of very large dimensions, and, as at Puente del Rey, communicates with a line of causeway, which was formerly a part of the great paved road constructed at the expence of the Merchants of Veracruz. There are nothing but fragments of this road now in existence, one of which extends for about two leagues into the interior from Puente del Rey. The remainder was either broken up by the contending parties during the Civil War, or allowed to go to ruin for want of repairs; a constant necessity for which is created by the impetuosity of the mountain torrents during the rainy season.
The village of Ēl Plān, at the time of our visit, was very healthy, but it is within the range of the Vomito, or Veracruz fever, of which I shall have occasion to speak hereafter, and is consequently by no means a safe residence in the hotter months. From November to April, the only inconvenience to be apprehended are the sand-flies, which are quite insufferable. They are so small that no Musquito-net will exclude them, and bite with such sharpness that a small drop of blood is usually the first indication of their having settled upon the hand or face. Fortunately, they differ from Mosquitos in one respect, as they disappear at sunset, a peculiarity to which travellers are indebted for a chance of sleep, which they could not otherwise enjoy.
On leaving Plan del Rio, (December 19,) the ascent to the Table-land of Mexico may be said to commence. The elevation of the Plan above the
