TOWNS, PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRY, ETC. 249 
be rendered almost immediately serviceable. All along the line 
through the Pass the scenery is beautifully varied, and within a 
short distance of the plains are several mineral springs, which 
with so many attractive features, are doubtless destined to be- 
come places of frequent resort. Indeed, it is not unlikely that 
the Springs of Chivela may become, in the course of time, as 
well known and as fashionably frequented as those of Saratoga 
and the White Sulphur. After reaching the base of the mount- 
ains in the vicinity of the Rio Verde, the road finally comes on 
to the plains through the Portillo de la Martar. 
Two miles northwest from San Geronirno is the neat settle- 
ment of Santo Domingo Chihuitan, through the centre of which 
courses the clear, silvery stream of Los Perros. Beyond a pic- 
turesque location and its beautiful church, Chihuitan is an 
unimportant place, numbering some 600 inhabitants, who are 
remarkable for their hospitality ; it is, however, the chosen resort 
of thousands who congregate from all portions of the Isthmus to 
attend a fair annually held there. This generally lasts for a 
week — during which time the roads in every direction are 
thronged by the Indians, who hail the occasion to expose for 
sale at so grand a market the trifling results of their industry. 
Half a league nearly north from Chihuitan, over a beautifully 
level road, on either hand of which are luxuriant hedges, is the 
extensive sugar-mill and plantation of Santa Cruz, the largest 
in this portion of Mexico, and the property of Don Antonio 
Mass. The machinery used is remarkably imperfect and old- 
fashioned, but the establishment is maintained in excellent order, 
and the quality of sugar, rum, and molasses manufactured here 
very fair. The rollers and presses are driven by water-power, 
of which the Pio de los Perros furnishes an abundant source, 
and the refinery gives employment to more than 150 men, who 
seem to understand very well the production of sugar. With 
few exceptions, this mill supplies nearly the whole southern 
division, and indeed a great portion of the State of Oaxaca. 
During the year 1850, the amount of sugar manufactured at 
Santa Cruz alone, exceeded 160,000 pounds. 
Almost directly south from San Geronirno, at a distance of 
five miles, is the town of Itztaltepeo, signifying in the Zapo- 
