partly in the four States of San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Nuevo Leon and Coahuila. There are 8,000 horses and 3,000 cattle on the farm. Wells and tanks are used for watering the stock, as no running streams exist here.
The next night is spent in La Ventura, at the ranch of General Treviño. This spot lies in a broad plain, surrounded by lofty ridges of mountains. There is a large pond in the rear of the farm-house, where the tourist can bathe. The "hotel" accommodation is very poor, and the traveler is warned to beware of fleas (pulgas).
Leaving La Ventura, where the elevation is 5,840 feet, the road continues level for several miles. The limestone rock still covers the country. Presently a long hill is ascended, and Agua Nueva is reached. Here the altitude is 6,380 feet. This is a fertile spot, and affords good water. It is about 20 miles from Saltillo. This part of the route is celebrated in Mexican history as being the scene of battles, both during the War of Independence as well as in the conflict with the United States. A few miles farther is the hamlet of La Encantada, having an elevation of 6,171 feet. General Taylor with his army encamped here before the battle of Buena Vista.
A wagon-road goes from this place to Parras,[1] and the "laguna" country of Coahuila. The altitude of Parras is 4,986 feet, according to Wislizenus. Cotton, fruit, and the cereals grow in considerable quantities in the vicinity of Parras. The annual crop of the former staple amounts to 650,000 pounds. The yucca-tree is common in Coahuila. It grows to a height of thirty feet. Some species bear an edible fruit which resembles the banana. Proceeding farther, the traveler crosses the famous battle-field of Buena Vista, on a plateau about half a mile wide. Here, on February 22 and 23, 1847, the American army, under General Taylor, defeated the Mexicans, who were commanded by
- ↑ Parras is about 75 miles west of Saltillo.
