Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/56

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 Unhealthiness of Mexican ports.—Country round Vera Cruz.—Natural productions.—Harbour of Vera Cruz.—St. Juan de Ulloa.—Rainy season.—City of Vera Cruz.—Commerce of the port-harbour of Tampico.—Surrounding-country.—Matamoras.—Acapulco.—San Blas.—Mazatlan.—Port dues and other charges.—Custom-house officers.—Amusing incident.

ports of Mexico as a whole, are low and unhealthy in situation, and but indifferently adapted to their uses. Few persons but those well inured to the climate, whose business or connections imperatively demand their presence, will remain in them on any terms. So fatal to human life are the hot, marshy breezes constantly afloat in their neighbourhood, that the most accustomed inhabitants are often stricken with fever, followed by speedy death; and all who have the means in their power are happy to take refuge, during the hot season, in the more favoured districts at a distance