::::::::3e TWO BIRD-LOVERS IN MEXICO M^i^ 



many helpful suggestions — and some warnings — 

 from the way we did it. The warnings, however, I 

 will try to make serve the useful purjjose of pointing 

 out the w^ay not to go. 



If one wishes to travel with the least possible Avorry 

 or trouble, and to enjoy unfailing courtesy and delight- 

 ful service, let him go to Mexico via the Ward Line, 

 and when once in that country purchase his tickets on 

 the lines of the Mexican Central Railroad. 



When one reaches Mexico one exchanges one's Amer- 

 ican money for about two and a fourth times its value 

 in Mexican coinage, but this sudden increase in numer- 

 ical amount should not blind one to certain facts which 

 it is well to keep in mind. Careful inquiries should be 

 made concerning those States wdiich are bankrupt, or 

 whose bank-notes are, for some reason, depreciated in 

 value. All such should be refused. 



When striking out into the wilderness, carry few 

 bills, or none at all, as the Indians are averse to taking 

 them ; though they readily accept small change or 

 silver pesos. A little change goes a long way in an 

 Indian villagfe. All larg^e amounts should be carried in 

 the form of drafts on New York banks, in preference 

 to ordinary American currency. 



With us the first consideration was lightness ; partly 

 because the Mexican railroads allow only one hundred 

 and ten pounds of baggage to each person, wdiich is 

 forty pounds less than is permitted in this country — 



4 364 -^ 



