spoiled of a large proportion of its treasures by the Royal Commandant Trŭxīllŏ, during the Revolution. The massive silver balustrades around the principal altar escaped the fate of the lamps and candelabras, (melted down as a loan to the Royal Treasury,) by being painted the colour of mahogany, which they retain to the present day.
The bishoprick of Mīchŏăcān has been vacant for many years; but I know no place where the recollection of the long line of Prelates who have occupied the episcopal chair, seems to be preserved with such respectful and affectionate regret. Indeed, I have often heard Mexicans, but little disposed to speak well of Spain in any other respect, admit that the conduct of the great dignitaries of their Church has been in general most exemplary. Amongst the Parochial clergy in New Spain, the distance of the livings from each other, and the absence of all control, have led occasionally to a very relaxed state of morals, and converted religion into a cloak for the greatest excesses; but the bishops, in general, have been men of great simplicity, and benevolence, whose primitive habits, and unambitious lives, their Creole successors will do well to imitate.
We left Văllădŏlīd on the l6th of January. The view of the town from the Mexican side is really beautiful: gardens and orchards form the foreground, while the lofty aqueduct, the gorgeous churches, and a bold range of mountains behind, fill up the remaining space. Our road lay through Chārŏ, and In-
