Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/30

6, and the forests and river sides abound in serpents and dangerous insects.

Few countries can compare with Mexico for the variety of its fruit, vegetable, and forest trees,—while in some districts may be seen the oaks and pines of colder regions, in others the productions of tropical climes flourish in full luxuriance. The agave, or aloe plant, here attains its full maturity, and is one of the most valuable mercantile commodities; chilé (Indian pepper), frijoles, and Indian corn are extensively cultivated; and both sugar and tobacco are grown and manufactured in great quantities. Sweet-scented shrubs and splendid flowers adorn the forest and the parterre; among the latter may be mentioned the Mexican convolvulus, the lupin, and the rose. The fruits of Europe, moreover,—the grape, peach, pear, and orange,—are only surpassed in excellence by the delicious tunas and cherimoyas, goyavas and pineapples, anonas and granaditas, more particularly belonging to the country.

But perhaps the varied and beautiful scenery of this republic, may be best understood by a brief description of the route from Vera Cruz—its great port on the Gulf of Mexico—to the capital.