Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/709

Rh applying steam power, and making a rotatory motion produce a vertical one, he expected to put in motion, with one horse, a pump capable of performing the work of two Mălăcātĕs. Monsieur Martin and I had the honour of standing godfathers upon this occasion, for which the Galera was fitted up with a profusion of green boughs, and other decorations. An altar was raised, surrounded by flags of various colours, with all the silver candlesticks of the Church ranged on each side; and the Cura, in full canonicals, pronounced a solemn blessing upon the machine, sprinkling holy water upon every part of it; while the godfathers, with huge wax flambeaux, weighing at least six pounds each, were in close attendance upon his steps. The ceremony concluded by a distribution of wine and cakes, and a general discharge of fireworks, (cŏhētĕs) in the noise of which the Indians take a peculiar delight, although, at mid-day, their effect, as they hiss through the air, is entirely lost in the splendour of the sunshine.

We suffered severely from cold during our stay at Tlălpŭjāhuă, and not less so on our return to the Capital. We set out on the 21st, and rode across the mountains to the Hacienda of Tĕpētĭtlān, (about seven leagues,) where we were most comfortably provided for by the Administrador and his wife, who welcomed us with that easy politeness of manner, which certainly distinguishes the Spanish race, wherever its descendants are found. The children