Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/26

2 supplies abundant food for thought to the intelligent and humane.

Mexico is divided by nature into three portions, of different degrees of temperature,—the tierras calientes, or hot regions, principally adjoining the coast; the tierras frias, or cold regions; and the tierras templadas, or temperate regions, which include the valley and city of Mexico.

The atmosphere of the low districts, especially near the sea-ports, is exceedingly insalubrious; numerous residents annually falling victims to the prevalent fever-malaria; but the air of the elevated plains is buoyant and bracing, and so transparent that objects can be distinctly seen at the distance of many miles.

Several fine cities, containing magnificent cathedrals and spacious public buildings, adorn these states; Mexico and Puebla in the central, and Durango, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato in the northern districts, being the principal. The houses are usually built in the form of a square, round a patio, or court-yard, with offices on the ground-floor, and a large gateway for an entrance. The saloons in the upper story are invariably the most