Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/27

Rh magnificent churches and cathedrals spacious squares and well-planned streets its azoteas and balconied palaces pleasant gardens and luxurious mansions—is vividly distinct through the pure bright atmosphere. The view far as we can see into the softening distance is bounded by mountains—their rocky forms cultivated sides, or snowy peaks, rising one behind another, till the dazzled eye can follow them no further. The air around is delightfully clear and bracing; and the azure sky above is exquisitely pure, and sunny, and cloudless.

Now, indeed, the toiling arriero urges forward—for the place to which he is bound is full before him, and soon he will be there. Onward he struggles—onward ever! faithful ever!—patient and persevering as the quiet beast before him.

The transmission of goods throughout Mexico is extremely perilous and uncertain. Merchants can only travel in companies, well armed; and in many parts they must be accompanied by government escorts. Small cargoes of merchandise are entrusted to the arrieros, who are remarkably industrious and trustworthy; and they too sometimes proceed