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 plateau of Mexico is 8,000 feet high, and that of Puebla 9,000 feet.

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

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.

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.

Taking it as a whole, Mexico is a grand city, and, as Cortes truly said, its situation is marvellous.