80 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



bounds the road on one side, whilst the other 

 is separated from the swampy meadows re- 

 claimed from the lake by a deep ditch, the 

 bank of which is planted with large trees 

 somewhat resembling our poplars. At a 

 leaguers distance we passed the fine palace or 

 castle of Chapultepec, built by the Viceroy 

 Galvez at an immense expense, and lately oc- 

 cupied by the Ex-Emperor : it stands on a 

 remarkable hill, or rather rock, and com- 

 mands a most beautiful view of the city and 

 surrounding country. About two miles far- 

 ther lies the village of Tacubaya, finely situ- 

 ated on the first rising ground, principally 

 composed of the beautiful houses, villas, and 

 superb gardens, of the nobility and rich citi- 

 zens of the capital. The noblest view of the 

 city is obtained a little above this place, not 

 far from the Bishop^s palace, but even from 

 hence no idea of its extent can be formed by 

 a stranger, as the site is so flat that little more 



