The journey and excursions in Mexico which have originated the narrative and remarks contained in this volume were made in the months of March, April, May, and June of 1856, for the most part on horseback.

I am afraid the Spanish American has not always a very strict regard for truth.

The habit of building houses upon piles, which was first forced upon the people by the position they had chosen, was afterwards followed as a matter of taste, just as it is in Holland.

We are at last on the high lands of Mexico, the districts which at least three different races have chosen to settle in, neglecting the fertile country below.

The interior of Mexico consists of a mass of volcanic rocks, thrust up to a great height above the sea-level.

If you are a married man resident in Cuba, you cannot get a passport to go to the next town without your wife's permission in writing.

During the Tertiary period the whole valley of Mexico was one great lake.