39 
Monte, from whence, as tar as the Mai Paso, it finally becomes 
a perfect plain, occupied by a forest of useful and precious 
timber. 
On arriving at the Mai Paso, they were surprised at the view 
presented by the Coatzacoalcos, which from the transparency 
and slow progress of its waters had more the appearance of an 
artificial canal than that of a mighty river. Its banks of strong- 
clay, are firm and easy of access, with an almost uniform ele- 
vation of a few metres, which leads to the supposition that the 
river runs along a level surface, although the thick woods th;it 
line its shores conceal from view the topographical aspect of 
the land covered by them. 
This excursion along the river scarcely deserves the name 
of an exploration, especially as the weather was so unfavour- 
able as not to allow of making any kind of observation. Nei- 
ther was it possible to take soundings of the bar on this occa- 
sion ; but it was only a few years ago a French vessel drawing 
18 feet water entered it; and from the battery situated at the 
left entrance its principal channel appeared more gentle and 
clear than any other with which Sr. Moro was acquainted. 
It is well known that bars owe their formation to the mate- 
rials conveyed by rivers, hence the unobstructed regularity of 
the bar of the Coatzacoalcos is simply accounted for by the 
clearness and limpidity of its waters. 
A short exploring expedition was made from the Fabrica 
or Mina-titlan, to Acayucam. After the return to Mina-titlan 
the Coatzacoalcos was again ascended as far as its confluence 
with the Jumuapa, and this vvas also ascended as far as the 
Paso de la Puerta. From this place the party took the direc- 
tion of Chivela, passing by Guichicovi. 
From Chivela, Sr. Moro proceded towards Tarifa along a 
table-land covered with a great number of gentle and inter- 
rupted declivities, and along a road so level, that it inspired 
him with the most flattering hopes. From Tarifa the ground 
continues to be still moi'e favourable us far as the Portillo or 
gap, from which a rapid descent leads to the plain, in which is 
situated the Venta de Chicapa. This tour had lasted a month, 
during which Messrs. llobles and Gonza.lez had actively con- 
