Chapter 10

THE CITIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Character of Mexican cities--Value of Mexican civilisation--Types of Mexican architecture--Mexican homes and buildings--The _Plaza_--Social relations of classes--The City of Mexico--Valley of Mexico--Latitude, elevation, and temperature--Buildings--Bird's-eye view--The lakes-- Drainage works--Viga canal and floating gardens--General description-- The cathedral--Art treasures--Religious orders--Chapultepec--Pasco de la Reforma--The President--Description of a bull-fight--Country homes and suburbs--Colleges, clubs, literary institutions--Churches and public buildings--Army and Navy--Cost of living--Police--Lighting and tramways--Canadian enterprise--British commercial relations--The American--United States influence--A general impression of Mexico.