Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-11
TREASURE HOUSE OF AzTECS
GOLD INGoTS THROWN INTO
LAKE WHEN CORTEZ CAME.
Saline Wonders, Mineral Fountains
and Mud Baths of an Ancient
Town in Mexico.
From the Mexican Herald

From the Mexican Herald
OF all the things written or unwritten
about the prehistoric or spectacular his
tory of Mexico, there is one neglected
spot in the state Of Mexico without de-
served recognition. 1t is the town of
| Yxtapan de la Sal. situated about seven
hours from the mining district of Zacual-
pan. or midway between Toluca and Ia
| cualpan on the main road.
The town of Yxtapan has about 1000
| inhabitants. 1t has been more promi-
nent in bygone days than it is ever des-
tined to be in its future. 1t has no
growth nor any particular industry ex-
cept the refining of salt from the natural
salt beds that lie in the precincts. The
town and people are an old-fashioned
delineation Of Mexico three centuries
ago.
In the plaza Sundays salt is circu-
lated in the place OF money. the nee
essaries of life for the coming week
being paid for in salt instead of money.
But. nevertheless, Yxtapan has a right
full place in the interesting history of
Mexico. ......
Play of the Geysers.
Two squares from the main plaza Of
the town there is variety of life that
scientists might turn from theory into
practical use to great advantage. There
is also remarkable study there for
the geologist and the archeologist Ris-
Ing from the center of a mass Of vol
canic folds of dripping lava rock a won
derful fountain OF hot salt and min
eraliZed water shoots into the air like
skyrocket with a tremendous and IT.
raGtSfjhIa force re o1o "
dozens of smaller shoots of more or
less hot and cold temperature. The
main geyserlike spray has been harness
ed and put into. practical use for baths.
and many. people make their annual pill
grimage here with the same sincerity
as they would visit a shrine; in fact.
the improvised baths have been dedi-
Gated by a pious priest and a stone
cross erected over the wall of the main
bath.
Just outside Of the baths is natural
salt bridge across the salt creek which
glides in it's crystal bed beneath. The
bridge is of solid salt with drippings hang
ing like icicles from its sides and is so
with perfect safety. Beyond lie the great
salt beds from which the sleepy little
town takes it's name, and form the
principal industry.
The water has been analysed from
these springs and found by a German
chemist to contain properties beneficial
to health and life. The very few for
eigners who have visited the place have
risked drinking the water. which Is Of
a highly purgative nature. but the native
Indians are in mortal fear of the water
taken internally and look with awe and
disgust upon any one who drinks bath
water"
Above the salt baths is another bath
Of a peculiar formation Of mud. This
mud is especially clean and transparent
and has the properties of soap. Mixed
with the salt water cit will not mix with
other water). 1t produces a lather for the
hair that is most remarkable for strength
and cleansing properties. In close prox-
unity with the mud bath Is another
spring oozing from the earth. It's waters
are also mineralized. but of an entirely
different character from the other. 1t is
more Of the nature of natural mineral