Page:Appleton's Guide to Mexico.djvu/277

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE MEXICAN NATIONAL RAILWAY.
249

It reminds the traveler of Salzburg, and several other towns in the Tyrol. If the tourist intends remaining long in the city, he may ascend the Saddle-Mountain, or the Bishop's Mitre. A visit should be made to the potrero (described on page 246). Native work, such as fancy baskets, purses, bird-figures, etc., can be purchased at the jail, which is in the old convent of San Francisco.

Monterey has become more Americanized, perhaps, than any other Mexican town. The hotels are kept on the American plan; and merchants, lawyers, doctors, and dentists from the United States have established themselves here.

There are beautiful drives in the vicinity. The climate is dry and healthy, although very warm for half the year. Monterey is on the isothermal line that passes through the Canary Isles, and Canton, in China. The prevailing wind is from the southeast. The following temperatures were taken in 1865 by Dr. E. Gonzalez, and given to the author.

Mean temperature of the year 71° Fahr.
Mean temperature of the winter 55°
Mean temperature of the summer 83°
Hottest month, July 8413°
Coldest month, January 51°
Maximum temperature, May 25th 107°
Minimum temperature, January 24th 32°

This city may become a resort for invalids, a few of whom passed the winter of 1883 here. The changes of temperature, however, are said to be more rapid than at Saltillo, and the climate of the latter town is certainly much cooler in summer.

5. From Monterey to Laredo. Distance, 172 miles. Fares: $7.05, first class; $5.75, second class. Two passenger-trains daily.

Leaving Monterey station, which is about a mile and a half from the plaza, the road runs northward over the broad plain. The mountains surrounding the city present