Travelers in the pescante should be on the lookout for the large lamps that are hung on wires across the streets, at a height barely sufficient to allow the diligence to clear them while passing under.
On the long trips the diligences generally start at 4 a. m., but occasionally not till 5 and 6 a. m. About 80 miles are traveled daily, which occupies from twelve to fifteen hours, according to the condition of the roads. It should be remarked, that not more than two or three diligence-roads in the whole country are kept in repair, and the shaking and jolting to which the tourist is subjected are exceedingly disagreeable. Experienced Mexican travelers are able to sleep in the diligence during the early morning, but this is seldom the case with the stranger.
On the arrival at the terminus of the day's journey, a crowd of porters and vagrants surround the vehicle, and importune the passengers to allow them to carry their baggage. A fee of 6¼ cents (un medio) is sufficient for the transportation of a valise for a distance of two or three squares.
Two dollars is the usual charge at the diligence taverns for supper, lodging, and breakfast. The price for lunch varies from 25 cents to 75 cents. Passenger fares range from 6 to 10 cents a mile. One arroba (25 pounds) of baggage is carried free, but the rates for additional weight are very high. Bundles of shawls and small boxes held in the hand are not charged for.
Hacks may be hired for moderate distances, but posting is rare in the country.
HORSE-CARS.
Tramways have been built in almost every city in Mexico. In many cases tracks have been laid to villages 10 and miles distant, and a few horse-car roads connect stations on the railways with towns 30, 40, and even 60 miles off.
