CHAPTER IX.
FROM QUERETARO TO THE CAPITAL.--PLAIN OF THE CAZADERO.-- TULA.--THE GREAT SPANISH DRAINAGE-CUT.--DISASTROUS INUNDATIONS OF MEXICO CITY.--A PUZZLE FOR ENGINEERS.--ARRIVAL AT THE CAPITAL.--HOTEL LIFE.--RESTAURANTS AND THE MODE OF LIVING.-- AMUSING STORIES OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT.--FONDAS AND FONDITAS.-- MEN FOR CHAMBER-MAIDS.--ALMUERZO.--A MORNING STROLL ALONG THE STREETS.--WOMEN ON THEIR WAY TO MASS.--THE MANTILLA.--SELLERS OF SACRED THINGS.--DEALERS IN LOTTERY TICKETS.--LOTTERIES RUN BY GOVERNMENT.--ATTENDING A DRAWING.--HOW THE AFFAIR WAS CONDUCTED.--FLOWER-SELLERS. 132