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Puebla was founded on September 28, 1531. The city is par excellence an old Spanish settlement. It is often called Puebla de los Angeles, or town of the angels. Since May 5, 1862, the city has been named Puebla de Zaragoza, after a general of that name, who defeated the French on the date above mentioned. The churches are finer than those of any other Mexican town, and the streets are well paved. The houses are usually built with two stories, and arcades are found on the plaza mayor. There are twenty-six public squares and two parks in Puebla.

The adjoining city of Cholula was the headquarters of Cortes for several months during the Conquest. Pictures of some of the battles between the Spaniards and the natives may be seen on the walls of the hotels. Blankets, or zarapes, hats of straw and felt, soap, thread, crockery, and glass are manufactured in large quantities in Puebla. Many fine stores are found in the city, and the traveler can purchase ornaments of the so-called Mexican onyx, or tecali, which occurs in the neighboring marble-quarries. It is composed chiefly of carbonate of lime.

The stranger should ascend one of the towers of the cathedral for a view of the city. The scene is one of surpassing beauty. Malinche lies on the eastern side of the fertile plain, and the volcano of Popocatepetl rises about twenty-five miles to the westward. Tourists can ascend the latter mountain from Puebla. Guides, blankets, and provisions for three days, must be taken; but it will be more convenient to make the ascent from Amecameca, on the