Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/666

646 a return, on the slightest exertion; and this fact is so well known, that one of the first trials to which a horse is subjected, when brought for sale, is to gallop him a hundred yards in the sun, and then to ascertain, by pressing the hand upon the withers, that he has not that peculiar throb which is indicative of the complaint. We had neglected this precaution with our Zacatecas mules, and they every one failed us. One died upon the road, and three others were exchanged in part price for horses, as the only mode of avoiding a total loss.

From Jalos we proceeded to La Venta, (seven leagues more,) a wretched Hacienda, sans meat, sans maize, sans milk, sans every thing, where we were nevertheless compelled to sleep.

On the 1st of January, 1827, we reached Tĕpātĭtlān, a pretty town, eleven leagues from La Venta, built upon an eminence, at the foot of which a little stream winds through the plain, with a belt of cypresses designating, as usual, its course. Tepatitlan is a Pueblo Ranchero, the head of a very fertile district, containing a population of 25,524 souls, and rich in maize, barley, horses, and horned cattle. The amount of grain sown is calculated at 3,553 fanegas annually; and the ratio of increase averages, in the crop of maize, sixty, and in that of barley, twelve fanegas for each one sown.

We found the inn good, and provisions abundant. I had been remarkably successful, too, in my morning's sport, having shot, besides hares, of which we