Page:Campbell's new revised complete guide and descriptive book of Mexico (IA campbellsnewrevi00camp).pdf/17

11 The steamer "La Libertad" had her machinery built in California, and was transported by piecemeal on burros over the mountains from San Bias. In the Bolson de Mapimi are several lakes, of which Mayran and Parras are the largest--twenty to thirty miles long by ten to fifteen wide. In the Valley of Mexico and near the City are Zumpango, Xaltocan and San Cristóbal on the north, Lake Texcoco on the east and Xochimilco and Chalco on the south, La Viga and the other canals connecting them with the City. All are very shallow and without an outlet, except what results from the great drainage canal and tunnel.

The steamboat has not made its advent on the lakes of the Plain of Mexico; transportation is carried on by long flat-bottom boats propelled by poles in the hands of strong men. There are regular packets between the City and the towns and villages on the lake shores, some of them of capacity for fifty or sixty passengers, and where voyages cover many miles and two or three days' time, they have accommodations for eating or sleeping in the most primitive style. The passengers are mostly country folk bringing their wares or garden truck to the city markets. The burros and dogs lend their presence to make up a picturesque ship's company.

ON LAKE CHAPALA.

Cortéz came across Texcoco in some such flat-bottom boats from the eastern shore when he laid siege to the City of Mexico; but there was deeper water in those days, and the feat was not without its merits. If you are rowing or sailing on any lake in Mexico let it be done in the early morning or at least before noon; winds will come up very soon after mid-day and will not subside till the sun goes down not that there is danger, but smooth water makes more pleasant voyages.

Mountains---Ask a native, "What mountains are those?" His answer-- no matter where he is or where the mountains are--is "Las Madres." Another appellation is "las sierras ;" the word "sierra" means a saw, the sharp peaks resembling the teeth. Certain peaks here and there take names from their fantastic shape, curious color, or from an incident of history or legend, as Ixtaccihuail is the "White Woman;" Malintzi, called "Malinche," was named from an appellation of La Marina, the guide, interpreter and wife of Cortéz. There is no mistaking the Saddle Mountain at Monterey, as a perfect saddle is on its crest or the Mountain of the Mitres in the same valley--the bishop's mitre is as plain as if cut out with a scissors. The only active volcano is that of Colima.

Above ranges high peaks are raised to the line of perpetual snow, and