SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



171 



In the sky, on the opposite side of the lake, 

 apparently near Tezcuco, the clouds had as- 

 sumed a remarkable density of appearance, 

 and the usual distant thunder announced the 

 approach of rain ; the lightning showed itself 

 in broad sheets, quivering between the moving 

 clouds, which, suddenly opening, discovered 

 a large mass of the most vivid and strongly 

 contrasted colours, greatly resembling the 

 rainbow, but of ten times greater size and 

 brilliancy. It continued about ten minutes 

 and then suddenly disappeared. I observed 

 a similar effect afterwards, on the day I left 

 Mexico for Vera Cruz. On reaching the 

 city, we learnt that his Majesty*^ ship Phae- 

 ton was on the coast, and would take a con- 

 voy of silver, then preparing to leave Mexico, 

 and as my friend was going to Vera Cruz, we 

 immediately determined to proceed together, 

 and accordingly engaged a carriage to depart 

 on the 19th instant. 



