New-York tribune., 1905-08-13
nv G william Beehe. Curator Of ornlthOiogy' New
Work Geological Society.


vacation in the wilds OF Western Mexico. Ha-
vana. Progreso. Vera Cruz. Mexico city and
Guadalajara became more than mere names 10
us and were left behind. while with tents pro-
visions guns cameras and pack train Of
mules and burros we left civilization, railroads.
and even wagon roads.
For two months were fire worshippers'
sleeping eating, living near the shadow OF the
great twin peaked mountain OF Colima. one
lofty summit sublime IN its eternal cap OF snow.
while few miles away its lava covered sister
peak forever breathes out smoke and flame.
From the black pines on the slopes OF the vol
cans" OF snow and fire radiate deep "barrancas."
or canyons cutting far down. until the coniferous
trees die in the breath Of the tropics. and in
their plaoe cactus and orchid shoot forth from
desert and Jungle
Deep IN the heart OF these ''barrancas' we
pitched our tents and breathed and lived as We
had never done before Instead Of the horrors
which iends had held out TO our imagination.
We found perfect conditions for camp life-per-
feet even for milady. who had never slept out
OF doors before. Here the tropical heat is tenn
pered by breezes from the snow mountain;
water is filtered pure through the pumice; the
occasional Mexicans and Indians are courteous,
helpful. lost IN admiration at the bravery OF
Sehorita Americana-"an American lady" 0hey
say I'm their drawing Spanish). so dainty. her
mosura'' and vet not afraid 10 ride half
broken ''caballo," 10 shoot her revolver TO tramp
through the ''barrancs" jungles with her hus-
band. He. poor fellow. must certainly be crazy
for all day he stares and stares through strange
tubes at birds or bugs, or takes their pictures.
Such their summing up OF US.
While in camp. not an insect, mosquito or
nea annoys US; not a poisonous reptile or nettle
he ext-ild abundant
but never dangerous: the poorest Of shots could
keep a fun larder Of meat; and the cost OF 1t
all is so little "muy barato." as the Mexicans
say. less than many vacation a thousand miles
nearer home.
When ones throat revolts at the damp drizzle
OF a New York winter one must fee 10 another
cline. Our requisites were high and dry cli-
mate and abundance OF birds and other wild
creatures new field and an inexpensive trip
We found all and much more in this neighbor
republic Of ours. and TO all who would enjoy
vacation worthy Of the name ! would recon-
mend camping trip in Mexico. But-yes. there
are buts-snd it is Of these will write
First Of ALL get copy Of Cortina and acquire
a speaking acquaintance with Spanish. Every
word will add greatly 10 your pleasure although
a couple of hundred words win transact most
OF your business.
Take your own outfit. Ours proved TO be all
SUFFICIENT, inexpensive as il Be generous
10 yourself in the size of tent. We found a
10 by II one none too large for two. The cheap
est kind of tent will suffice. for you will have
not a drop OF rain and windstorms BY
the same token umbrellas, raincoats and rub
bers are useless. The tent may be fastened
loosely 10 the ground. for. in the dry season,
no insects VIII annoy you in that land, no ser
pents will disturb your peace of mind. Take
no tent poles Use a stout rope tied between
two trees. DO not worry your soul with fold
ing shelves. Divide canvas wall pocket into
twelve divisions and pin IL to the wall of the
sant. Eschew all folding" things Except cots)
and use things that wrap and roll. Take all
and as large trunks you wish but when
you start into the mountains discard all but
small steamer trunk and pack all else into
stout canvas clothing bags. We found two OF
medium size and two smaller ones necessary.
Remember a trunk packs on ton of a mules
back but clothing bags must hang in pairs
from each side.
You may rough it" and lie on the hard
ground. you may crawl into stuffy sleep
ing bag. We chose TO sleep the sleep OF comfort
IN So folding cots. These are writing desk
or dinner table by day and fold 10 nothing
when on the trail. When you start for home
your Mexican viii accept the cot with JOY. ir
lieu Of two weeks pay
Take some bug" powder and a gun" II
you are forced 10 stop overnight in native hui
primitive hotel you may need It. We had
on use for il in camp. II you go into the
mountains. take thick sweaters and pajamas
Buy your blankets in the country. If you are a
man. ideal costume is a soft felt hat. KHAKI
hunting coat and knickerbockers, canvas army
leggins and heavy ordinary shoes. Never high
hunting boots or long golf stockings. Milady
for horseback and a short corduroy skirt and
dark wash shirtwaists for wear in camp. A small
straw sombrero can be bought anywhere. Can
vas leggins are always necessary. for whatever
Mexico lacks it is not thorns.
Carry small cooking outfit, and be sure "a
include an open baker. Never think OF taking
stove. even though II is warranted to collapse
into thimble, Don't bother about saucers and
bowls. Clay "oillas" may be bought at any
village for few "centavos," and thrown away
at each camping place.
Take condensed soups. "maggi" pea, bean and
rice. for heating alone and with meat Have
nothing 10 do with dried vegetab bles. Milk
powder is good for chocolate And such choco-
latei A little vanilla, cinnamon and almond
and Chocolate. senor." II alone is worth trfp
20 The country. AT the last city CIuadalajara. in
our case lay in stock OF cranberries -four
baking powder. etc, and a generous supply ot
cream Of wheat Your appetites will treble
IN q week
Take no thought Of meat except TO carry with
.-ou a double barrelied shotgun and shells II
you never fired gun you can yet never lack
for meat. so tame are the birds
n you have no thought hut for pleasure and
leisure don't go. That is. ] never believe in
going anywhere without some definite object IN
view. Study up something beforehand and your
measures will be multiplied many times Ar.