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The city is the capital of the State of Nuevo Leon, and is situated on the Rio de Santa Catarina, in latitude 25° 40' 6" north, and longitude 0° 49' west of Mexico. It lies in a broad plain, with the majestic Bishop's Mitre, or Cerro de la Mitra, on the west, and the unique Saddle-Mountain, or Cerro de la Silla, on the east. Both of these hills are formed almost entirely of solid rock. The latter is 4,149 feet and the former 3,618 feet above the level of the sea.

Monterey covers a great deal of ground. The houses are mostly of one story, except on the two public squares, where they have two stories.

The bridge is famous as the scene of a battle between the Mexicans and Americans. The former defended it successfully against the onslaught of the latter. Zealous Catholics in Monterey say that the image of the Virgin, then on the bridge, assured the victory of their countrymen.

The tank is much used lor washing clothes and for bathing. The stranger should ascend the hill known as the Caido, beyond the chapel of Guadalupe and due south of the city. A carriage may be driven to within a hundred yards of the summit, or it can easily be reached on horseback. The view is one of the most picturesque in the Republic, and affords an opportunity of studying the topography of Monterey and the neighboring battle-fields.