CHAPTER XXI {V of Vol. II}

Trip from Chihuahua to Aguascalientes, in 1835 -- Southern Trade and _Ferias_ -- Hacienda de la Zarca, and its innumerable Stock -- Rio Nazas, and Lakes without outlet -- Perennial Cotton -- Exactions for Water and Pasturage -- Village of Churches -- City of Durango and its Peculiarities -- Fruits, Pulque, etc. -- Persecution of Scorpions -- Negro-ship in the ascendant -- Robbers and their _modus operandi_ -- City of Aguascalientes -- Bathing Scene -- Haste to return to the North -- Mexican Mule-shoeing -- Difficulties and Perplexities -- A Friend in time of need -- Reach Zacatecas -- City Accommodations -- Hotels unfashionable -- _Locale_, Fortifications, etc., of the City of Zacatecas -- Siege by Santa Anna and his easy-won Victory -- At Durango again -- Civil Warfare among the 'Sovereigns' -- Hairbreadth 'scapes -- Troubles of the Road -- Safe Arrival at Chihuahua -- Character of the Southern Country, 162