The stones with which the boiled maize is ground into the paste of which the universal tortillas are made were to be had here; indeed, they are made in the neighbourhood, of the basalt and lava which abound in the district.

The metate is a sort of little table, hewn out of the basalt, with four little feet, and its surface is curved from the ends to the middle.

The metalpile is of the same material, and like a rolling-pin.

The old-fashioned Mexican pottery I have mentioned already.

It is beautifully made, and very cheap.