Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/663

Rh December we quitted Aguas Calientes, and took the direct road to Guadalajara, by La Villita (ten leagues distant), where we slept.

Humboldt has committed an error in his map (which has been since copied by every one else), in comprehending Aguas Calientes in the Province of Guadalajara, and not in that of Zacatecas, to which it belongs. He likewise omits almost all the towns on the road to Guadalajara, and the rivers are very erroneously laid down; that over which the Bridge of Calderon is thrown being entirely left out, and the Rio Grande brought close to Guadalajara, which it does not approach within six leagues. The boundary line between the two States lies, in reality, between Aguas Calientes and La Villita. The first part of the road is level; the last two leagues hilly; the town itself is situated in a barranca, as are most of those on the way to Guadalajara; I suppose, for the convenience of water. We found the inn tolerable, and, in addition to the ordinary supply of provisions, we procured a quantity of iced milk, seasoned with vanilla and sugar, which after a hot ride was very agreeable.

Dec. 30.—San Juan de los Lagos, eight leagues.

This town is famous for its annual fair, commencing on the 8th of December, and for a church dedicated to the Virgin, which would be regarded in any part of the world as a fine building. In its present situation, the impression is perhaps increased by the contrast with the mud-houses and wild scenery