Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/185

Rh immense herds of cattle were raised, and extensive tracts planted with sugar-cane and indigo.

Toward the end of June 1759, the people on the hacienda were thrown into great alarm by the sound of subterranean rumblings and heavy, dull reports. Later these noises were accompanied by shocks of earthquake, which kept increasing in number and intensity. A prediction was current among the laborers that the hacienda would be destroyed by fire issuing from the bowels of the earth on San Miguel's day, and wild consternation now prevailed. In September great numbers of them abandoned their work and fled to the mountains for safety. Spiritual aid was sought, and on the 21st a novena of masses was commenced and confessions were heard. But these ceremonies were ineffectual to quell the subterranean thunderings, or allay the agitation of the Indians, who continued to take refuge on the neighboring heights. On the 29th, San Miguel's day, with fearful uproar the laboring earth burst open at about a mile from the buildings of the hacienda, belching forth flames and hurling burning rocks to prodigious heights through a dense cloud of ashes rendered lurid by volcanic fire. A new volcano had arisen. The ground to the extent of three or four square miles swelled up like a bladder, the centre of which burst, exhibiting a fiery abyss, surrounded by thousands of small cones or earth-bubbles. Into the chasms the waters of Cuitamba and San Pedro were precipitated, increasing the commotion. Deluges of hot mud were hurled over the surrounding land, while columns of flame blazed upward to such a height that they were visible at Pátzcuaro. The houses of Querétaro, distant more than forty-eight leagues in a straight line, were