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270 the town. It is said to have had 166,000 inhabitants in 1865. The residents claim that their city is second to the national capital in population. It is, however, greatly inferior to Guadalajara and Puebla in mercantile importance and in objects of interest. There is very little wealth in Leon. The city lies near the terminus of the rich cereal belt of the table-land, which is about 80 miles long, and from 21 to 26 miles wide, according to Humboldt.

From Leon the railroad goes northwesterly, with an ascending grade toward Lagos. Passing the stations of Rincon (431 kilometres), Pedrito (448 kilometres), and Loma (462 kilometres), the train arrives at Lagos (475 kilometres). This city is 13½ hours' Journey from the capital. On October 15, 1883, trains were running to Encarnacion, 41 miles beyond Lagos.

Guadalajaralies about 130 miles west-southwest of Lagos. The road is a rough one, and two days are required for the trip. The Mexican Central Railway Company will extend its line over this route to Guadalajara, and thence to San Blas. (See p. 272.)

The city is situated in latitude 20° 41' north, and on the west bank of the Rio de Santiago (the largest river in