Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/116

92 their hieroglyphics upon paper made from it. The singular process of extracting its juices, however, yet remains to be told.

The greatest possible care and deliberation are employed to ascertain when a maguey has arrived at its period of flowering; for it will die if any mistake be made in this respect. The object of the proprietor is then to obtain the juice, which in the course of nature would nourish and supply the large and numerous flowers. To this end, an incision is cautiously made in the stem, on the very earliest indication of forthcoming blossoms: first, the central leaves are slit; then the opening is gradually enlarged, taking care, meantime, to tie it securely on the outside with leaves and hemp; and in this artificial receptacle the whole abundant juices of the plant collect. The sweet fluid continues to form in this manner for from two to three months, and this wonderful natural fountain may be tapped by the attendants three or four times a day.

Eight quarts of pulque are frequently derived from this singular plant in one day; three of which are obtained at sunrise, two at mid-day, and three more in the evening. The root of this shrub is unusually strong and tenacious;