XXX.
Maps and Surveys.
Baron Von Humboldt was the first scientific traveler who made extensive astronomical observations and barometric measurements in Mexico. He determined the latitude and longitude, and the elevations of various cities and towns throughout the country. He also published charts and sketch-maps in his immortal work on New Spain.
No complete topographical survey of Mexico has ever been made, and we need not say that it would cost far more than the National Government could afford to pay in the present state of the finances.
The best atlas of Mexico has been compiled by Señor A. Garcia Cubas, being entitled El Atlas metódico de la Geografía de la República Mexicana.
The Mexican National Railway Company has published a large map, and Rand, McNally & Co., of Chicago, and Colton, of New York, have issued pocket-maps, of the Republic.
Several excellent maps have been prepared in France and Germany.
A good topographical map is published by Victor Debray.
A map of the heart of Mexico, including the mountains of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, has been printed in New York, and is on sale in the shops of the Mexican capital.
A complete map, on a large scale, will soon be a possibility, considering the extensive surveys of the various railroads throughout the country. The boundary-lines of the public lands have never been determined, and the lack of accurate surveys is sadly felt at the present time. During the Spanish domination the grants to individuals were practically unlimited, as the grantees took possession of
