The twentieth century opened for Mexico with a continuance of the same governing elements, policy, and general development, Diaz being re-elected for the term beginning in December, 1900, and again for the term 1904-1910: this being his seventh tenure of office. Important public works have been carried to completion during these last periods, chief among them being the drainage of the Valley of Mexico--that historical scheme begun by the viceroys--and the harbour works of Vera Cruz; rendering shipping safe from the great "northers" which since the time of Cortes have harassed vessels lying in the bay. These works were performed by British firms; and yet another, under similar auspices, was the completion of the Tehuantepec Railway--a trans-Continental line from the Atlantic (Gulf) to the Pacific; all of which works are of really historical importance. The present time--1909--finds Mexico an established power on her continent, with considerable opportunities for good or evil in the influence of international matters in North and Central America, and with her own future well mapped out in so much as the ingenuity of her public men may devise. What this future will really be must depend upon the temper of her people and the prudence of political changes. The staunch leader who, thanks to the species of limited Presidential Monarchy which circumstances have required and permitted, has successfully carried on the leadership must, in the natural course of events, yield this up. This will afford an opportunity for ambition and possible strife on the part of those elements which have been overawed in the past, and which it is too much to expect have been altogether eliminated. Then will be the real test of Mexican self-control and prudence, and it seems probable that these will be exercised. CHAPTER VIII PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: MOUNTAINS, TABLELANDS, AND FLORA AND FAUNA Geographical conditions--Tehuantepec--Yucatan--Boundaries and area-- Population--Vera Cruz--Elevations above sea-level--Latitude--General topography--The Great Plateau--The Sierra Madres--The Mexican Andes-- General structure--The coasts--Highest peaks--Snow-cap and volcanoes-- Geological formation--Geological scenery--Hydrographic systems-- Rivers--Navigation--Water-power--Lakes--Climate and temperatures--The three climatic zones--Rainfall--Snowfall--Flora and fauna--Soil-- Singular cactus forms--The desert flora--The tropical flora--Forest regions--Wild animals--Serpents, monkeys, and felidae--Sporting conditions--Birds. We have traced the evolution of the Mexican people through the phases of their chequered history: let us now examine more closely their habitat, the country and its physical structure, and natural clothing; its mountains and plains and accompanying vegetation, no less interesting and picturesque in their respective fields.