84 
The two most difficult points are the rapids of the old and 
the new Mai Paso, where the river runs upon a rocky bed; 
but these are of limited extent, and the many efficient means 
employed in similar cases are too well known to allow of much 
importance being attached to such obstacles. 
With these two exceptions the remaining rapids are gene¬ 
rally caused by shingle and sand-banks, and diminish gradually 
in number until they become very rare below the river 
Jumuapa. 
After passing the small hill of Cuapinaloya, the Coatzacoal- 
cos divides itself into two branches called Apotzongo and Mis- 
tan. If the former of these were straightened, compelling at the 
same time the whole of the waters of the river to run through 
its channel, and obstructing the entrance of the other arm, the 
shoal of Horqueta would be removed, and the river become na¬ 
vigable for large vessels to a point beyond Cuapinoloya, namely, 
more than 62 miles from the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos. 
Before dismissing this subject it is necessary to make one 
other observation. The various authors, who have spoken of 
the Coatzacoalcos, differ in their statements as regards its 
depth, 
Dampier states it to be 14 English feet. 
Cramer „ 18 Castilian feet at mid-tide. 
Orbegozo „ 14 Castilian feet. 
Robinson „ 22 English feet, and more in the rainy 
season. 
The last Commission 6,40 metres, or 21 English feet. 
These apparent contradictions will disappear if we observe 
with Don Tadeo de Ortiz that the bar has two channels, the 
depth of one varying at different seasons of the year from 18 to 
23 feet, and that of the other from 12 to 15. It is not likely 
that all have measured the deepest channel, besides from the op¬ 
portunity which Sr. Moro had of examining the plan of the 
soundings made by Cramer, he thinks he may with certainty 
assert that the bar has increased in depth. 
If regulating the course of the Coatzacoalcos may be pro- 
