100 A NATURALIST IN MEXICO. 



them were found in trees twenty feet above the ground. 

 A little stream just outside of the grounds was tenanted 

 by innumerable specimens of Physa osculans and Phuiorbis 

 teiiids. 



According to history, here stood the palace of the 

 ancient Aztec kings; and here has also been the abiding 

 place of the Mexican rulers, from the time of the first 

 Spanish viceroys to that of President Diaz. At the base of 

 the hill, at the eastern foot, bursts forth the spring from 

 which the city is in part supplied with water, through the 

 San Cosme aqueduct, a heavy, arched structure, covered 

 with moss. The castle is now used as the ''West Point" 

 of Mexico, being the great military school wherein the 

 officers ofthe army are educated under the best foreign in- 

 structors. Over three hundred students are quartered here, 

 representing the best families of Mexico. The discipline, 

 however, is anything but good, and the drill exhibitions, in 

 the afternoon, would thoroughly disgust a West Pointer. 



This spot is noted for a number of decisive historical 

 events. Here, in 1847, the steep hill, though bravely de- 

 fended, was stormed by a mere handful of Americans in the 

 American-Mexican war. In the rear of Chapultepec, and 

 less than two miles away, are the battle fields of Molino 

 del Rey and Churubusco, both victories for the Americans. 

 Both these battles, however, have been declared needless, 

 as the two positions could have been turned. Near Molino 

 del Rey, the Mexicans have erected a monument to the 

 memory of their comrades. The view from the lofty ram- 

 parts is the finest in the valley of Mexico. From here the 

 valley of Anahuac is seen to be an elevated plain about 

 thirty-five by forty five miles in extent, its altitude being a 

 triflle less than eight thousand feet above the sea. This 

 view embraces the City of Mexico, with its countless spires, 

 domes, and public buildings, the grand paseo leading to the 



