CLIMATE. 
cheerful countenances and robust forms fully attested the truth 
of their assertions. 
At the Paso de la Puerta begins another region of the Isth- 
mus, namely, that of hills and mountains. Its topographical and 
geological characters are entirely different from those of the 
plain of Coatzacoalcos River : while the latter is formed of allu- 
vial soil, this has rock for its basis, which is covered with a 
variety of soil more or less deep, and of variable fertility in dif- 
ferent places. The wave-like hills and dales, covered by rich 
pasture, extend along the foot of lofty mountains. They are 
interspersed by clusters of luxuriant trees, growing along the 
various tributary streams of the Coatzacoalcos, affording refresh- 
ing shelter to the large herds of cattle that range through this 
region. Here may be seen spots the most romantic and pic- 
turesque that the admirer of the beauties of nature can enjoy, 
while quietly reposing after the labors and toils of the active 
business of life. Here and there ranchos are to be met with, 
scattered among the valleys ; and even among the mountains 
are several Indian villages, such as San Juan Guichicovi, which 
contains upwards of five thousand inhabitants, who cultivate the 
soil. This village is surrounded on all sides by the Cordillera 
of the same name. It is inhabited only by Indians, called Mijes, 
has an excellent climate, and would afford a delightful and healthy 
residence for our valetudinarians. Our journey from hence 
across the Cordillera to the plains of Tehuantepec, was a constant 
change of most interesting scenery, which we enjoyed greatly, 
notwithstanding the rain and very bad roads. This entire re- 
gion for its salubrity cannot be surpassed by any country what- 
ever. The small villages of Petapa^ El Barrio, and Santo Do- 
mingo, also built on the elevated table-land, enjoy a well-merited 
reputation for uncommon healthiness, not only among the inhab- 
itants of the Isthmus ; but many Mexicans, as I learned later at 
Tehuantepec, come there, even from Oaxaca and several other 
states of Mexico, to recruit their health. The mean temperature 
of this region is much lower than that of the rest of the Isthmus. 
The light and variable winds that blow during the dry season re- 
fresh the air, which is always dry ; and, besides, there are no 
musquitoes to mar the quiet of the evening, or disturb sleep 
