region, but also as to the uses of various vegetable products 

 found in the local markets. 



Oaxaca lies on an elevated plain. The precipitation in the 

 immediate neighborhood is rather high owing to the close prox- 

 imity of the mountains which act as condensers, although a 



elevati 



little 



: veget 



,ctly 



xerophytic. Here it was found that the Indians and travellers in 

 general used a peculiar storm cloak, consisting of a mat made 



the whole surface. With two of these carried in a 

 across the shoulder the traveller was provided with clothing by 

 day and bedding by night. Lying upon one of these waterproof 

 cloaks with the second above him the Indian seems heedless of 

 the fact that the legs from the knees downward were exposed to 

 the night air. 



Following the line of least resistance it was found that the 

 facilities for travel provided for going to the ancient ruins at 

 Mitla 35 miles to the southeast would take us into a region 

 densely populated with cacti and affording a view of the sur- 



