328 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



none ; all has been cleared. Americans are here trying to secure concessions in 

 pine lands, but the Government seems to understand the case and refuses to give 

 away its valuable possessions. 



One official informed me that the climate had changed very materially since 

 the clearing by the Spaniards 300 years ago. Others confirmed this opinion, 

 assuring me that aqueducts and irrigation works, once carrying vast quantities of 

 water, are now valueless, there being no continuous flow of the streams which 

 formerly fed them. 



There is much small shrub growth on the higher land, which has an influence 

 to a certain extent, but its economic value is extremely small. Eucalyptus has 

 been planted to some extent and succeeds well, the principal variety being Globulis. 

 But, like the residents of California, few appreciate its vast importance. 



Among the many varieties of eucalyptus there are some which will thrive on 

 all the hills and produce in the future an abundance of lumber and timber. 



CATALPA. 



Two years ago one hundred Catalpa spcciosa trees were sent to Mexico City 

 for experiment. I have made several ineffectual attempts to find them. I did not 

 find a large catalpa tree in the Republic, but found quite a number of smaller 

 sizes in various cities, mostly b-!gnomoides. 



Ash, ailantus, honey locust, black locust and some other Northern trees are 

 growing well in Mexico, as well as tulip poplar. 



Considering the various conditions existing and plant growth which I found, 

 I am certain that the catalpa will become a prominent and successful tree in many 

 portions of the Republic. 



The Republic of Mexico is as yet a vast undeveloped country. In the low 

 east coast and Isthmus land the heat is that of the tropics, and the productions 

 are also tropical, but on the great mesas of the north and elevated country about 

 Mexico City the temperature varies but slightly during the year, vegetation is 

 continuous, combining the products of the temperate with those of the semi- 

 tropic regions. 



I saw a disc gang plow of best American manufacture drawn by two mules or 

 oxen, hitched at the end of the tongue, a pole sixteen feet long. Too far from 

 the draft, not easily controlled, and machine enough for four powerful horses. 

 The driver made a series of crooked lines across the field, doing no good whatever. 

 His ox team with native one-handled primitive plow would have done better 

 execution in such hands. 



Proper information in regard to the use of these implements is needed. Man- 

 ufacturers of agricultural (and other) machinery would do well to bring a num- 

 ber of practical men from the States to teach the natives how to use the machinery. 

 There is no doubt but with improved tools and intelligent instruction there will 

 be great advances in all branches of business. 



The same mistake is being made in Mexico as in California in using so much 

 pine wood for fuel. Engines burn it on the railway. It is shipped to the city 

 for sale and is made into charcoal universally. By doing so seed trees are 

 dost roved, and such as are not suitable for lumber are made into fuel. It were 



