SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



179 



CHAPTER XIII. 



The Botanic Garden. 



This beautiful little establishment occupies 

 one of the courts of the viceregal palace; 

 and, though situated in the centre of a large 

 and populous city, every vegetable production 

 seems in perfect health and vigour. It af- 

 fords to the stranger a most delightful retreat 

 from the mid-day sun, and to the botanist, or 

 admirer of the works of nature, a treat not to 

 be met with elsewhere in New Spain, or per- 

 haps in the world. It is handsomely laid out 

 in the Spanish fashion, with flagged walks, 

 bordered with elegant large pots of flowers. 

 The walks are rendered cool by the creeping 



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