Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/115

Rh altogether is of a very attractive character; the surface of the soil is rich and varied; and a look of prosperity and happiness pervades the whole. He will meet with a hearty welcome on his arrival on the grounds; and if he wishes to survey the various arrangements they will be cheerfully exhibited to him. He will be led through storehouses and kitchens to inspect boilers and pressing-machines cooling-vats and moulding-rooms, where birds in cages are kept about the walls and every one appears to be employed and contented. This however is a very favourable specimen indeed of such establishments.

The peculiar and important culture of the maguey plant demands a somewhat more lengthened account.

The agave or maguey plant—said to flower in some countries only once in a century—blossoms on good soil in this country once every five years. Toluca and Cholula are the districts most celebrated for its cultivation. Two of the most extensive national drinks are distilled from it—the pulque and aguardiente or mexical; it yields a great quantity of sugar; and its fibre has been made into flax, and sometimes paper; for the ancient Aztecs painted