hers of this district, it is most favored by the Huaxtecs, parties of
whom go there from long distances. They visit it when there is drought,
for fear that the siren, who lives in it, is annoyed at their neglecting
to make gifts; when there is too copious rain, they visit it to beg her
to desist from sending more, and, when crops have been destroyed, to
placate her anger. Sometimes two or three hundred indians are in these
companies. They bring _munecos_ of wood, cloth, clay, or even metal;
such are shod, clad and hatted. They leave these upon the shore. They
also bring seeds and strew them in the water, and some throw money in.
They also make offerings of turkeys and hens. Sometimes these bands
spend several days on the shore, dancing and eating.

We found that Don Pablo had arranged all our plans. We were to leave
at nine, dine at twelve at San Bartolo, leave there at one, and reach
Huehuetla between five and six. It was really only a quarter-past-nine
when we did start, and the _jefe_, himself, saw us on our way. The
journey was uneventful; the descents were gradual; we saw San Bartolo
long before we reached it; and, between it and us, there lay a valley,
like a narrow gash, down which we had to go, and up the other side of
which we had to climb. We passed Santa Maria, an insignificant town,
just before reaching the edge of this gully. From there we saw, in the
mountain ahead, above and behind San Bartolo, a great cavern which we
believe must belong to witches. Arriving at San Bartolo, we found
the market in full progress, and had ample opportunity to see the
characteristic dress of the women, with the little black, red and purple
designs embroidered upon the white ground. We were impressively received
at the town-house, for Don Pablo had telephoned them to be ready. Still,
we waited a long time for the promised dinner, but at half-past-one
climbed up a steep hill, in the rear of the town-house, to the home
of the _presidente's_ father, where a very elaborate meal had been
prepared, with wine and luxuries. All payment was refused, and, after we
had rested and refreshed ourselves, we left at half-past-two. The road
was long; it followed the side of a great gorge, into which it descended
abruptly; in this gorge we saw magnificent vegetation. The trees were
heavily hung with long vines and ferns; parasitic fig trees, hugging
victims whose life sap they were stealing, were abundant. The country
was of limestone. On the wh