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 speciosa 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 bi gnonioides. 
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 vet 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 
destroyed, and such as are not suitable for lumber are made into fuel. It were 
