1894 
Volcano of 
Tuxtla 
extra ordinarily fine trees that must have withstood the ashy storm of 
the last eruption. The largest of these trees are wild figs. One of 
these was seen that would measure about 15 feet in diameter,-10 feet 
. ' " 1 ■ ■ • . •' . 1 1 i*' 
* • • _ , . ' t 1 x i 
above ground,and about 75 ft. or more to the first branches. These large 
trees extend up to about 4500 feet on base of volcano. Owing to the 
gravelly character of the soil, no surface water is found aiywhere 
about the volcano and adjacent slopes. It is wholly extinct. From the 
summit to the seashore in a straight line it is about 6 or 8 miles. 
Owing to the situation of this mountain and its ridges close to the sea 
in the track of all H and I® winds from the gulf, it has an excessively 
damp climate and is covered with clouds and subjected to many heavy 
storms throughout the dry season. The climate of the mountain above 
V, 
4500 feet is very cool as is evidenced >y the abundance of mosses, 
lichens, stunted vegetation and the presence above 5000 ft, of several 
species of small plants not found elsewhere, Ho pines or other coni¬ 
ferous trees are found on this mountain although the climate is suitable 
for them. The vegetation is mainly derived from below. The men with me 
said that there are many wild cattle running in the forest on the sea¬ 
ward face of the volcano and that in summer they are often found grazing 
in the crater. The rolling hills between the volcano and coast are 
f 
heavily forested and abound in game according to my men. 
At the oity of Orizaba and other places I was told that the Volcano 
of San Andres often emitted great noises, but could learn nothing of 
this in its immediate vicinity. Earthquake tremors are felt several 
times a year in this district and it is quite within the bounds of 
possibility that this volcano may burst out with another eruption some¬ 
time. Having taken specimens of the plants found on the summit, I turned 
about and decided to desoend the mountain directly down the slope instead 
of along the ridge up which we came. Two men with machetes took the 
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