These people are conservative, and among the least known of the native populations of Mexico.

There are but four towns, with a total population of probably less than three thousand persons.

These towns are situated at a few leagues' distance from Tehuantepec, near the Pacific, upon narrow tongues of land, washed by salt lagoons.

The nearest, largest, and according to Dr.Castle, the most conservative of the four towns, is San Mateo del Mar.

We had hoped that Dr.Castle might accompany us on our journey.