192 



MEXICO. 



such transitions, accompanied by change in eleva- 

 .tion, invariably produce. 



The mountain scenery, during the latter part 

 of the day, was bright and gorgeous beyond all 

 description ; and the sun had but just set when 

 we reached the top of an Alpine knoll, or brow 

 of one of the highest ridges. This spot, which 

 was free from trees, and matted over with a smooth 

 grassy turf, projected so much beyond any ground 

 in the neighbourhood, that it gave us a command- 

 ing view of the whole surrounding country, even 

 to the sea. We stood here for some time admir- 

 ing this magnificent scene, and watching the ra- 

 pid change in colour which the woods underwent, 

 at different elevations, as the sun's rays became 

 fainter and fainter ; till at last all brilliancy and 

 variety were lost in one cold, grey, unpleasing 

 tint. Presently it became dark for a time, after 

 which a very different landscape arose, and final- 

 ly settled for the night in broad black shadows, 

 and bright fringes, under the gentler influence 

 of the moon. 



While we were admiring the scenery, our peo- 

 ple had established themselves in a hut, and were 



