44 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



proved in appearance, the air was perceptibly 

 better, our spirits began to revive, and soon 

 to our very great satisfaction, we discovered 

 woods of oak, which we knew to mark the 

 boundary of the dreaded black vomit and 

 yellow fever district. The face of vegetation 

 was now also entirely changed, and we were 

 reminded of the finest parts of Europe which 

 the prospect here would have rivalled but for 

 the want of water, for neither river nor lake 

 were to be seen. We passed along a fine 

 paved road, bordered by the most luxuriant 

 trees and shrubs of every form and hue, the 

 whole of which were new to us. It might be 

 compared to a ride through an extensive park 

 in Europe, having its roads bounded by a 

 succession of the finest exotic trees and plants to 

 be found in our hot-houses and conservatories. 

 On reaching the summit of a hill we dis- 

 covered the beautiful city of Xalapa before 

 us. Its white churches and buildings have 



