PREFACE.
The Author visited Mexico in 1848-9, and was in a position to gather a variety of facts relating to the people and country, in different departments, which he believes have not been hitherto published. Whatever may be their value, the reader may rely upon the information contained in these volumes being the result of personal observation and diligent inquiry, with great care bestowed to make it as accurate as possible.
The scenes or "Pictures of Life in Mexico" have been interspersed with characteristic stories and anecdotes, with a view of presenting the habits and manners of the people more vividly than any mere description could have done. These narratives are not only founded on fact, but have, for the most part, really occurred in the Author's experiences; and he has endeavoured to imitate the style in which they would be related by Mexicans. For
