1892 
local drainage in the world to try and preserve the city from danger 
Tacubaya of ruinous floods. As the land on which the city is built is the soil 
(Mexico) 
of the old marshy lake and its increment by the accumulation thereon 
Bov. 
of debris and vegetable growth and decay, it is saturated everywhere 
with water to within from one to four or five feet of the surface. 
This is abundantly evidenced by the ditches full of stagnant water that 
border the city in all the suburbs. 
There is considerable difference of opinion regarding the effect of 
this drainage upon the city. Some claim that to draw the water out of 
the soil on which the heavy buildings stand will cause the foundations 
to sink and do great damage and others contend that the buildings will 
not be effected. At any rate, the drainage if a success will render 
the city much healthier by enabling the improvement of the sewer system. 
The city is becoming rapidly modernized and the new quarters along the 
western border of the town are building up with hands cane two-story stone 
front houses that show an, attractive union between the old style of 
architecture and the more modern one. It is in evidence of the greater 
feeling of security for life and property that prevails at present that 
% 
maiy fine houses are now built with large windows on the street whioh 
are only protected by a lightiron railing across their lower half to 
serve as a balcony rail, where heretofore every window has had a strong 
iron railing from top to bottom* 
The city is beautified by a fine Alemada and a beautiful avenue or 
drive and promenade, the Paseo de la Re forma, which leads straight out 
to the Castle of Chapultepeo on the west of the oity. 
There are several markets in the city where one may see a curious 
and interesting congomeration of people from the pure-blooded Spaniard 
and the various degrees of the mixed race down to pure-blooded Indians 
who still wear their characteristic costume and speak little or no 
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