Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/573

Rh this volcanic labyrinth, where we were forced to check our horses every hundred yards, we at last came in sight of the Hacienda, the situation of which is very pleasing. It is surrounded by trees, the poplar, the willow, and the beech, and possesses a supply of water sufficient for the irrigation of an extensive tract of land. The rivers in the North are in general bordered by two lines of cypresses, (Sabinos,) which, from the red tinge of their foliage during the winter months, are visible at a considerable distance. The trees, however, are not so lofty as those of the South, nor do they ever attain the dimensions of the cypresses in the valley of the Missisippi, to the East, where the heat and moisture combined seem to be particularly favourable to their growth. In the very midst of the bank of lava, to the South of San Quintin, I passed a barranca (ravine) composed of rocks, apparently of quite a different formation, full of these cypresses, with a beautiful stream running through it, and a waterfall, the very sound of which, after my hot ride, was delightful. Immediately around the Hacienda there are enclosures filled with cattle, and vast fields both of maize and wheat, to all appearance admirably cultivated. I was sorry to observe, however, the same wretched hovels serving as abodes for the tenantry, which had struck us, by creating so unpleasing an impression, in the vicinity of the Jărāl, and other great Haciendas.

I did not reach San Quintin till past one o'clock.