64 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



CHAPTER V. 



Former Volcanic Eruptions. — Los Vegos. — Perote. — Agava 

 Americana. — Pulque. — Mirage. — Ocho cTAgua. 



March 20. — We left Xalapa and travelled 

 along a pleasant road to San Rafael, passing 

 a fine Hacienda or farm. The whole way 

 abounded with lovely and romantic scenery ; 

 the trees constantly varying, and differing from 

 any we had yet seen. The Nopal, or prickly 

 pear, grows here to the height of twenty-four 

 feet, and as many in diameter. I observed 

 many fine birds, amongst which were a few re- 

 sembling pheasants, with numerous hawks, 

 and vultures. The road was steep but good, 

 and continually presented a change of scene. 

 Mountains similar to those of Cumberland 



