May 25, 1825.--This morning we made our entree into the city of Mexico. Passing through the little villages of _Istapalapa_ and _Mexicalsingo_, we rode for several miles over a paved causeway--_calzada_--lined with the _schinus_,[1] aspins, and a species of willow very much resembling the lombardy poplar--in sight of the numerous towers and domes which rise above the scarcely visible flat-roofed houses of the city. The approach to it, but for this and other fine avenues, would be perfectly tame, as its situation is a level, whose elevation above the plain which surrounds it is quite imperceptible. From the gate--_garita_--we turned into the _Paseo de las Vigas_, a beautiful promenade on the bank of the canal, which leads from _Chalco_, through the eastern portion of the city, into the lake of _Tescuco_. We were here joined by the few American residents of Mexico, and accompanied by them, soon entered its streets, which in the suburbs are exceedingly filthy, but as we advanced, they were clean, well paved, but not wide, with good yet narrow sidewalks of broad flags of porphyry. My first feeling was disappointment--not so much with the city, as with the crowds of wretched ill-dressed people, of beggars, and poor half-naked Indians, bending under heavy burdens. There are no carts or drays for the transportation of goods, which are carried upon the backs of these poor creatures, who are enabled to carry a load of three hundred pounds, by means of a leather band or strap, the _cargador_ leaning forward at an angle of about 45°, the burden resting on the back, supported by this strap. With so heavy a load they travel great distances, moving in a brisk walk or trot. [Footnote 1: The _Schinus_ or _Arbol de Peru_ is a beautiful tree, somewhat resembling a willow; it is odorous, and bears in bunches a small red berry, which is almost as pungent as black pepper, as a substitute for which it is used by the poorer people.]