After taking a rough measurement of this magnificent work, we retraced our steps to the _hacienda_ of Ometusco, where our kind host showed us the entire process of making _pulque_. A good plant of the _Agave_,[5] under the most favorable circumstances, reaches maturity in eight years. This state is indicated by a disposition in the central leaves to throw up a stalk, which, when permitted to grow, rises to the height of twelve or fourteen feet, branching at the top not unlike a chandelier. In this critical state a large incision is made with a sharp iron bar in the heart; a large basin, as it were, is scooped out with much care, and being then filled with dry leaves or rubbish, is permitted to rest unmolested for about six months, when it begins to yield juice in abundance and of good quality. On being taken from the plant, which operation an Indian performs morning and evening with a long gourd acting as a syphon, the _agua miel_, or honey water, as it is then called, is of a sickening sweetness; but after being poured into large vats--made of untanned hides, with the hair inside--in one week it effervesces; but when poured, as in common, upon the lees of old _pulque_, it is prepared in one or two days, and is carried to market in hogs' skins. After yielding during six months, from 200 to 250 gallons, and sometimes more, the plant dies, and a young sucker is planted to succeed it. A plant ready to yield, is worth from eight to twelve dollars, and produces three or four _cargas_, or mule loads: a _carga_ is sold in market at four dollars. [Footnote 5: The American aloe.] _Pulque_ is intoxicating to those who use it too freely. The taste is far from pleasant to me, and the odor of it is sickening; but it improves with use, and when taken moderately is thought to be wholesome. The _Agave Americana_ is a most valuable plant. Independently of its agricultural profits upon barren soils where little else would grow, it serves a great variety of uses. From _pulque_, a strong brandy is distilled. This and _pulque_ are the common drink of the people. The fibres of the leaf of the _maguey_ are manufactured into coarse cloths, which are used for bagging, as saddlecloths, and for the _aparejos_, packsaddles; they form thread of every texture, twine, and rope of the largest size; and the juice of the leaf is efficacious in the cure of ulcers, especially of the galls and sores of brute animals: the leaf itself acts in place of gutters and spouts for the cabins of the Indians, and makes a roof to their rude dwellings: its prickle or thorn, is a needle in case of necessity; and at certain stages of its growth the _maguey_ may be taken as food, and was so used during the revolution by many hungry wanderers. Thus this plant may be the food, drink, and clothing of the Mexicans; and from the variety of purposes to which it may be applied, the _Agave Americana_ may safely be said to be the most valuable of the vegetable creation.