76 
COFFER 
OF 
P E R O T E. 
PLATE XXXIV. 
This mountain of basaltic porphyry is less re- 
markable for its height, than the singular form 
of a small rock placed on the summit of the 
eastern side. This rock, resembling a square 
tower, bears, among the natives of the Azteck 
race, the name of Nauhcampatepetl, from nauh- 
campa, four parts, and tepetl, a mountain ; and 
among the Spaniards that of Coffer of Perote. 
The summit of this mountain commands a very 
extensiye and varied prospect over the plain 
of Puebla, and the eastern slope of the Cordil- 
leras of Mexico covered with thick forests of 
liquidambar, arborescent ferns, and sensitive 
plants. From it we discern the harbour of 
Vera Cruz, the castle of St. John of Ulua, and 
the seacoasts. The Coffer does not enter into 
the limit of the perpetual snows. I found by a 
