250 
TOWNS, PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRY, ETC. 
teco language " the Hill of Salt." The Eio de los Perros, which 
passes to the east, in the immediate vicinity, becomes almost 
entirely dry during the summer months on account of the ab- 
sorbing nature of the soil. The town contains an industrious 
and quiet population of 1500 ; and the number of well-built 
houses, cisterns, indigo-vats, and other stone structures, attest 
the vanished thrift and prosperity of the place. Diagonally 
opposite from Itztaltepec, within half a mile, on the road to 
Juchitan, is the village of El Espinal, with some 300 inhabitants, 
who cultivate tobacco, indigo, and fruits. An old time-worn 
church is the only attraction, and even this is fast crumbling to 
decay. 
With the exception of Tehuantepec, Juchitan is the largest 
town on the southern division of the Isthmus, and contains a. 
population of nearly 6000, among whom are many Europeans. 
Of the foundation of this place little or nothing is now known, 
although tradition imputes to it a very great antiquity. Its 
appearance from the plains on the north is that of a large city, 
and the contrast between the white of its buildings and the deep 
brilliant hues of the surrounding foliage is pleasing to the utmost. 
Somewhat conspicuous, in the central part of the town, is the 
Parroquia, built by the Dominican friars in the early part of 
1600 : this is an antique-looking structure with arched roof and 
massive walls, supported at the corners by strong buttresses, 
which are surmounted by columned towers and pinnacles. The 
building is entirely without windows and the only light admitted 
is through a system of loop-holes, which seem to indicate that 
the church was designed as much for defence as for religious 
worship. The chancel consists of massive carvings in gilt, and 
the interior walls are variously painted in stucco. On each 
side, above the altar-table, are very well-executed pictures of 
the apostles Peter and Paul, and in the centre is an excellent 
painting of San Yincente, the patron saint of the town. The 
whole structure is inclosed by a brick wall several feet in 
thickness, with high-arched gateways opening on the south and 
east. 
The inhabitants of Juchitan are characterized by habits of 
industry, and their numerous manufactures of hats, shoes, cotton 
