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170 the train stops at Huamantla (161 miles). The traveler is now in the State of Tlaxcala, the former home of the great rivals to the Aztecs, whose services Cortes secured on the march from Vera Cruz to the valley of Mexico, thereby greatly increasing his forces. Much Indian corn is cultivated in the neighborhood, and the maguey, or aloe, and nopal, or cactus-tree, are used as fences. The picturesque mountain of Malinche lies behind the town. It was named after Doña Marina, the interpreter of the Spanish army under Cortes. The next station is Apizaco (176¾ miles), elevation 7,912 feet. A branch line leads from this point to Puebla, 47 kilometres, or 29¼: miles. It was opened on September 16, 1869.

Leaving Apizaco, the road makes a long curve and runs southward to Santa Ana (10½ miles). The mountain of Malinche remains in full view. It is often snow-capped, and the natives bring the snow to the train and sell it in glasses mixed with lemon-juice. Maguey, maize, and wheat grow in large quantities along the line. The grade is downward all the way to Puebla.

The tourist soon comes in sight of the majestic snowclad peaks of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The former has an elevation of 10,500 feet above the broad valley. The next station is Panzacola (21¾ miles), and a half-hour's ride brings the tourist to Puebla.