Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/43

Rh toro!" The last day of the herraderos, by way of winding up, a bull was killed in honor of Cn, and a great flag was sent streaming from a tree, on which flag was inscribed in large letters, "Gloria al Señor Ministro de la Augusta Cristina!" a piece of gallantry which I rewarded with a piece of gold.

The animal, when dead, is given in a present to the toreadores; and this bull, cut in pieces, they bury with his skin on, in a hole in the ground previously prepared, with a fire in it, which is then covered over with earth and branches. During a certain time, it remains baking in this natural oven, and the common people consider it a great delicacy; (in which I differ from them.)

Yesterday, we climbed to the top of a steep mountain, which cost us as much labor as if it had been that steep path which "leads to fame." Fortunately, it has a good deal of wood, and we had an occasional rest in the shade. We mounted the hill on horseback as far as horses could go; but the principal part could only be performed on foot. Most of the party remained half way. We reached the top, swinging ourselves up by the branches, in places where it was nearly perpendicular. We were rewarded, first by the satisfaction one always has in making good one's intentions, and next, by a wonderfully fine and extensive view. Our return was more agreeable, as the weather, except in the heat of the noon-day sun, is very cool in this part of the country. The hills are covered chiefly with tunas, low firs, and numbers of shrubs, with flowers and berries. . ..

Met on our return, a horseman, who came to