In the _tierra caliente_ the mean temperature varies from 77 degrees to 80 degrees F., but often rises to 100 degrees, and in some of the hottest coast regions to 105 degrees F. In the _tierra templada_ the mean is from 62 degrees to 70 degrees F., and this is the climatic region which the Mexicans love to term "perpetual spring." In point of fact, it is a zone not unworthy of the designation, being equable, healthy, and with a beautiful and varied _flora_. It is to be recollected that the greater part of the area of the country lies in this temperate zone, although there is included in it a part of the great plateau, with its great range of heat and cold from day to night. It is, however, with reference to the Atlantic and Pacific slopes that these changes are ascribed, and this fine and enjoyable climate is encountered from Ameca in Jalisco to Chilpancingo in Guerrero on the western side; and from Jalapa northwards upon the Gulf--vast belts of territory of which any country might well be proud. Upwards from this zone is that of the _tierra fria_, with a mean temperature of 59 degrees or 60 degrees F., which varies little throughout the year, although the maximum and minimum from day to night is very marked. [Illustration: THE PACIFIC COAST ZONE: GENERAL VIEW OF THE CITY AND ENVIRONS OF COLIMA.] As regards the climate of Mexico generally, it might have been supposed that it would be oppressively hot, the country lying, as it does, towards the Equator. But this is far from being the case; and the New Yorker may well leave the stifling heat of his own city in summer for the tonic breezes of the Mexican uplands, just as he may winter there to avoid the bitter winter of New York. And, as to the European, we may recollect that the northernmost point of Mexico is two degrees nearer the Equator than the southernmost point of Europe, whilst the mean annual temperature of the City of Mexico--61 degrees F.--bears excellent comparison with such places as Algiers, 63 degrees; Barcelona, 61 degrees; Naples, 61 degrees; Rome, 60 degrees; Bordeaux, 57 degrees F. The diurnal change in the City of Mexico, however, is very marked, rising to 89 degrees F. during the day and falling to 35 degrees F. at night, when the foreigner gladly dons his overcoat and the native his _capa_, or _serape_. On the whole, it is natural to describe the climate of Mexico as pleasing and invigorating, whilst bearing in mind the variation above described, due to elevation, latitude, rainfall, and wind agencies. The effects of these changes are so marked upon the vegetation of the country that all the vegetable products from the Equator to the Polar Circle can be found among them.