He seemed interested, and at once stated that there would be no difficulty in carrying out my plans; that I would find plenty of women for measurement in Tehuantepec itself; that the 100 men had better be secured at San Blas, which, although independent in government, adjoins Tehuantepec.

I suggested that it would be well to measure the women in the court-yard of his palace; he, however, replied, "By no means; it will be much better to go directly to the market, where the women are gathered in great numbers; a _regidor_ will accompany you to arrange the matter with your subjects." Although convinced that his plan was bad, we arranged to begin work the following morning; with instruments and _regidor_ we presented ourselves in the market, picking out a suitable spot and preparing for work.

Then I told the _regidor_ to bring a subject.

The market-place was crowded, probably two or three hundred women being there gathered.

Approaching the nearest of them, the _regidor_ politely asked her to step up and be measured.