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CATALOGUE

OF THE

EXHIBITION,

CALLED
CONTAINING A

PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY,

WITH SPECIMENS OF THE

NATURAL HISTOR Y OF NEW SPAIN,

AND

MODELS OF THE VEGETABLE PRODUCE, COSTUME, &e. &«,
NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION

AT THE

EGYPTIAN HALL, PICCADILLY.

BY W. BULLOCK, F.L.S. be. kc.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETOR
1824.

J. Bl'LLOCK, PRINTER, LOMBARD STREET, FLEET flKFET.

CATALOGUE

OF

MODERN MEXICO.

To say that the New World is at this era assuming
a new interest with the Old, is only to repeat a
truism with which every one is acquainted ; and
the fact is noticed simply for the purpose of adding
that the present Exhibition was formed on the
spot by the permission and assistance of the pre-
sent Government, to gratify the general feeling
and curiosity which prevails upon the subject it
is meant to illustrate. Mexico, the unreal El
Dorado of Elizabethean times, seems destined to
become, in our day, really what it was pictured
centuries ago. It has obtained a distinct political
existence ; its long rivetted chains, and its long
endured slumbers have been broken ; it starts and
struggles at first — there is the soreness of the
fetter, and the confusion of the waking; but
there is also the riches, and the strength of nature
which need but to be cherished, in. order to COn-
IS 2

vert a poor powerless province into a wealthy and
mighty empire.

Mexico has thus become an object of great
European consideration ; and to no country is it
of such especial import as to Britain. The enlight-
ened policy of our Cabinet, with regard to South
America, and the noble international principles
declared to be the basis of our proceedings by the
illustrious Secretary for Foreign Affairs, have
virtually opened that incalculably extensive mart
to the operations of our commerce, and even
made the interior one vast field for the exercise
of British capital, machinery, and industry.
Already do we see mining and mercantile specula-
tions largely at work ; companies and individuals
seek the scene, and in a very short period millions
will be embarked in prosecuting those enterprizes
which recent events have rendered not only pos-
sible, but auspicious.

Under these circumstances it has been felt,
that a more intimate knowledge of Mexico (and
through Mexico of all the similar regions of the
American Continent), might very appropriately
be sought at this time by the medium of an
Exhibition of the kind now offered. For, it
must be confessed, that even the best books of
travels convey very inadequate ideas of Foreign
Countries and productions ; and if this be the
case where the places visited are obvious to

examination and research, how much more forcibly
must it apply to a country so jealously guarded
as Mexico has been by its conquerors. In truth
very little information has reached us on this
subject, which deserved to be at all depended
upon ; and in so far as our new relations are about
to be actively cultivated, it may be asserted that
we are unprepared for a mutually advantageous
intercourse by any understanding of what Mexico
wants from us, what she can return, where we
can most effectively assist her, and how she can
best repay our exertions. The climates of various
provinces varying from torrid to temperate and
frigid ; the produce of the soil in these different
parts ; the state of the mines which have been
wrought, and the geological features of the land
which may lead to the discovery of equally rich
deposits of ore ; the mechanical means which
exist, and what more, may be employed; the
habits and customs of the people regulating their
demands for our manufactures ; these and many
other points need to be minutely inquired into
before we can reach that success, and reap that
full benefit which is to be anticipated from an
intelligent, and consequently prosperous commerce
wTith South America.

It would, perhaps, be thought to be attaching
too much consequence to this Exhibition, were it
stated that all the requisite knowledge might be

6

procured here ; but we will venture to claim the
merit of doing more towards supplying valuable
information on the matter, than can any where
else be found. The eye is a tine instructor: and
a view of Mexico, as it can be represented by
such means as those which are here employed,
will fix many things upon the mind which cannot
be acquired from mere descriptions. The plan
pursued embraces the following particulars.

The end of the room is occupied with a
Panoramic View of Mexico,, the first ever ex-
hibited in Europe, taken from the Bishop's Palace
at Tacubaia. distant from the City about two
leagues. The Palace of the Viceroys is on the
left : and the natural Scenery., besides the Salt
Water Lake of Tezcuco. exhibits the Valley of
Mexico one of the finest that exists, and the
most striking productions which adorn it. The
Aloe, the Cactus, the Palm, and many other
tropical Plants afford an idea of this beautiful
country ; and care has been taken to give the
Atmosphere, the distant Mountains, \c <kc. as
much of verisimilitude as possible.

But in order to produce a still stronger and
more lively impression ; to show things with
perfect accuracy, what a picture can only shadow
forth, there is in front of the panorama, a native
garden modelled in bulk from actual existence,
and flanked by a Mexican Cottage, such as is

found in the country, and inhabited by one of the
aboriginal Indians. These leave nothing for the
imagination. The strange shapes of the vege-
tation, the uncouth stems bursting from the earth
like columns of architecture, the mixture of the
grotesque form and the rich flower, the rugged
and barren soij contrasted with its gigantic pro-
duce, and the few animals introduced to give
character to the whole, are reality. And the
habitation is the same. The slight cane erection
and thatch of palm leaves, are all that the delir
cious climate requires, for the abode and protection
of man. Simple and contented, his wants are
consequently few. A net, two or three mats, as
many neatly-plaited wicker or straw baskets, and
half a dozen vessels of earthenware, complete his
scanty furniture ; and his cage-like abode is in-
cumbered with nothing else, except perhaps a
large gourd or two, and his curious cloak of leaves,
as ample a covering from the wet, as any water-
proof which British ingenuity could export to
Mexico.

The Indian himself is an object of merited
attention. He is docile and extremely intelligent ;
apt at learning whatever is proposed to him, and
ingenious in mechanics, we might almost say in
the fine arts.

The next part of the Exhibition to which ob-
servation may be turned, consists of small models

8

of Mexican costumes &c. Persons of all ranks and
descriptions are represented in their various occu-
pations and peculiar costumes. Men, women,
children, — in short, a miniature of what the
stranger sees in travelling through Mexico, both
in the interior of houses, and in the open air.
But as this, though pleasing enough to look at,
would not convey an accurate idea of the manu-
factures kc. of the country, there are disposed
about the room a number of cases, containing
specimens of the caparisons of the horses, of the
dresses of the people, of their furniture, and of
every thing which could be deemed curious and
interesting with regard to the habit and costume
of the country. To these are added other
specimens of industry and arts. The mode of
working in leather ; the cloths of many colours
which are manufactured by the natives ; their
embroideries sometimes so fantastic, but gene-
rally very tasteful and always very rich, their
dyed goods, and a multitude of things pre-
pared by artificial means and human labour,
throw a light over these branches of productive
industry.

Connected with these objects of a commercial
character, there are other cases which combine
with that circumstance and matters of philo-
sophical research. We allude to the collection
of mineralogy, in which the pure ores of gold and

9

fcilver are seen in their native state ; other me-
tallic substances display their several appearances,
and a multitude of new and exquisite spars,
crystals, &c. &c. engage the admiration not only
of the unstudied beholder but of delighted science.
Many novel forms occur among these specimens,
and it is hoped that they will be as much relished
by the public, as even the richer temptations of
their neighbour ores.

Having examined the manufactured articles
and the mineral productions of Mexico, and viewed
its general aspect as exhibited by picture and
model ; there are still farther illustrations of its
natural produce to be found in the remaining
depositories. Classed and arranged, as completely
as the nature of the exhibition allowed, the room
is surrounded with examples of the vegetables,
the animals, the birds, the fishes, &c. of this
climate. As these are enumerated in the Ca-
talogue, it is unnecessary to enter upon particulars ;
but Mr. B. cannot help flattering himself that the
rarity, the entire novelty, the curiosity, and the
beauty of most of these specimens, will be gra-
tifying to his friends. The enormous size of
many of the fruits and plants ; — the almost un-
natural appearance of a number of shrubs, para-
sites, vegetables, and trees; (gourds which resemble
that of Nineveh,) nuts, the fall of which must bring
death upon heads below ; and all the odd as well

10

as fine varieties of this prolific garden, afford the
mind much cause for surprise and admiration, at
the wonderful works of nature. The animals are
not numerous, but they are in excellent pre-
servation ; while the fishes and the crustaceous
tribes are remarkable for the contrast they afford
of extreme beauty and extreme deformity. But
the class most worthy of notice is that of the hum-
ming birds. With the exception of a few these are
unique and exquisite. The brilliancy of plumage,
vying with the brightest gems ; the diversities of
shapes, the minuteness of size— some are so small
that a cockchaffer would destroy them by collision
in mid-air — and in general, the disposition of so
great a number of extraordinary creatures, confer
upon this branch of the collection an uncommon
degree of interest.

These introductory remarks we shall not however
prolong, by dwelling upon things which we trust
will please without being boasted of. - It is to
indicate, not to prescribe that we have written so
much; and we have only now to add that where
the real article or production is not seen in this
exhibition, the imitation of it is as faithful as the
most devoted attention and scrupulous care could
make it.

The first thing that arrests the attention of the
visitor on his entrance, is the Panoramic View of
the City of Mexico, taken at the distance of six

11

miles, from an eminence above the Bishop's,
garden, at Tacubaya ; it takes in a portion of the
lake of Tezcuco, and the mountains of the Cor-
dillera, which surround the celebrated valley of
Mexico. This superb City (one of the finest and
most regular built in the world, with its beautiful
churches, palaces, and noble streets, two miles in
length, all crossing each other at right angles)
from its scite being flat, appears, from the dis-
tance, much less than it is in reality ; the high
building in the centre, with a dome and two
towers, is the cathedral, built on the foundation
and ruins of the great temple of Mexico ; to the
right of the city, near the lake, is the little hill
called the Penal de los Banos, with its church and
hot baths, near which passes the road to Vera
Cruz ; to the left of the city, near the lake, the
white church of our Lady of Guadaloupe is just,
seen ; and, nearer, the spectator passes the fine
aqueduct of Chepultepec, which supplies the city
with water from a distance of near fifteen miles ;
it leads to the palace of that name, on an elevated
rock in the corner, a pleasant ride of one league
from Mexico.

The fore ground of the picture, and the garden,
and Indian hut in front of it, will convey an idea
of the rich vegetable productions of New Spain,
and of the delightful climate, in which the bird-
cage hut is sufficient to defend its tenant from

V2

everv change of season and weather. The inha-
bitant of tliis cottage, Jo.se Cayetana Ponce de
Leon, is an Indian, of the village Chyula, one
league from Tezcuco; besides his native lan-
guage, he speaks and writes Spanish, as well
as a little Italian, and is well informed on the
history and affairs of his country ; he was the
only one of his countrymen that could be in-
duced to leave his home for Europe, to whom
the idea of living on the "blue waters" for several
Weeks was as dreadful as a voyage to the Moon.
A glance at the simple furniture of his cot will
display the few wants of this gentle and happy
race of men. His garden, and the magnificent
and singular fruits around the room, will show
how much the all-bountiful hand of nature, with
scarcely any toil on his part, produces for man in
this delightful clime.

The tree represented behind the cottage is
the Manilas, or hand fruit, of which see the
models in the centre of the room : that at the
corner of the hut is the yucca ; opposite this the
pawpaw, with its fine fruits : elementary- on its
stem is the Mexican porcupine ; near this is the
great torch thistle, with its fruits — this, frl Mexico,
grows to the height of thirty feet, and perfectly
streight, forming, with its strong spires, fences
of the most impenetrable kind: to the left corner
is the great a'oe (Agave Americann ) with its
beautiful flower stems — this is a plant of the

13

greatest consequence to the Mexicans, as from it
is produced many of the comforts and luxuries of
life, among which is their principal beverage, the
liquor called pulque, in universal use by all ranks
of people ; the duties paid on which, produce a
considerable revenue to the State ; when the
plant is preparing to put forth its tall fruit stem.
the Indian carefully hollows out the centre, so as
to form a large bowl, and cutting off the leaves,
the whole sap flows into the hollow, which is
emptied two or three times a day far many weeks,
and the liquor, with only a slight fomentation,
forms a most palatable and nutricious drink, the
substitute for wine among all classes of society.
The large model of the plant (near the rail) trim-
med for the operation, will better explain it than
can be done by words. The Aloe has been used
for this purpose from the most remote antiquity :
but this is only one of its valuable properties. An
old account, published in " Purchases Pilgrimage"
a book now very rare, enumerates its valuable
qualities so well that the account may, probably,
be acceptable to the visitor who wishes informa-
tion on New Spain ; it is, therefore, copied with-.
out alteration : —

" Maguey is a tree of wonders, whereof the
Notaries, or Chapetons (as the Indians call them)
are wont to work miracle, in that it yieldeth
water, wine. oyle. vinegar, honey, serrop, thred.

14

needles, and a thousand other things. It is a tree
which the Indians esteeme much in New Spaine,
and have commonly in their dwellings ; some
one of them for maintenance of life ; it growes
in the fields, and hath great and large leaues, at
the end thereof is a strong and sharp point which
semes to fasten little pins, or to sew as a needle :
and they draw out of this leafe, as it were, a kind
of thred which they use. They cut the body
which is best when it is tender, wherein is a great
hollownesse, by which the substance mounts firm
the roote, and is a liquor which they drinke like
water, being sweete and fresh. This liquor
being sodden, turnes like wine, which growes to
vinegar, suffering it to soure, and boiling it more,
it becomes as honie, and boiling it halfe it serves
as sirrope, which is healthfull enough and of good
taste ; in my judgement it is better than sirrope
of raisons. Thus do they boile this liquor, and
use it in diuers sorts, whereof they draw a good
quantitie, for that in some season they draw daily
some pots of this liquor. There are also these
trees in Peru, but they are not so profitable as in
new Spaine. The wood of this tree is hollow and
soft, and serues to keepe fire, like to the match of
a harquebuze, and preserues it long : I have seene
the Indians use it to that end."

The prickly pear, or tunna. next this, is one of
the commonest productions of New Spain ; it

15

often attains a size equal to our apple trees, and
its extraordinary leaves, covered on the edges
with its golden flowers, or scarlet fruit, add much
to the beauty of the landscape ; it is so well de-
scribed by Purchass, that we insert his account
without hesitation.

" The Tunall is another famous tree in New
Spaine, if we may call a tree, a heape of leaues
gathered together one vpon another; it is the
strangest fashiond tree of all other ! For first
there growes one leafe out of the ground, then
another vpon it, and so one vpon one, till it cometh
to his perfection ; but as the leaues grow vp, and
on the sides, those vnderneath doe become great,
and loose in a manner the form of leaues, making
a body and branches, which are sharpe, pricking,
and deformed, so as in some places they doe call
it Thistle. There are Thistles, or wild Tunalls,
the which doe carrie no fruite, or else it is very
pricking, without any profit. There are like-
wise planted Tunalls, which yielde fruite much
esteemed among the Indians, the which they call
Tunas ; and they are much greater than plumbes,
and long. They open the shell which is fat, and
within it is meat and small graines, like to those
of figges, which be very sweete ; they have a good
taste, especially the white, which have a pleasing
smell, but the red are not vsually so good. There
is another sort of Tunalls, which they esteeme

16

much more, although it veeldes no fruit, vet it
bears another eommoditie and profit, which is of
the graine, for that certaine small wormes breede
in the leaues of the trees, when it is well hus-
banded, and are thereunto fastened, couered with a
certaine small fine web, which doth compasse them
in daintily : and this is that Indian Coehenille, so
famous, and wherewith they die in graine. They
let it drie, and being dried, carrie it into Spaine,
which is a great and rich merchandise. The arobe
of this Coehenille, or graine, is worth many ducats.
In the fleete, the year 1587, they did bring five
thousand six hundred seventie seven arobes, which
amounted to two hundred fourscore, three thou-
sand seven hundred and fiftie pieces, and com-
monly there comes every yeareas great a wealth."
The other articles represented in the garden
will need little description ; the variety of gourds,
or calibashes, which furnish a part of the nutri-
ment of the natives, seem almost endless in size,
form, and colour ; thev are an excellent vegetable
for the table; some of them weigh near lOOlbs.
Those in the glass cases, No. 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13,
will convey some idea of the Coven t Garden of
Mexico, on the ground of which they are piled
in immense quantities.

17

GLASS CASES on the Sides of the Room,

No. 2. — The top of this case is occupied by the
Mango (Mangefera Indica), the elegant fruit of
which is hanging in large bunches from the trees.
Beneath this, is a rare variety of the Sapotre
(Achares), known only in the Botanic Garden of
the Palace ; its numerous lemon-like fruit cluster-
ing round the branches, make, in the whole tree,
a most luxuriant appearance. Of all the variety
of edible fruits of New Spain, this appeared to
me the finest for the table; when divested of
its skin the substance resembled, both in con-
sistence and taste, the clotted Cream of Devon-
shire, mixed with white sugar.

On the bottom of the case, on the left hand,
in baskets, is the common Sapota Blanco. The
Granidillo, or Water Lemon, (Pass/flora) the
Custard Apple, and curious little Plum-like fruit,
common in the market in Mexico, called Cir-
guelas. In the right hand corner of this case is
a curious plant called Flores de Pcdo> flowers of
wood. It was presented by Don Cervantes, Pro-
fessor of Botany, of Mexico, with the following
description : —

" The flowers of wood, so commonly called by
the country people, are ingrafted plants, produced
by the Lorcuithus Americanas of Lin. whose

c

18

berries are eaten by different species of birds, and
the undigested seeds are afterwards deposited, with
their excrements, on many species of trees, on
whose branches they vegetate, when the rainy
season sets in, in the same manner as parasite
plants, and by forcing their vegetation through
the longitudinal parts of the branches, produce
these curious figures which we observe, and which
pass under the name of wood-flowers.

" The Loranthus Americanus, is a plant pro-
ducing a fruit that can keep many years : it grows
on different species of trees, and particularly on
the Alligator-pear-tree, (Laurus Perseco Lin.)
and, after a vegetation of many years, it destroys
itself, leaving on the branches of the said trees,
the marks which, during its existence, it stamped
on them."

No. 3. and 12. — Contain a variety of the Mel-
Ions from the market. They attain vast size, and
are fine in appearance, but want the flavour of
those of the warm parts of Europe.

No. 5. — The Clustered Scarlet Fruit hanging
from the Top is the Akee.

Some of them are opened to show their Black
Glossy Seeds. They are found in many of the
Islands of America, and are principally used in
Soups.

19

Next this is the Magnificent Alligator Pear or
Avocata (Laurus Perseco), whose glossy Purple
and green Fruit, are in general estimation at the
breakfast table in Tropical Regions ; the flesh
resembles butter ; they are generally eaten with
pepper and salt, and are certainly a great delicacy.

Beneath these is a branch of the Mamea,
(Mamea Americana) its rough ligneas coat covers
a fine orange coloured thick Pulp, inclosing two
or three large polished brown seeds. These fruits
are in great estimation in the Capital, and were
in the market the whole of the six months I re-
mained there. In the left corner is a Basket of
purple Pomegranate (Pnmica) and another of the
seeds of the Mamea. The other side is occupied by
a species of Cactus Triangura, called Pitalla, with
its elegant scarlet and green fruits. I never saw it
exposed for sale except in the market of Xalappa,
where it is abundant: on separating its beautiful
coat, a delicate transparent jelly-like substance
mixed with minute seeds presents itself; it is
eaten with a spoon and is very pleasant and re-
freshing in warm weather. I met with it also at
the Azores, from which I brought a living plant.

No. 6. — Apples ; — these are produced in abun-
dance in various parts of the Table Land, and in
appearance and variety equal those of any country;

20

but I met with none good ; probably owing to the
want of skill in the cultivation, as I never observed
an engrafted fruit tree in the country.

No. 8. — The upper part of this Case is oc-
cupied by the various kinds of Tomatas (Solanum
Lycopersicum) the larger one enters into the com-
position of most of the Spanish dishes, and the
number of these and onions exposed in the mar-
kets, excite surprise in the newly arrived Eu-
ropean. In the left hand corner are some of the
long shaped Gourds, used by the Indians in
extracting pulke from the plaintain, and on the
bottom, a great variety of pears, quinces, &c.
which in appearance and size, at least equal any
produced in Europe.

No. 9. — This Case contains several varieties
of Pines {Anas) but the principal kind sold in the
markets, seems to be that known to us by the
name of the New Providence. They are very
abundant and cheap in the markets, but are
produced on the declivity of the Table Land, in
situations not so elevated as the great plains. I
could never be persuaded that the flavour equalled
those produced in our stoves.

No. 11.- The left side is occupied by the Cacoa
( Iniobroma ) whose splendid crimson pods produce
the nuts we call cocoa, from which chocolate is

21

prepared : the consumption of this article from
the earliest times has always been great ; it is
now grown only in the warmer parts, and great
quantities are imported into Vera Cruz.

On the other side are two kinds of Guavas, cul-
tivated in New Spain.

The bottom is occupied by Anonas, Cherrymoi,
Pomgranites, Pawpaws, Chennini, Egg Plants of
various kinds, and the Fruit of the Callibash Tree.

No. 14. — In the corner of this is the Trunk of
Coryottes Urens, from a branch of which descends
in the centre a Bunch of its extraordinary Fruit
hanging like traces of onions, to the length of six
feet, and containing near 800 fruits. On its right
side is the Cactus Hexangularis, with its fine
fruit. On the Trunk of the Caryottes is the
Passiflora Quadrangularis. On the bottom is the
Cactus Melocactus, with one of the enormous
Frogs common to South America, and the Fresh
Water Tortoise of the Lake of Chalco.

No. 15. — Fruits of the Pandanas, Bread Fruit,
&c. &c.

No. 16. — Shaddock, Citrons, Lime, and Le-
mons, and other varieties of the Citrus, of extra-
ordinary form and dimensions, are here exhibited

22

on the trees. Some of the Shaddock are cut and
opened, to show the beautiful interior formation.
On the bottom are several of the enormous
Gourds, and ripe Cocoa Nuts, on which are laid
two bunches of different kinds of Plantains
(Musa Paradiseaca) one of which is 120 pounds
weight. The Plantain constitutes, with the
Banana, (from which it differs only in size and
colour,) a principal article of the food of the in-
habitants of the Tropics, to whom it supplies, in
a great measure, the place of bread.

No. 17— Fruit of the Fan Palm.

No. 18. — In this large Case are represented
growing, two varieties of the Banana — the com-
mon Yellow, and the Scarlet, lately introduced
from the South Seas.

On the ground are two other kinds of Banana,
as well as baskets rilled with several of the fruits
of the tropics.

Attached to the leaves of the Banana are two
of the large cobweb-like nests of lepidopterous
insects, common about Xalappa, and other pro-
vinces of New Spain.

No. 19- — Indian Corn, Gourds, Bread-fruit,
&c. &c.

23

No. 20. — This Case is occupied by the round-
leaved Nopal, or Prickly Pear ; it grows to a much
larger size than those described in p. 15, and the
fruit is preferable for the table ; the immense suc-
culent leaves are also without spine. The bottom
exhibits the cocoa-nut, as fresh plucked from the
tree.

No. 21. — Bread-fruit, &c. &c.

No. 22.— Gourds, Banana, Bread-fruit, &c. &c.

Nos. 25., 26., and 27- — These cases contain the
elegant equipment of a Mexican cavalier, consist-
ing of the embroidered saddle, bridle, superb
boots, enormous spurs, &c, &c. ; with various
articles of the manufactory of the country, which
differ materially from those of Europe. Many of
these strongly remind us of the time of our Eliza-
beth ; indeed, it appears that the costumes of
Mexico have varied little, since those first intro-
duced at the conquest.

No. 28. — Models of Indians, and their costume.

This case contains a representation of the dif-
ferent classes of Indians of the neighbourhood of
Puebla de los Angelos, modelled by a lady of that
city in cloth, in a very curious manner, every ar-
ticle of the dresses, &c, being a model, in minia-

•24

ture, of the original ; and the vegetable produc-
tions,, a close imitation of nature.

The Group of Figures are, First, a Man and
woman of the highest class of Indians, dressed,
going to church on a holiday. Second, An In-
dian family returning from market. Third, An
aged Indian and his wife going to market.

Case 29, centre of the room. — Group of figures
of Mexican gentlemen on horseback, and on
foot, in the full costume of the country, finely
modelled in wax, by the Indians.

Indian man and woman from the interior pro-
vinces. Gentleman on horseback, and gentleman
and lady on foot, curiously modelled by the na-
tives. An Indian brush-maker and his wife. A
young female Creole dancing. A Paysana playing
on the guitar. In the back-ground, coming out
from among the rocks, is a new species of Canis,
called by the natives Conllonte. It is very re-
markable, as uniting the external characters of the
wolf and the fox. It is gregarious, herding in
flocks, pursuing the same course, and committing
the same depredations as that animal.

A beautiful model of a Horse, executed by an
Indian, and presented to Mr. Bullock by Count
Regla.

No. 30. — Another variety of Mexican dog, M I

25

up in a small glass case, on one side ; it is found
wild, though rarely, in the mountains north of
Durango. Its very diminutive size is its constant
peculiarity, and is well contrasted by the Bull-
frog set up in the same case, by which it is con-
siderably surpassed in size.

Adjoining the largest Aloe, is the common
Lynx of North America, shot on the road near
Peroti.

The remaining quadrupeds are contained in
Case 33, and comprise two varieties of that sin-
gular animal the Armadillo; two different squir-
rels, one entirely black ; a small monkey, and a
species of Felis, which probably is new.

No 31. — Contains a young Flamingo, the frigate
Pelican, or man of war bird, and Booby.

No. 32.— Contains a general collection of all the
smaller birds procured in Mexico : many of them
are entirely new, and will be more particularly
described by Mr. Swain son. It is merely neces-
sary, in this place, to observe that, with few ex-
ceptions, the general cast of their plumage is plain,
and more in character with the birds inhabiting
the temperate conn tries of North America.

In No. 34? are different kinds of Falcons.

D

26

No. 35. — Humming birds, presents an assem-
blage of the most splendid, as well as the most di-
minitive creatures in this tribe of creation, of
which this collection contains above one hundred
and seventy individuals, arranged in the most
beautiful manner from life : many of these were
taken in the immediate neighbourhood of the ca-
pital, where they are by no means uncommon :
above seventy of them were kept for some time
in a living state, to observe their interesting habits
and manners which are detailed in the work now
in the press, called & vths in Mexico. The

view printed on the hack of this case, is the
silver mine of del Eacla. near Themascaltepec,
presented to Mr. Bullock by the Mexican Go-
vernment, and now working by his Son.

Case .';"6. — The G iThite Heron, and several

species of due exico.

Fishes and other marine productions are con-
tained in six glass cases from Xo. 36 to 42.

The beauty and resplendent hues of these, when
first taken from their native element, may vie in
lustre ai ice with those of the humming

bird, but unfortunately for the admirers of nature,
y arc so evanescent that in a few hours at most
they entirely disappear : some of the most re-
markable, howev< ption to the rest,
and in the in and a few othe] attempt

has been made to colour them from nature, before
their tints had vanished.

The minerals are arranged in two large cases ;
they are principally from the mines of the Counts
of Vallentiana and Ilegla, and contain a great
variety of the most beautiful substances, many of
which are new. Those in case 24, are a selection
from the mines of the Count de Reglia, from his
own private cabinet, and were presented by him
to Mr. Bullock, for the express purpose of form-
ing a part of the present Exhibition.

Glass Shade, containing : — 1. Silver Ore, of the
kind called Colorada, as taken from the mine.

2. Ditto powdered, previous to amalgamation.

3. Ditto, in a state of amalgamation. 4. Silver,
extracted from the ore by quicksilver, and united
with it.

The Saddle over the entrance, is one of those
known in Mexico by the name of Cortes's Shield,
from having been used by him to defend the
body of his horse from the arrows of the Indians ;
it is still used by fashionable young men in the
capital ; the rattling or jingling sound produced
by its heavy iron fringe, is considered as an
elegant accompaniment to the ambling motion of
their beautiful little horses.

m

V 0. — Children > Ibyi toadfe by die Indians.

No. 44. — Models of Furniture made by the
M-fxieans. of a spec: E ritrtg-ux. presented by
General Victoria to Dr. Mackie.

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