CHAPTER VIII

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: MOUNTAINS, TABLELANDS, AND FLORA AND FAUNA. . 134

Geographical conditions--Tehuantepec--Yucatan--Boundaries and area-- Population--Vera Cruz--Elevations above sea-level--Latitude--General topography--The Great Plateau--The Sierra Madres--The Mexican Andes-- General structure--The coasts--Highest peaks--Snow-cap and volcanoes-- Geological formation--Geological scenery--Hydrographic systems-- Rivers--Navigation--Water-power--Lakes--Climate and temperatures--The three climatic zones--Rainfall--Snowfall--Flora and fauna--Soil-- Singular cactus forms--The desert flora--The tropical flora--Forest regions--Wild animals--Serpents, monkeys, and felidae--Sporting conditions--Birds.