32 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



me into their large, airy, and comparatively cool 

 house — which faces the sea, is well ventilated, 

 and has the best water in the city. The good 

 fathers keep a plentiful table; — you have 

 your choice of society, and can enjoy exercise 

 in the sheltered cloisters of the establishment. 



When the traveller who has been com- 

 pelled to remain in Vera Cruz amidst conta- 

 gion and death approaches the salubrious 

 Xalapa, and is assured by the appearance of 

 the green oaks that he has left behind him 

 the district of fever, with what pleasure does 

 he inhale the temperate air, and view the ver- 

 dant hills that surround the city, — than which 

 a more healthy and delightful spot does not 

 exist upon the face of the globe. Here a 

 perpetual spring reigns, verdure continuing 

 throughout the year, the woods are never un- 

 clothed, vegetable productions are always to 

 be obtained in the markets, and fruits and 

 blossoms are to be seen at the same time. 



