Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/656

636 Many of these roads were dangerous in places, even the best of them, owing to the physical features of the country, presenting difficulties, which taxed severely the traveller s nerves and endurance. Their condition, moreover, down to the beginning of the nineteenth century was rarely satisfactory; and though the viceroys repeatedly exerted themselves to effect improvements, merchandise was more generally transported by beasts of burden than wagons.

Of the important highways which led from the capital to Vera Cruz and Acapulco, especial notice must be taken. Along the first of these lines of traffic all European merchandise was introduced into the country, while by the latter Mexican trade' with the Philippines Islands and Peru was carried on. In 1708 the Jesuit, Père Jaillandier, travelled across the continent from the first named port to Acapulco, and has furnished us with a detailed account of his journey. It being the dry season the priest and his party were enabled to follow a route not taken during the rainy season. Having passed through Buena Vista and crossed the river Jamaica eight leagues from the port, they travelled ten leagues farther over uncultivated land, arriving at the river and village of Cotasta. Their road thence led through fertile valleys covered with trees and cornfields to San Lorenzo, Córdoba, and Orizaba. On the sixth day of their journey Puebla was reached, after passing through a charming country abounding in fruit and grain. Proceeding to Cholula, and leaving Tlascala four leagues to their left, the party arrived safely at Mexico on the eighth day, having seen snow-capped mountains, and a volcano in a state of eruption. The distance travelled as