SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 205 



expensive in Mexico : they have few of the 

 tools employed in Europe, and mahogany, or 

 any good substitute for it, is scarcely known. 

 Most of the chairs in the best houses are 

 made in the United States. It will be learnt 

 with surprise, that in this country the saw 

 (except in a small hand-frame) is still un- 

 known : every plank, and the timber used in 

 the erection of all the Spanish American ci- 

 ties, is hewn by Indians with light axes from 

 out of the solid tree, each tree producing 

 but one board. We were at a loss to conceive 

 whence, considering this sad waste, the im- 

 mense supply for Mexico could be derived. 

 The construction of sawing-mills in the 

 woods near Tolluca would be productive of 

 very great profit. 



In turning wood, the mechanic sits on the 

 ground, and uses his feet as well as his 

 hands in the operation of the lathe, which is 

 here of very simple construction. 



