108 On the Acclimating Principle of Plants. 



high priest. It was, no doubt, a theocratical government: the 

 sacerdotal order was as much respected as the divinity ; it was 

 hereditary ; and although the priests were not married, yet at 

 certain solemnities they had intercourse with the other sex, and 

 the fruits of this commerce were destined to the service of their 

 religion. 



There was a distinct compartment for the priests of an inferior 

 order, one to receive the king in, and another for the nobility. 

 When they were assembled at the palace, all, of whatever rank 

 and dignity, were under the authority of the pontiff. All the 

 floors were covered with mats, upon which they slept ; no bed 

 being raised higher for any person whatever. 



The Zapotecans were warlike, and had made great progress 

 in the art of fortification. Their last king, Cosijopii was as pru- 

 dent in his rule, as his father Cosifoeza had been valiant. The 

 Mexicans endeavoured more than once to subdue the Zapote- 

 cans, but were always repulsed. Even at this day, the war-like 

 spirit of their ancestors is yet preserved, in the miserable remains 

 of this nation. The Indians of the whole State of Oaxaca are 

 industrious, well mannered and patient. 



It is to be regretted that Mictla has not been visited by some 

 one competent to appreciate and describe those rare objects 

 which vulgar eyes assign no value to. I remain, sir, your most 

 obedient servant, A Mexican. 



ON THE ACCLIMATING PRINCIPLE OF PLANTS, 



It is nature's plan, that nothing should remain fixed and sta- 

 tionary. She exists by motion, and manifests herself through 

 endless changes : even death and decomposition are her pioneers, 

 to prepare the way for life and existence. The very rocks and 

 minerals, (unorganised matter,) are changed by the action of the 

 elements, form new afiinities, and yield to the circumstances of 

 moisture and heat, with which they may be surrounded. Ani- 

 mals exhibit still more changes ; they possess powers of develope- 

 ment, and the means of continuation of kind. Endowed with lo- 

 comotion, they can change their climate and habitation : with a 

 natural pliancy of constitution, they can accommodate themselves 

 to the quaUty of their food, and character of the country upon 

 which they may be thrown, and appear beautiful or deformed 



