SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 119 



posely to enjoy it. The city itself is at first 

 concealed from the view by an intervening 

 volcanic mountain. The descent was now 

 rapid, but all our attention and admiration 

 was absorbed by the extended and ever-va- 

 rying prospect before us. 



We reached Ayotla, our place of rest, be- 

 fore sun-set, and immediately strolled out with 

 our fowling pieces ; we saw a great variety 

 of aquatic birds on the lake of Chalco, and 

 shot several; amongst them the common 

 snipe, which is in great abundance here, 

 though little disturbed by sportsmen, as field 

 amusements of any kind are not sought after 

 by the gentlemen of the country. 



We were now within a few miles of the 

 city of Mexico, and, full of the thought of 

 reaching it in the morning in time for break- 

 fast, we retired to rest. 



Before sun-rise we were on foot in advance 

 of our carriage. On leaving the village a 



