162 



SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



and passifloras, form thickets that are almost 

 impenetrable. 



One undescribed tree, twenty feet high, 

 with its bright green foliage, and flowers like 

 clusters of roses*, is seen at almost every step 

 as you traverse the banks of the three streams 

 that surround the town, and whose waters 

 flow through every part, being brought by 

 means of aqueducts. Themascaltepec is the 

 capital of one of the smallest mining districts 

 in New Spain ; yet its average annual pro- 

 duce, during the time the mines were at 

 work, was 260,000 marks of silver. The 

 town is situated in a small valley surrounded 

 by mountains, containing silver, copper, 

 and lead ores, whose surfaces are mostly 

 covered with wood, among which the Indian 

 cottages and plantations produce a very pleas- 

 ing effect. The houses are mostly of one 

 story, and covered with a large projecting 



* Now growing- in the Botanic Garden at Chelsea. 



