Page:Mexico and its reconstruction.djvu/179



Among the elements in the life of Mexico, each of which in succession seems to the student to be the key that will open the door for the estabhshment of a well rounded and stable civilization, are transportation facilities.

In the colonial period transportation was improved by the introduction of riding, burden, and draft animals and through the building of a few rough roads between the principal cities. But even at the end of 300 years of Spanish rule the number of pack trails was small and the important through wagon roads fewer still. What passed for roads did exist from Mexico to Santa Fé and from there to Vera Cruz. Between Mexico and Acapulco and from Mexico to Vera Cruz there were still only pack trails. The smaller towns were communities practically shut off from the rest of the country and a