Of course the variety of flowers was infinite. We remember, among them, red and white roses, pansies, violets, heliotropes, sweet peas, gardenias, camelias, both calla and tiger lilies, honeysuckles, forget-me-nots, verbenas, pinks in a variety of colors, larkspur, jasmine, petunias, morning glories, tulips, scarlet geraniums, and others. Three military bands placed in central positions added spirit and interest to the suggestive occasion. The harmony of the music blended with the perfume of the flowers, completing the charm of such a scene of floral extravagance as we have never before witnessed. Our florists might get many bright, new ideas as to the arrangements of bouquets from these Mexicans.
None of the populace seemed to be too poor to purchase freely of the flowers, all decking their persons with them. As fast as the bouquets were disposed of, their places were filled with a fresh supply, the source being, apparently, inexhaustible. Young and old, rich and poor, thronged to the flower-embowered alameda on this occasion, and there was no seeming diminution of demand or of supply up to high noon, when we left the still enthusiastic and merry crowd. In the afternoon, no matter in what part of the town we were, the same floral enthusiasm and spirit possessed the populace. Balcony, doorway, carriage windows, and market baskets, married women and youthful señoritas, boys and girls, cripples and beggars, all indulged in floral decoration and display. It appeared that several carloads of flowers came from far-away Jalapa to supply the demand in the national capital made upon the kingdom of Flora for this flower festival.
Castle of Chapultepec.--"Hill of the Grasshopper."--Montezuma's Retreat. --Palace of the Aztec Kings.--West Point of Mexico.--Battles of Molino del Rey and Churubusco.--The Mexican White House.--High above Sea Level.--Village of Tacubaya.--Antique Carvings.--Ancient Toluca. --The Maguey.--Fine Scenery.--Cima.--Snowy Peaks.--Leon d'Oro.--The Bull-Ring and Cockpit.--A Literary Institution.--The Coral Tree.-- Ancient Pyramids.--Pachuca.--Silver Product of the Mines.--A Cornish Colony.--Native Cabins.--Indian Endurance.