dos Caminos,
Venta de Palo Gordo,
Los Pozuelos,
Dos Arroyos, .
Venta del Egido,
Venta Viega, .
Acapulco, 
(i io leagues, or about 289^ miles.)
No. 3. — Fro7n the City of Mexico to Queretaro, Guatulajara, capi
tal of Jalisco, and the port of San Bias on the Pacific Ocean.

4

0

3

7

6

13

4

17

5

22

5

27

6

33

5

38

3

41

6

47

1

48

5

53

7

60

4

64

3

67

7

74

4

7S

3

81

5

86

7

93

6

99

4

103

3

106

4

110

From Mexico to —
Tlalnepantla, .
La Lecheria,
Cuantitlan, Huehuetoca,
Rancho de Bata,

Leagues. 3
3 1
4
• 4

Total. O6 7
n'5

237

Leagues.

Total.

Tula 

3

18

San Antonio,

• 3

21

La Goleta,

3X

24^

Capulalpan,

3

28

Arroyozarco.

3

31

Tenazat, .

2

33

San Isidro,

2

35

Palmillas, ....

. 6

41

San Juan del Rio, .

2

43

El Jarez, .

• 5

48

Colorado,

4

52

Queretaro,

5

57

Rio Cuichiti,

SX

62^

Celaya,

SX

68

Salamanca,

6

74

Irapuato,

4

78

Horcones,

n

89

Punta de San Juan,

¦ \X-

93^

Hacienda de Frias,

7X

IOI

Los Alamos,

3

104

Sauz,

8

112

Ranchos de Tierra Colorado,

4

116

Puente de Calderon,

9

125

Rio Grande,

3

128

Guadalajara,

7

'35

El Mezcal,

5

140

Hacienda de Huasca,

6

146

Amatitan,

4

150

Tequila,

5

155

La Magdalena,

IO

165

Rancho de Tepequistt-,

io

175

Hacienda de Portezuelo,

9

184

Las Barrancas,

4

188

Ixtlan,

9

197

Aguacatlan,

4

201

Tetitan,

8

209

Santa Isabel,

6

215

Zapotlan,

5

220

238

San Leonel, .

Leagues. 6

Total, 226

Tepic, 
Guaristemba,

8
9

234
243

San Bias, ....

. 8

250

(250 leagues, or about 66o}4

miles.)

No. 4. — Fro7n the City of Mexico to the City of Morelia, capital
of the State of Michoacan, for7nerly known as Valladolid.
From Mexico tO— Leagues. Total.
Cuajimalpa,Lerma,Toluca, Ixtlahuaca, ....
San Felipe del Obraje,
Hacienda de Tepetongo,
Maravatio, Ucareo, . .
Zinapecuaro, Indaparapeo.
Charo, Morelia, ....
(69 leagues, or 181^ miles approximately.)
No. 3. — From the City of Mexico to the City of Oajaca, capital
of the State of the same na7ne.
From Mexico to —
Ayotla,Rio Frio, . , .
San Martin,
Puebla,Amozoe, .
Tepeaca,La Venta,
Tlalcotepec, .
Tehuacan,
San Sebastian,

5

0

7

12

4

16

9

25

7

32

8

40

9

49

6

55

4

59

3

62

3

65

4

69

Leagues.

Total.

7

O

7

H

7

21

7

28

4

32

4

36

5

41

5

46

9

55

6

61

239

La Venta,

Leagues. 2

Total. 63

La Calavara,

7

70

San Juan de la Cues,

8

78

Quiotepec,San Pedro,

4 6

8288

Dominguillo,Trapichi de Aragon,
San Juan,

4 6 7

9298
105

Oaxaca, ....

• 7

112

(112 leagues, or 294^ miles in round numbers.)
No. 6. — From the City of Mexico to the Cities of Zacatecas and
Durango, capitals of the States of the sa7ne 7ia7nes.
From Mexico to— LeaBues' Tota1'
San Juan del Rio (see itinerary to

Queretaro),

0

43

La Palma,

6

49

Chichimequillas,

Ct

57

Los Ricos, .

6X

63^

Jacales,

5

68^

Atotonilco, .

SX

74

Gallinero,

. 6

80

Quemada,

7

87

San Felipe,

4

9i

Santa Eugenia,

3

99

Ojuelos, .

• 5

104

Encinillas,

7

1 1 1

Las Letras,

5

116

Cuniga Grande, .

6

122

Santa Gertrudis,

¦ 7

I29

San Francisco de Adames, .

5

134

Refugio, .

6

I40

Zacatecas,

7

147

La Calera,

6

153

Fresnillo,

7

l6o

Rancho Grande,

8

168

La Escondida,

5

173

240
Sain, .....
Arenal,
Sombrerete,Calabazal, Muleros, .
San Quintin,
La Punta,
Anaracoyan,Durango, (224 leagues, or 589^ miles in round numbers.)
No. 7. — From the City of Mexico to the City of Culiacan, capital
of the State of Sinaloa.

.eagues.

Total.

6

179

6

.85

5

IOO

6

.96

5

201

7

208

6

214

7

221

3

224

m Mexico to —

Leagues.

Total.

Gualajara (see No. 3),

159^

159^

Amatitan,

IO%

170

La Magdalena,

• • 8%

178%

Hacienda de Mochitiltic,

8%

l87%

Ixtlan,

10

I97K

Ahuacatlan,

3X

200%

Hacienda de Titan,

sX

206

Hacienda de San Leonel,

10

2l6

Cuidad de Tepic,

&y3

224%

Rancho de Santa,

i°X

234K

Santiago,

¦ 3X

238

Posole, .

8

246

Rose Morada

6%

252%

Acaponeta,

16

268%

Esquinapa,

¦ 16%

285 X

Rosario,

8

293 X

Potrerillo,

¦ 4

297 X

Aguacaliente,

5

302 X

Ciudad de Concoraia.

7

309K

Los Veranos,

8

317%

La Nona,

• 5

322^

Limoncito,

9

33IK

Coyotitan,

¦ , 3X

354%

241

Piastla,Elota,Guarimas, Higuerita,
Vinapa, Abuya,Higueras de Abuya,
Tlacuichamona, San Lorenzo,
Salado, Milpa, .
Pueblo Viego, .
Carrizal,Culiacan,

No. 8. — From the City of Mexico io Ures, capital
of Sonora.
From Mexico to —
Culiacan (see No. 7 preceding this
itinerary), .
Moholo, Paredones,
Las Higueras,
La Mosita,
Los Mescalitos,
Palmar de los Leyvas,
Mocosito,La Cienega,
Los Coyotes,
Rancho Negro,
Los Cenllos,
Sinaloa,Cabrera, Ocoroni, ....
Tarajera, ....
Los Ojitos,
Montoya,

Leagues.

Total.

4

358%

. 8

346%

10

356%

2

358%

5

363%

2

365%

2

3^7%

¦ 5

372%

4

376 %

• 4

380%

2

382%

• 3

385%

2

387 2/3

¦ &X

396

s, capital of the State

Leagues.

Total.

S • 396

396

3

399

• 4

403

4

407

• 4

411

5

416

¦ 7

423

4

427

. 6

433

3

436

¦ 3

439

1

44i

. 2X

443

4

447

. 8

455

6

461

• 7

468

4

47^

242

Canutillo, Fuerte,
Mesquite,Caranate,
Jerocha, .
Real de Alamos, .
Comicari, .
Real de Sobia,
Rancho de los Vasitos,
Real de Baroyeca,
Presidio de Buenavista,
Comuripa,
San Francisco de Borja,
Rancho de Sanguijuela,
San Jose de Pimas, .
Hermosillo or Pitic,
Molino de Monterey,
Villa de Guadaloupe. .
Ures,

igues.

Total

3

475

i

476

8

484

3

487

8

495

8

503

S

5"

4

515

4

519

8

527

16

543

12

567

12

555

10

577

6

583

1 1

603

5

608

6

619

2

621

No. p. — From the City of Mexico to the City of Chihuahua, north
west 1-4 north, 404 leagues.

From Mexico to —
Durango (see itinerary No. 6),
Sauz Bendito,
Molino de la Cienega,
Molino de Huichapa,
San Salvador de Horta,
Estancia del Casco,
Hacienda de la Zarca
Cerro Gordo,
La Parida,
La Noria.
La Florida,
Hacienda la Concepcion,
" de Salais, .
" del Rio del Parral,

Leagues. Total.

234

10

244

10

254

12

266

II

277

12

289

IO

299

14

3'3

7

320

7

327

6

333

3

336

10

346

11

357

243

Puerto de la Cruz,
San Pablo, .
Ojito, Chihuahua, .

Leagues.

Total

. 12

369

14

383

II

394

IO

404

7

7X

A'A

ntf

8

19^

2

21 X

5

26 y2

No. 10. — From the City of Mexico to the Rio Grande via Tula,
Cuidad, Victoria and Guerrero, the straightest route to
reach the Texas frontier.
From Mexico tO— Leagues. Total.
Cuantitlan, large and Prosperous
city, on the river of the same
name, ....
Huehuetoca — altitude, 2,296 metres
Atitalaquia, 
San Pedro Tlascuapa,
Misquiahuala, Ixmiquilpan, a large Indian town
whose altitude is 5,638 feet, . 7X 34
Mountain pass between Ixmiquilpan and Zimapan the altitude
is 8,383 feet ; to Rio de Moctezuma, situated west of the former
mountains to a point where the road from Tecosantla to Zimapan
crosses the river at the crossing of Las Maromas — altitude, 4,815
feet.

Zimapan, . ,
Las Adjuntas,
Jiliapa,Pacula,
Jalpan, La Purisima de Arista,
Paculilla (S. G),
Rancho de Tierra Fria,
Rancho de Saus,
Santa Maria Acapula, .
San Ciro de Alberca,
Rio Verde, .
Cuidad del Maiz,

gues.

Total.

IO

44

AX*

48^

4

5*X

*yi

54

%x

62^

4

66^

4

7°X

4

7AX.

3

77 X

sX

83

7X

9°X

14

10454

25

129^

244

Leagues.

Total.

Hacienda del Meco,

IO

I39X

Tula 

. 8
I47>4
Rancho de las Norias (road
over
timbered hills — water scarce),
• 5
152^
Las Presas, .
5
I57X
Town of Palmillas,
. 6
163^
Town of Jamauvc,
5
i68>4
La Maroma,
• ^X
171
La Mulita, .
3X
17 aX
Rancho de Minas,
¦ A
17&X
City of Victoria, .
8
I86X
Town of Hidalgo,
17
203 yi
" Villagran,
8
2\\X.
" Linares,
• H
235X
" San Cristoval,
9
244>2
" Montemorelos, or el Pilon,
6
210X2.
" Cadereita, .
• 9
259X
" Pescheria Chica,
6
265 X
San Jose, . ¦
• 4X
270
Serralvo,
io
280
Guerrero,
¦ H
294
Bank of Rio Grande,
2
296
From the City of San Louis Potosi to the Port of Tampico.
From San Luis Potosi to— Leagues.
Hacienda de Laguna Seca (over a plain and
partly rolling — a good wagon-road), 10
Hacienda de la Corcobada (barren hills), 2
Hacienda de Peotillos (over rocky hills), 2
Ranch of the defile of San Jose (partly level
and rolling),  4
Indian town of San Isidro (broken and
woody),  5
Indian town of Turubiates (road as above), 5
Hacienda de Viejo, .... 5
Ranch of Qrulital (water scarce), . . 4
Hacienda of Buena Vista, ... 4
245

Leagues.

Total

Rancho de la Incada,

4

5
Rancho del Coronel (between this and the
above mentioned point is
the boundary
line between the State
of San Luis
Potosi and Tamaulipas-
-a rough road
for wagons),
3
Hacienda de la Viga,
5
Hacienda de la Borrega,
3
Town of Tula,
4
La Boquilla,
4
Los Gallos,
4
La Laja,
5
Town of Santa Barbara,
6
Rancho del Chamal, .
4
S
El Commandante,
A
El Limon,
A
Horcasitas or Magicatzin, .
6
Rancho del Carrizal (rocky road), .
8
Chocoy (heavy sandy road to
Tampico),
6
Estero de la Tuna, .
5
Altamira or Villerias, .
IO
6
Total, .
142
The Mexican league equals 5,000 varas, and the American
mile 1,900 varas.
Distance from San Luis Potosi to Tampico by the above route
370 miles.
Itinerary from San Luis Potosi io Victoria in Tamaulipas.
From San Luis Potosi to— Leagues.
Tula (the same road as described above), 65
From Tula to Las Norias ranch (timbered
hills — water scarce), .... 5
Las Presas Rancho (road level and woody), 5
246 Leagues. Total.
Town of Palmillas (about the Sierra), . 6
Town of Jamauve (about the mountain and
water scarce),  5
La Maroma (rancho in the mountains —
water scarce),  2_j£
La Mulita (water scarce), .... 3j£
Mining place in the mountains (water
abundant),  4
Ciudad Victoria (road in the mountain —
water plentiful, crossing a deep ravine
called el Voladero), .... 8
Total  ,104

From Victoria to Soto Lamarina,
From Victoria to— Leagues.
The town of Casas or Croix, . . .12
La Puerta,  10
Soto la Marina (port), .... 10
Total,  32

From Victoria to Monterey.
From Victoria to— Leagues.
Hacienda of Santa Engracia, ... 8
Town of Hidalgo or Hoyos, ... 9
Town of Villagran or Cerro de Santiago, . 8
City of Linares,  14
Town of San Cristoval, .... 9
Town of Montemorelos or El Pilon, . 6
Los Guajes,  12
Monterey,  3
Total,  59

247

From Saltillo to Zacatecas — 118 south south-west.

Saltillo to—

Leagues.

4

San Juan Vaqueria, 

6

Puerto del Capulin, . . , .

4

8

Rancho de Santiago, ....

9

Cedros, . . ....

11

12

Hacienda de Grunidora,

8

Charco del Muerto, 

5

Rancho del Gato, . ...

8

5
Sierra Hermosa, 
3
7
Pueblo de San Cosme 
7
Hacienda de Banos, ....
7
" San Antonio 
(>X
" Guadaloupe,
6
" Zacatecas, ....
i#
From the town of Piedras Negras, in the State
of Coahu£lag
Mexico (opposite Eagle Pass, Texas), to the Sierra
Mojada mines, 138 leagues.
From Piedras Negras to —
Leagues.
The town of Morelos,
14
Las Cabeceras (spring), ....
6
San Juande Sabinas,
20
La Aura, ... ...
12
Oballos 
5
Las Borregas, . . ...
2
La Rainas, ...
8
Puerto del Carmen, ...
5
Rancho Nuevo,
3
Cuatro Cienegas, 
8
Through the desert to Sierra Mojada, .
5o
13S
248
Itinerary fro/n Saltillo, the present capital of the State of
Coahuila, to the City of Durango, capital of
the State of Durango.
From Saltillo to — Macs'
Hacienda de Buena Vista road over the
battle-field where General Taylor won
that glorious battle over General Santa
Anna, ....... 8
Hacienda de Patos, one of the finest estates
in the country  31 %
Castafiuela,  18^
Town of Parras, well-buil place in a rich
country,  21
Hacienda la Pena, rough road, forage scarce 39^
Alamo de Parras, level road, . . . i%X
Estancia (stock ranch) de Poso y Calvo, . 31 ^
Rio Guanaval, dividing Une between Coa
huila and Durango  8
Cuencame (large mining town ),good road
between high mountains, . . . 39^
Yerbanis, . . . . , . 16
Tapias,  21
Sauces (road rough), .... loyi
Portias Rancho (level road), . . . i8j^
Hacienda del Chorro (good road — water
scarce),  16
City of Durango  23^
Total,  322X

249

DILIGENCIAS GENERALES.

GENERAL MEXICAN STAGE-LINE

FARES.

From Mexico to —

Fare.

Tula, 

4 OO

San Juan del Rio, ....

12 OO

Queretaro, 

15 OO

Salamanca, 
21 OO
Guanajuato, 
25 OO
Lagos, 
31 00
San Juan de los Lagos,
• 34 00
Guadalajara,
45 00
From Lagos to Zacatecas,
10 00
" Aguas Calientes to Zacatecas,
13 00
" Guadalajara to Zapotlan,
From Mexico to —
San Miguel, .....
19 00
Dolores Hidalgo, ....
21 00
San Luis Potosi, ....
32 00
40 00
64 00
From Montery to Metamoros, .
30 00
" San Luis to Zacatecas,
16 00
" Mexico to Morelia, .
19 00
Mexico to Cuernavaca,
4 50
" Mexico to Cuautla, .
6 00
" Zacatecas to Durango,
12 00
250
Passengers on the general stage line are only allowed twenty-
five pounds of baggage ; they are also allowed, when taking a
through ticket, to stop at any point on the line where there is an
agent of the company, by notifying said agent of their intention of
doing so upon their arrival at the station. Hotel fare on the line
is $2, for supper, bed and breakfast ; price of meals, for breakfast
or dinner, is 75 cents per meal. Most of the hotels in Mexico are
kept on the European plan.
Passengers carrying arms have to procure a permit from the
authorities.

ITINERARY OF THE FERROCARRIL MEXICANO '(MEXICAN RAIL
WAY) FROM THE CITY OF MEXICO TO VERA CRUZ — PRINCI
PAL LINE.

Stations.
Mexico,Tepexpan,San Juan Teotihuacan
Otumba, .
La Palm a,
Ometusco,Irolo, .
Apan,
Soltepec,Guadaloupe, (hacienda)
Apizaco,
Huamantla, Rinconada,
San Andres,
Boca del Monte,
Alta Luz,
Bota, .
Maltrata,Encinal,
Orizaba, Fortin, Cordova,
Atoyac,

Distances in Kilometres.

32^
43# 55#
6itf67X 77 X
92%
112X 124
139^ 182
200
220^251X 2S7X 266)i
271'A
281 X
291 X
310318337X

251
Stations. Distances in Kilometres.
Paso del Macho,  347 X
Camaron,  360^
Soledad,  381 #
Tejeria  408X
Vera Cruz,  A23X
Branch to Puebla.
Apizaco.
Santa Ana  16^
Panzacola  35
Puebla,  47
INFORMATION TO TRAVELERS.
I. — Tickets sold to passengers are only good for the day they
are sold, but passengers with through tickets are allowed to stop
over night a Orizaba, if they desire it.
2. — Passengers for Puebla must change and take the train at
Apizaco. MEXICAN STEAMSHIP LINE.
Line from Progreso to Bagdad and Tabasco.
From Frontera to Progreso, touching at Laguna and Cam
peche, and from Frontera to Bagdad, at the mouth of the Rio
Grande, touching at Minatillan, Vera Cruz, Tuxpan and Tampico.
The agent cf the line in Matamoros is Sr. Francisco Armendaiz.
NAMES OF PROMINENT MERCHANTS RESIDING IN LAREDO,
NUEVO MEXICO.
Patricio Milmo, banker.
Gilgan, importer of foreign goods and commission merchant.
Francisco Viscaya, importer of foreign groceries and commis
sion merchant.
Joseph Brosig, custom-house broker.
NAMES OF PROMINENT MERCHANTS RESIDING IN MONTERY.
Francisco Palacio, " La India."
Francisco Oliver, commission merchant.

252
Pedro Mais.
P. Milmo.
John Weber, commission merchant.
TABLE GIVING AN IDEA OF THE EXTENSION AND VALUE OF
SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL ESTATES SITUATED BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SALTILLO AND THE CITY OF MEXICO.
Of the largest of them there is not one to be found that con
tains half of the area of that of " San Rafael del Salado and
Aguadidce." Fro77i Saltillo to San Luis Potosi.

Names of Haciendas.

Area in sq. m

Agua Nueva, .

. I IO

Santa Helena,

25

La Encarnacion,

50

Potosi, .

120

Penuelo, .

120

Soledad,

130

Rocamonte,

• 45

San Tiburcio,

190

Palo Blanco,

. 90

Canelo,

70

Salado,

. 600

Vanegas,

210

Carbonera,

45

Pastorizo,

48

La Tresa,

- 52

Santa Gertrudis, .

52

San Cristobal, .

• 36

Solis, ....

170

Guadaloupe Carnisero,

- 84

Mingole,

62

Laguna Seca, .

• 13°

Los Charcos,

48

Coronado,

. 60

Guaname,

220

Cruces, . . . .

. 270

Value.

400,000

253

Tames of Haciendas.

Area

in sq. m.

Value.

Bocas, .

48

250,000

Rancho de Bocas,

40

230,000

La Parada, .

80

400,000

Tenasco, .

30
I 50,000
El Corte,
20
100,000
Between San Luis Potosi and Mexico.
Names of Haciendas. Area in sq. m.
Value.
Gallinas, .....
60
250,000
Cienega de Mata,
100
500,000
Matazas, ...
7o
300,000
La Tila,
5°
250,050
Peotillos, ...
180
500,000
Poso de Carmen, .
40
400,000
La Sauceda,
37
I 50,000
Arroyos,
37
1 20,000
La Laguna,
18
1 30,000
Bledos,
5°
500,000
Tardo,
84
180,000
Gogorron, . , . .
84
600,000
Garal, ....
51
800,000
Sauceda Mulatos,
60
250,000
Carretas, .
40
200,000
Norias de Charcas,
3°
400,000
Santana de Lovasa,
30
250,000
Trancas,
22
200,000
El Gallinero,
38
150,000
La Erre,
10
450,000
Noria deVasques,
20
200,000
La Venta,
18
160,000
Tuerto de Nieto,
'5
1 20,000
Buena Vista,
12
150,000
Chichimegillas,
40
350,000
Amascala, .
12
160,000
La Griega,
32
160,000
La Esperanza,
37
230,000
Cochitlan,
¦ 19
I 50,00 J
254

Names of Haciendas.

Area in sq. m.

Value.

La Llave,

32

450,000

Toachi, ....

- 17

140,000

El Saus,

20

180,000

Llano del Casadero,

120

800,000

Venta Hermosa, .

16

120,000

Arroyo Zarco, .

¦ 70

500,000

La Goleta, .

24

150,000

Canada Flautla,

. 18

160,000

San Antonio Tula,

20

200,000

Talpa, ....

• 13

300,000

Batla 

8

80,000

El Salto, ....

9

250,000

Tetla, ....

9

250,000

La Condesa,

3

200,000

La Teja,

3

150,000

La Gaupa,

9

900,000

San Juan de Dios,

2

150,000

Potreros de Balmena,

3

170,000

Ahuahuetes,

2

190,000

Amores 

1

120,000

El Cabrito, .

1

90,000

El Hospital,

13

350,000

There are many small estates that are worth millions of dollars,
situated between Queretaro and Mexico, not mentioned in this state
ment because their extension is insignificant when compared to
their great value.
In the estate of San Rafael del Salado and Aguadulce, parties
who desire to enter largely upon stock-raising, agriculture and the
development of mines, will find a vast and productive field beside
the exploitation of the natural products, like the Lechuguilla Ma
guey, Zolmandoque, Palmetto, Cactus and Zotol, that will, if pro
perly worked, alone pay for the hacienda in Ijss than ten years.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The present Government of Mexico — Mexican Independence,
when, where and by whom proclaimed — The present
constitution of Mexico — The different branches of govern
ment — Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers — The
Cabinet and attributes of the several Secretaries, . . i
Boundaries and present area of the Republic — The area of
New Spain (Mexico) before its independence — Area of
Mexican territory acquired by the United States, by
treaty, .......... 4
Geographical position, ........ 5
Bays, gulfs, capes, islands,  5
Rivers, their names and length,  6
Mountains, their altitudes,  7
Forest and vegetable productions, their names in the native
languages, and their equivalent in English, as well as
the botanical terms when possible,  8
Population ; its estimate by Humboldt and Alaman — Char
acter of the people — The Mexican Indian — Population
of Mexico in 1 88 1, .... 10
Antiquities  . . 12
Etymology of the word Mexico, . . . .13
Mexican dialects, .  13
The climate of Mexico, the future and resources of the country,
its agriculture, the situation of Mexico more favorable
than that of other countries situated under the same
latitudes  13

258

Considerable altitudes of the Mexican plateaus or table lands
— Mountains of Mexico — The Mexican plateau extends
from the 18° to the 40° degree of north latitude, . .15
Variety of climates and the different cultures on the two
inclined planes or slopes that connects the plateau with
the Pacific and Atlantic oceans,  16
Mexico divided in relation to its climate in three zones :
1. Tierra caliente, the powerful vegetation of that region ;
2. Tierra templada, or temperate zone, the mildness of
its climate, its resources ; 3. Tierra fria, or cold zone, its
temperature — Favorable situation of Mexico — Proximity of
the four great basins of unequal altitudes — Their differ
ent cultures, ...  16
Temperament of divers plants in Mexico — The sugar cane, . 17
The advantages of the climate of Mexico, superior to European
countries and South America — The altitudes of the
plateaus cf South America too great, . . . .17
The great plains of South America are in width and length
cut by deep ravines,  19
Small number of volcanos in Mexico (earthquakes seldom
happen),  20
Small number of streams — Lack of water on the plateau, . 21
Principal lakes near the City of Mexico,  21
Saline substance in the soil in some portion of Mexico, . .21
Botany — Medicinal plants — Tobacco — Various valuable
gums,  22
Flowers, ........... 23
Agriculture — The cultivation of com, wheat, the maguey, the
sugar-cane, cotton, coffee tree, tobacco, aniseseed, the
cochinilla — Estimated value of agricultural productions, . 23
Zoology — Venomous reptiles, etc  . 25

259 PAGE.
Table showing the names of the different States composing the
Republic of Mexico — Their area, their population, their
capital and population in 1 88 1,  27
Political division of the Republic of Mexico and datas fur
nished by the latest census, . . ... 28
Average revenue of the Mexican Republic — The revenue of
the different States  28
The State of Aguas Calientes — Its boundaries, area, number of
estates, population, its capital, its productions, . 28
The State of Campeche — Boundaries, area, population, moun
tains, rivers, lakes, ports, natural productions — Its capital,
Campeche — Value of real estate,  29
The State of Coahuila — Indian tribes who inhabited the country
when the Spaniards took possession of it — Its former
dependencies — Its present area and population — Its
political division — Its present capital, Saltillo — Descrip
tion of the same and all principal towns in the State —
Dialects spoken — Production — Industry — Public instruc
tion — Mining in the State — Sierra Mojada and the
mines of Matehuapile,  30
The State of Chiapas — Situation, boundaries, area — Rivers,
natural productions — Political divisions — Its capital and
population, .  34
The State of Chihuahua — Situation, boundaries, area — Topo-
grafical aspect and climate — Lagoons, mountains, rivers,
vegetable productions, agriculture, zoology, industry,
mining, Indian tribes, population — Its capital, the City of
Chihuahua — Description of some of the principal towns, . 35
The State of Colima — Boundaries, area, population — Moun
tains, sea ports, natural productions, political divisions,
the City of Colima,  38

260 PAGE
The State of Durango — Situation, limits, area — Rivers, moun
tains, industry, products of the mint, population — Principal
cities and towns,  39
The State of Guanajuato — Situation, boundaries and area —
Rivers, principal cities and towns, mountains, population,
dialects, principal villages, number of estates, value of the
same mining, industry,  4°
The State of Guerrero — Situation, boundaries and area —
Topographical aspect and climate — Rivers, lakes —
Natural productions, mining, population, its present
capital,  43
The State of Hidalgo — Boundaries, area, population, produc
tions — Principal cities and towns, . . . . 44
The State of Jalisco — Situation, boundaries, area — Topo
graphical aspect and climate — Seaports — Rivers, lakes,
mountains, vegetable productions, agriculture, mines,
zoology, territorial divisions, population, principal cities
and towns, industry, ....... 44
The State of Mexico — Boundaries — Political divisions — Its cap
ital, the City of Toluca, population,  .48
The State of Michoacan — Situation, boundaries, area — Topo
graphical aspect and climate — Rivers, lakes, mountains,
natural productions, zoology, mining, political division,
population, dialects, real estate, industry, cities and
towns, .......... 49
The State of Morelos — When created a State — Its boundaries
—Area — Population— History — Principal cities and towns
— Value of real estate  51
The State of Nuevo Leon — Situation, boundary and area —
Population, mountains, rivers — Census — Natural produc
tions, fruits, vegetables and grain — Stock raising — Wild
animals, birds, fish — Thermal waters, mines — Schools,
principal cities and towns — Statistics, agricultural produc
tions in 1878  52

261 PAGE.
The State of Oaxaca — Situation, boundaries and area — Topo
graphical aspect and climate — Rivers — Natural produc
tions, zoology, mining— Population, principal cities and
towns, President Juarez,  55
The State of Puebla — Boundaries and area — Population —
Mountains, rivers, climate and natural productions —
Mining, industry — Principal cities and towns . . .56
The State of Queretaro — Boundaries, area and climate —
Rivers — Natural productions — Industry — Population —
City of Queretaro,  58
The State of San Luis Potosi — Situation, boundaries and area
— Climate — Mountains, rivers — Natural productions —
Stock — Wild animals — Mines — Political divisions —
Public instruction — The City of San Luis Potosi, its
commerce — Other cities and towns — The Hacienda of
Salado,  ... 59
The State of Sinaloa — ¦ Situation, boundaries and area —
Topographical aspect and climate — Rivers — Natural
productions — Mining — Population — Principal cities and
towns — The port of Mazatlan  63
The State of Sonora — Situation, boundary and arta — Topo
graphical aspect and climate — Rivers — Natural produc
tions — Zoology — Mining — Political divisions — Popula
tion — Census — Indians — Principal cities and towns —
The port of Gua yamas, . .... 64
The State of Tabasco — Boundaries and area — Climate — Water
communications — Population  67
The State of Tamaulipas — Boundaries and area — Climate —
Rivers, lakes, mountains — Products, fruit trees, etc. —
Stock-raising — Game — Mineral products — Territorial
divisions — Principal cities and towns — Population —
Schools — Public lands — Historical sketch, . . .68

262

The State of Tlaxcala — Situation, boundaries and area —
Topographical aspect — Lakes — Natural productions —
Climate — Mining — Political divisions — Population — The
City of Tlaxcala — Commerce — Census, . . . -73
The State of Vera Cruz — When created — Boundaries and area
— Population — Principal cities and towns — Natural pro
ductions — Mines  74
The State of Yucatan — Boundaries — Etymology of the name
Yucatan — Principal cities and towns — Population —
Natural productions — Industry,  76
The State of Zacatecas — Situation, boundaries and area —
Population — • Configuration, topographical aspect and cli
mate — Mountains— Natural productions — Minerals — Prin
cipal cities and towns — Census,  77
The Territory of Lower California, situation, boundaries and
area — Topografical aspect and climate — Islands, capes,
bays, ports — Natural productions — Mining — The capital,
La Paz,  79
Federal District of Mexico — Its boundaries — Area — Popula
tion — Political divisions — Real estate, etc. — The City of
Mexico — Description of the City of Mexico — Its situation
— Vegetation — Soil of the valley — Its foundation — Etymo
logy of the word Mexico — Its population at the time of the
conquest — Its buildings and institutions — Its monuments :
La Fuente del Salto del Agua, La Fuente de la Tlaxpana,
La Plazuela de Santo Domingo, Iturbide market (ancient
square of St. John, La Plazuela de Guardiold, El Sagrario,
Palacio Municipal (City Hall), Iturbide Hotel, or stage
hotel (the ancient residence of the Emperor Iturbide) —
National Theatre — Plaza Mayor (Main square) — The Ca
thedral of Mexico — The Walk of Buccareli — The College
of Mines (where Gen. U. S. Grant, ex-President of the
United States, received hospitality from the Mexican Gov-

263 PAGE.
ernment while visiting Mexico) — El Paseo de la Viga —
The street of Roldan Bridge — Environs — Public educa
tional institutions of the city — Description of the Sanc
tuary of the Holy Virgin of Guadaloupe, patroness of
Mexico,  80
History of mining in Mexico under Spanish rule — The Arizona
bonanza and a title — The gold placers of Sonora — Que
bradilla produces great wealth — The Catorce mines and
the viceroy — The mines of Guanajuato — The Zacatecas
mines — Mammoth veins — Coinage of the mint in the City
of Mexico — The product of La Valenciana — Until 1848
Mexico was the first country on the face of the earth for
the product of precious metals — History of Mexican mines
— The discovery of the Patio process, or cold amalgama
tion process of working ores — Humboldt's opinion — Mr.
Dupont's opinion — Mints and assaying offices — Coinage —
American gold and silver production since 1848, . . 96
Catalogue of the principal mining districts situated in the dif
ferent States of the Republic, and description of some of
their principal mines,  104
State of Aguascalientes — Mines of magistral (this metal
is only found in Mexico, and is indispensable to work cer
tain classes of ore)  104
State of Chihuahua, one of the richest in minerals of the
Republic — Catalogue of mining districts situated in said
State, giving the number of mines in each mining district
(mineral), the names of the districts, in what canton they
are situated, class of ores, and whether exploited or idle —
date of the discovery of the principal mines in Chihuahua,
names of mines classified according to their richness, . 105

264 PAGE.
State of Coahuila — Number of mines worked at one time,
their ore's — San Juan de Guadaloupe, Santa Rosa, Viezca,
etc,  112
State of Durango — The inexhaustible iron mountain Cerro del
Mercado — Its discovery — Report of assays of the same, . 1 14
State of Guanajuato — The names of some of its principal
mining districts,  115
State of Guerrero — one of the richest in the Republic —
number of mines in said State and names of some of its
principal mining districts, . . . . . 115
State of Hidalgo — La Huastesca — some of its most important
mineral districts — Jecker, the banker, who was the cause
of the French intervention in Mexico, . . . .116
State of Jalisco — Description of its mining wealth — Statement
showing the amount of coin produced by some of the
mines in this great State— Table showing the mineral dis
tricts in the State, . . . . . . . .117
State of Mexico — Its mining wealth, . . . . . 119
State of Michoacan — Its most celebrated mines ; their ores, . 120
State of Morelos — Some of its principal mines ; their class of
ores   121
State of Nuevo Leon — Its minerals — Names of some of the
principal mining districts — Reports from official documents
— Extract taken from the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Don
Melchior Vidal de Lorca about the mines of this State in
1775 — Extract of the report of Don Simon de Herrera
about the mines of Nuevo Leon — Class of ores found at
the Iguana mines  121
State of Oaxaca — Some of its mining districts, . . . 1 24
State of Puebla — But little of its mineral wealth is known, . 124

265 PAGE.
State of Queretaro — Its mineral wealth — Variety of metals
found in this State — Mines worked in 1881, . . . 125
San Luis Potosi — Great wealth of this State yet undeveloped —
Its principal mining districts — Historical sketch of the
Guadalcazar mining district — Historical notice of the
mining district of Charcas — Mining district of Ramos —
— Mining district of Ojo Caliente — The names of
some rich mines, such as la Nevada, la Pastora, San
Pedro and la Ventura, situated on lands of the estate of
San Rafael del Salado — Number of mines worked or idle
in the State,  126
State of Sinaloa — Metals produced by the mines in the State —
Names of some of its principal mining districts — Number
of known mines in the State,  129
State of Sonora — Great reputation of this State for its mining
wealth — Immense masses of virgin iron, rich copper mines,
gold placers — Description of some of its principal mining
districts — Statement showing the mines actually worked in
the district of Magdalena, giving the number of mines in
each mining district, names of mines, locality, hacienda
or ranch, where situated, and name of municipality, . 130
State of Tamaulipas — Present state of mining industry in that
State — Names of some of the mining districts and mines, 136
State of Zacatecas — The first of the Republic for its mineral
productions — Statement giving the names of the mining
districts, and names of their mines, class of metals
actually exploited in the State — Statement giving the
names of the mining districts in said State actually
paralyzed — Description" of some of the principal mining
districts  137

266 PAGE.
The States of Chiapas, Colima, Vera Cruz and Yucatan are
classified among the poorest of Mexico for their mineral
wealth. Some few mines are worked in each of them, . 146
Territory of Lower California — This large territory is rich in
minerals — Number of mines and their class of ores in the
municipalities of La Paz, San Antonio, Todos Santos,
Santiago, San Jos6 del Cabo, Muleg6, Comondu and Santo
Tomas — Stone Coal, different localities where it is known
to exist in the Republic — Petroleum, different localities
where it is known to exist in the Republic, . . .147
American silver mining in Chihuahua — The Santa Eulalia
Mining Company — The Cusihuiriachic mines — The Rich
Mountain Mining Company — The Corralitas mines —
The Batopilas mines — The Chihuahua Silver Mining
Company — The consolidated mines of Hidalgo or Parral
— The Hidalgo Mining Company — The Philadelphia
Mining Company, . . . . . . . . 1 50
Mining in Nuevo Leon — The Texas-Mexican Mining and
Smelting Company — Organization, prospect and property
of the company — The Rosario Mining Company, . .153
Railroads in Mexico — List of railroads in operation during
the year 1880,  156
The Vera Cruz Railroad,  157
Table showing the railroad concessions granted by the Mexican
Government from August, 1877, to February 3d, 188 1, .158
Sketch of some of the most important railroad charters
granted by the Mexican Government to American com
panies,  , . . 161
The International and Interoceanic Railway Company, . .162
The New York, Texas and Mexican Railroad (better known
as Count Telfener's road),  163
The Mexican National or Palmer-Sullivan Railroad, and its
several divisions,  164

267 PAGE.
The Mexican Pacific,  165
Telegraphic lines in the Republic of Mexico  166
Weights and measures,  168
Mexican land measures translated from the Ordi7ianzas de
tierras y aguas,  168
Table showing the old Mexican or Spanish land measure com
pared with the metrical system and our American acres, 1 70
English weights and measures compared with the metrical
system of weights and measures — Linear measures, super
ficial measures, measures of capacity, weights, . .171
Items of interest to importers of merchandise into the Republic
of Mexico, . . . . . . . . -173
Tariff of public lands in 1876,  173
Abridged Mexican tariff on imports, . . . .' . 175
New Tariff Law of June 25th, 1881,  177
Late decree concerning the revenue,  183
Naturalization laws,  185
Abstract of the laws for the acquisition and ownership of real
estate and mines,  187
Synopsis of Mexican laws on inheritance, . . . .191
Information for persons desiring to purchase real estate or
make contracts of any kind in Mexico, . . . .191
Statistics — Federal revenue forthe fiscal year 1879-1880, . 192
Statement of the revenue and expenditures of the different
States of the Republic of Mexico during the fiscal year
1879 to 1880  193
Statement showing the expenditures of the different branches
of the Mexican Government for the fiscal year 1879-
1880,  19+
The value of real estate  195
Statement showing the value of real estate in each of the States
of the Mexican Republic in 1 88 1,  196

268 PAGE.
Mining statistics — Products of the mines in Mexico from 1537
to 1 82 1, and after the independence from Spain was
achieved  197
Table showing the exports of timber to foreign countries from
the Republic of Mexico for the fiscal year ending in 1875, 197
Total imports from foreign countries into the Republic of
Mexico during the fiscal year ending in 1875, . . . 198
Table indicating the cost of raising and gathering one arroba
or twenty-five pounds of cotton in the divers States of the
Republic, and its cost laid down at the nearest port of
exports,  198
Table showing the number of public schools in the various
States and in the Territory of Lower California, the cost
of their maintenance in the year 1880, . . . 200
Table showing the altitudes of some of the most important
points in the Republic, taken from the best authorities on
the subject,  201
Mexican stamp duty (abridged), . . ... 203
The Maguey plant, or agave americana, . . . 207
Itineraries of routes through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec,
Nicaragua and Panama from the Atlantic side, . . 210
From New Orleans to the port of La Ventosa, . . . 210
" " " " the Port of San Juan del Sur, . .210
" " " " Panama, . .... 210
•" New York, via Tehuantepec, to La Ventosa . . .210
" " " " Nicaragua, to San Juan del Sur, . .210
" " " " Panama, to Panama, .... 210
" La Ventosa to San Francisco, . . . .210
" San Juan del Sur to San Francisco, . . . .210
" Panama to San Francisco,  210

269

Route No. i, from the city of San Antonio, Texas, to the
city of Mexico, overland,  210
Route No. 2, from Piedras Negras, in the State of Coahuila, to
the town and old presidio of La Punta de Lampasas, in
the State of Nuevo Leon — Distance, by way of the
Alamo de los Borregos, 1 34 miles, . . . .211
Route No. 3, from San Antonio de La Punta de Lampasas, in
Nuevo Leon, passing through Laredo — San Antonio to
Laredo (by the wagon road), 170 miles, Laredo to La
Punta, 79 miles, together 249 miles, . . . . 212
Route No. 4, from the town of Lampasas to Villa Aldama,
Salinas and Monterey ; distance, 103 miles, . . .213
Description of the city of Monterey,  215
.Route No. 5, from Piedras Negras, by way of Monclova, leav
ing out Santa Rosa and traveling the straightest and best
road, where water and forage is found at all seasons of the
year, 170 miles. From Monclova to Saltillo, 134 miles, . 217
Route No. 6, from the city of Saltillo, the capital of the State
of Coahuila, to the city of Sart Luis Potosi, capital of the
State of the same name, 266 miles, . . . 220
Route No. 7, from Queretaro to the city of Mexico, the
capital of the Republic, 134^ miles, . . . .231
Distances, in Mexican leagues, from the City of Mexico to some
of the principal cities of the Republic, . . . 234
Itinerary No. 1, from the City of Mexico to the cities of Quere
taro, San Luis Potosi, Saltillo, Monterey and Matamoros, 235
No. 2, from the City of Mexico to the port of Acapulco on the
Pacific Ocean, . .  236
No. 3, from the City of Mexico to Queretaro, Guadalajara,
capital of the State of Jalisco, and the port of San Bias
on the Pacific Ocean,  236

270 PAGE.
No. 4, from the City of Mexico to the City of Morelia, capital
of the State of Michoacan, ...... 238
No. 5, from the City of Mexico to the City of Oaxaca, capital
of the State of the same name,  238
No. 6, from the City of Mexico to the cities of Zacatecas and
Durango, capitals of the States of the same names, . 239
No. 7, from the City of Mexico to the City of Culiacan,
capital of the State of Sinaloa,  240
No. 8, from the City of Mexico to Ures, the capital of the
State of Sonora,  241
No. 9, from the City of Mexico to the City of Chihuahua,
capital of the State of Chihuahua,  242
No. 10, from the City of Mexico to the Rio Grande, via Tula,
Ciudad, Victoria and Guerrero — the straightest route to
reach the Texas frontier,  243
From the City of San Luis Potosi to the port of Tampico, . 244
Itinerary from San Luis Potosi to Victoria, in Tamaulipas, . 245
From Victoria to Soto Lamarina, ...... 246
From Victoria to Monterey, capital of the State of Nuevo Leon, 246
From Saltillo to Zacatecas,  247
From Piedras Negras, in the State of Coahuila, Mexico (oppo
site the town of Eagle Pass, Texas), to the Sierra Mojada, 247
Itinerary from Saltillo, the present capital of the State of Coa
huila, to the City of Durango, capital of the State of the
same name,  248
Fares of the general Mexican stage line — Regulations of the
same line, .......... 249
Itinerary of the Ferrocarril Mexicano (Mexican railway) be
tween Vera Cruz and the City of Mexico, . . . 250
Information to travelers  251
Mexican steamship line,  251

271

Names of prominent merchants residing in Laredo, New
Mexico  251
Names of prominent merchants residing in Monterey, . .251
Table giving the extent and value of some of the principal
estates situated between the City of Saltillo and the City
of Mexico,  252

LORENZO CASTRO,
San Antonio, Texas.

Thirty years' experience in the Real Estate Business in
Texas and Mexico. Will furnish valuable information for
profitable investment of capital in Mexico, where high rates
of interest can be obtained.
Will locate or purchase lands and mines in any State of
the Republic and give perfect titles and possession of the
same. Will investigate all titles and furnish abstracts of the
same. Will also prosecute the rights of legatees to property in
Mexico. Has now for sale valuable mining interests and several
large productive Haciendas (estates) in the northern States
of Mexico, varying in area from 25 to 200 leagues in one
block. Will also prosecute all kinds of claims against the Gov
ernments of the United States and Mexico.
Charges entirely conventional ; full satisfaction guaran
teed. Correspondence in English, Spanish and French
solicited.

ADVERTISE IN
"LA RE VISTA"
A Daily Newspaper, published at
MONTEREY,
State of Nuevo Leon, Republic of Mexico,
BY
DESIDERIO LAGRANGE.

The best Advertising Medium in the northern frontier States of
Mexico. Circulation greater than any other Daily
in the State of Nuevo Leon.
RUSSELL HOWARD,
COUNSELLOR AND ATTORNEY-AT-LAW.

Well versed In Spanish and Mexican Land Laws.
More than thirty years' practice in all U. S. Courts.
Office, SOLEDAD STREET, in the Devine Building,
CITY OF SAN AMMO, Bexar Co., TEXAS.
HARRISON & HARRISON,
^-TTOI^2srEirS--A.T-LJL^Ar.

Will attend promptly to any business
entrusted to their care.
OFFICE IN THE DEVINE BUILDING, SOLEDAD ST.
CITY OF SAN ANT0NI0; Bexar Co., TEXAS,

FRANCISCO ARMENDAIZ,
Plaza del comercio,
MONTEREY,
Wholesale and Retail Dealer iu
Dry Goods and Groceries,
MEXICAN HOME MANUFACTURES,

of all kinds of Foreign Merchandise.
ALSO,
HAT AND LEATHER MANUFACTURERS.

Beside the above this house does a General Commission Business,
receives orders for Importations and Exportations of all kinds of mer
chandise and produce. It also offers its services to its customers and the
public in general for all commercial transactions in their various branches,
and also for the purchase and sale of Stock, Agricultural and Industrial
interests. 
FREDERICO PALACIO,
Principal representative of the House at
MONTEREY, MEXICO.