or
even fatal injury. Notwithstanding their formidable and forbidding
appearance they are nevertheless attractive and possess some value
either medicinal, commercial or ornamental.

The maguey, or American aloe, is the most abundant and widely
distributed of the native plants. It is commonly known as mescal, but
is also called the century plant from a mistaken notion that it
blossoms only once in a hundred years. Its average life, under normal
conditions, is about ten years and it dies immediately after blossoming.

It attains its greatest perfection in the interior of Mexico where it
is extensively cultivated. It yields a large quantity of sap which is,
by a simple process of fermentation, converted into a liquor called
pulque that tastes best while it is new and is consumed in large
quantities by the populace. Pulque trains are run daily from the
mescal plantations, where the pulque is made, into the large cities to
supply the bibulous inhabitants with their customary beverage. In
strength and effect it resembles lager beer, and is the popular drink
with all classes throughout Mexico where it has been in vogue for
centuries and is esteemed as "the only drink fit for thirsty angels and
men."

The agave is capable of being applied to many domestic uses. Under the
old dispensation of Indian supremacy it supplied the natives their
principal means of support. Its sap was variously prepared and served
as milk, honey, vinegar, beer and brandy. From its tough fiber were
made thread, rope, cloth, shoes and paper. The strong flower stalk was
used in building houses and the broad leaves for covering them.

The heart of the maguey is saccharine and rich in nutriment. It is
prepared by roasting it in a mescal pit and, when done, tastes much
like baked squash. It is highly prized by the Indians, who use it as
their daily bread. Before the Apaches were conquered and herded on
reservations a mescal bake was an important event with them. It meant
the gathering of the clans and was made the occasion of much feasting
and festivity. Old mescal pits can yet be found in some of the
secluded corners of the Apache country that were once the scenes of
noisy activity, but have been forsaken and silent for many years.

The fiery mescal, a distilled liquor that is known to the trade as
aguardiente, or Mexican brandy, is much stronger than pulque, but less
used. Both liquors are said to be medicinal, and are reputed to
pos