Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/612

592 formally installed. The institution being under royal patronage used the arms of the crown of Castile, and, in fact, enjoyed the same privileges and preëminence as the famous university of Salamanca.

A calamity that befell the city of Mexico in 1553 was the occasion of the display of interest, ability, and energy so common with Velasco. A long drought followed by heavy rains lasting twenty-four hours resulted in a flood, attended with great damage to property. It was the first inundation since the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards became greatly alarmed, but the Indians, who were well informed regarding several previous floods, took the matter coolly. The