Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/31

Rh The traveller is generally anxious to quit Vera Cruz as soon as possible. Its situation being low and in the range of a tropical sun, its atmosphere consequently is feverish and often deadly; the utmost care and prudence are requisite to preserve health, even for a short period. After visiting the churches and public building's, therefore, and procuring a passport, or carta del seguridad, for the interior, he should arrange with an armed troop of merchants and arrieros (carriers) to travel to the valley of Mexico in their company. This kind of journeying is more secure than travelling in the public vehicles; though it is in any case necessary to be equipped with rifles, knives, and revolving pistols, in case of encountering robbers on the dangerous roads.

The first great stage, on leaving the port, is to Xalapa—the garden of the country—where the inhabitants of the coast often resort to avoid the fever prevailing in their own districts. Although the way thither lies for many miles through the estate of Santa Anna—his old hacienda being passed to the right—the scene upon the whole is of the wildest character. As the sea-coast recedes from view, the different appearances of the country