SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Climate. 



The climate of New Spain varies more in 

 different parts than that of any other portion 

 of the globe of equal extent. The low situa- 

 tions near the shore are the hottest and most 

 unhealthy. The ports of Vera Cruz and 

 Acapulco are deserted by foreigners during 

 the rainy season, which lasts from April or 

 May till October; and indeed the natives, 

 during this period, shut themselves up in 

 their houses, or only leave them on the great- 

 est emergencies. It is then that the yellow 

 fever and black vomit make their ravages 

 among the human species. Strangers, parti- 



