ENGINEERING REPORTS. 
79 
he thoroughly examined ; for as good, if not a better route can 
be found along the valley of this stream, or via what is called 
Llano de Gavilanes. In running down the Almoloya, we begin 
to descend almost directly at the summit of Masahua Pass, 
whereas at Nisi Conejo, twelve miles further north, we are 
sixty-two feet higher than the first-mentioned Pass, and have 
consequently that much less distance to run down upon. The 
object in running the line through Nisi Conejo Pass was 
to take advantage of the plains of Xochiapa and meet the 
survey coming up the Malatengo from Boca del Monte. But 
these plains being found much higher, or rather the valley of 
the Malatengo so much lower than was expected, the line in con- 
sequence is rendered more difficult. Judging from the charac- 
teristics of the valley of this stream, its rugged, almost perpen- 
dicular banks, the sinuosity of the stream itself, and its depth 
below the general level of the ground, I am forced to believe 
that the route of the Almoloya must be considerably better. 
At all events, it is quite certain that the grades* by way of 
this stream will be much easier ; and every thing else remain- 
ing the same, it seems that it would be better to run the line 
via the Almoloya if for no other reason than the improvement 
in the grades, even were the distance a mile or two miles 
longer. It is not, however, certain that the distance will be at 
all increased. 
A survey would have been made by way of the Almoloya as 
well as through Chivela Pass, had not the Governor of Oaxaca 
sent orders to stop the work. 
The results of our surveys have changed the longitude of 
the Coatzacoalcos, from above the mouth of the Malatengo Piver 
to the Gulf, from eight to sixteen miles west of the position repre- 
sented upon previously existing maps, thus making the proposed 
line east of that river now appear the shorter ; whereas before, it 
was supposed to be the longer route : besides, the favorable re- 
ports of Messrs. Murphy and Avery of the country on the east 
of the Coatzacoalcos, in the neighborhood of the Upper Uspana- 
pa, and the probable mineral wealth of that region, would seem 
* See maps numbers 1 and 2. 
