SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 147 



it will supply an ample subject for a long 

 morning's occupation. On my first visit I 

 was absolutely lost amidst its multiplicity of 

 passages and labyrinths, nor could I find my 

 way to return until conducted by one of the 

 courteous Padres who had observed my di- 

 lemma. 



The Dominican convent and church is 

 another place of great extent and wealth, 

 and, like the rest, contains a numerous col- 

 lection of large pictures, statues, and other 

 splendid decorations. It has been used oc- 

 casionally by the Government, since the in- 

 dependence of the country, as a temporary 

 place of confinement ; and a few months 

 before my arrival it contained some of the 

 principal members of the Congress, who had 

 here comfortable apartments, and were well 

 entertained. Escape from it was impossible, 

 though it embraced sufficient space to lodge 

 several thousand persons, allowing ample 



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