15G 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



Second Visit to Themascaltepec. — Ceremony of taking- Pos- 

 session of a Silver Mine. 



My first visit to this romantic country was 

 merely a journey of pleasure; but while 

 detained by the necessary business of Mr. 

 Wilcox, I was shown the shaft of a valuable 

 silver mine, which had been deserted for several 

 years on account of the proprietor's not 

 being able with the machinery of the country 

 (worked by mules) to keep it clear of the 

 water which overflowed it and expelled the 

 workmen. On examining its situation, close 

 to the precipitous stream of the river Bada, 

 which is at this season considerable, it struck 

 me that its waters, with the adoption of pro- 



