SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 197 



descending from the high impending cliffs, is 

 seen an amazingly fine waterfall, dashing its 

 white foam in five distinct steps into the 

 valley, a sight very unusual in Mexico. We 

 commenced our winding descent by a steep 

 road through the woods which form the con- 

 cave sides of this part, — the scene on our way 

 was frequently obscured by the waving fea- 

 ther-like branches of the fern tree, or the 

 luxuriance of the various climbing plants 

 that formed canopies over our heads: half 

 an hour's journey brought us to a stream of 

 water, from which, after a small ascent, we 

 entered the town close to the church, at the 

 time the procession was setting forwards, — 

 to the surprise of the inhabitants, to whom 

 the face of a stranger is a rarity. The space 

 in front of the churchyard, the gates, &c, 

 were prepared for an extensive display of 

 fire-works, and decorated with the choicest 

 wild flowers, palm branches, &c, and every 



