Chapulte2')ec. 139 



The principal fountain is about in the middle. To the right 

 and left of the avenue are rather wet meadows, serving; as a 

 pasture for cattle. It is a pity that they are not planted with 

 trees and shrubs, and laid out as a park. No finer place 

 in the whole world could be found, for nowhere is to be had 

 a more charming view Vvherever the eye may look. 



Towards the east, beyond a beautiful plain covered with fine 

 clusters of trees and studded with villas, is seen, on rocks, the 

 aid palace of Chapultepec, from whence comes the excellent 

 drinking water, brought there by splendid aqueducts, which 

 unfortunately are much out of repair in consequence of the 

 civil wars. 



Looking towards the south-west, we see on the bluish back- 

 ground of the mountains several fine villages, as Mixcoai, 

 ' florido,' Padierno and Churubusko, ' ensangrentados,' San 

 Angel, and Coyoacom ; whilst turning to the south-east we 

 admire the mountain giants, Popocateptl and Ixtaccihuatl, 

 whose snowy heads seem to pass through the blue of the sky. 



Turning towards the west we see the hundred towers of 

 Mexico. 



The Promenade de la Viga is that of the people, and who- 

 ever wants to become acquainted with the habits, tastes, and 

 peculiarities of the middle and lower classes of Mexicans will 

 find here the best opportunity. 



The Canal de la Viga serves as a means of communication 

 between the two lakes of the plain of Mexico, called Texcoco 

 and Chalco. The ancient Tenochtitlan resembled Venice, for 

 it was crossed by an immense number of canals, which in re- 

 ality formed its streets. The Canal de la Viga is the only one 

 remaining. The promenade runs along it, and is m.ost fre- 

 quented in the months of April and May, especially at the hour 

 between six and seven p.m. It is much enlivened by the 

 many people who embark here to visit neighbouring villages, 

 for which purposes there are always a great many pirogues 

 ready, conducted by Indians. 



The two favourite villages are Santa Anita and Ixtacalco, 

 situate on the Canal de la Viga, and about a league from 

 Mexico. They are inhabited only by Indians, and probably 

 have not changed since the Conquest. There are still to be 

 seen the old Mexican 'chinampas,' or floating islands, in which 

 are grown the most beautiful flowers and vegetables. Similar 



