ered with thick grass, interspersed with pines and spruces, reminding him of a northern flora. Many pack-trains of burros, or donkeys, are seen on the road. They carry, principally, fruit and vegetables to the capital. The diligence stops for lunch at a hamlet on the ridge-line, where the road is level for about two miles. Soon the summit of the pass is reached, the spot being marked by a stone cross, which is said to have been erected by Cortes. This cross marks the northern boundary-line of the grant of Montezuma to the Conqueror. According to the measurement of an aneroid barometer, the elevation of this point is 9,540 feet.
The road now descends gradually. It is stony, and much rougher than the northern portion of the route. Fortunately for tourists, however, this highway is undergoing repairs, and is already the best and, perhaps, the oldest line of travel for diligences in the Republic. As the observer continues on his journey down-hill, he will see the distant city of Cuernavaca on the south. The city lies on a mesa, or natural terrace, beyond which is a broad valley running east and west.
The coach soon reaches another hamlet, and the animals are changed for the last time. Five mules, instead of eight, are sufficient to draw the vehicle over the rapidly descending grade, and in about an hour the tourist arrives at his destination.
CUERNAVACA.
Population, 16,320. Elevation, 5,380 feet, according to Humboldt.
Hotels.—San Pedro and Del Fenix, both on the plaza.
Baths, one block north of the San Pedro.
Places of Interest.—1. Cortes's Palace. 2. The Parochial Church. 3. The Church of Guadalupe. 4. The Borda Gardens. 5. Maximilian's villa at Acapancingo.
Cuernavaca, the capital of the State of Morelos, was originally called Quauhnahuac (i. e. , near the beautiful hills), a term given to it by the Tlahuicos, who were the
