The air is colder, but it is only the temperature of spring.

To me it feels chilly, coming so lately from the hot lands below; and I fold my cloak closely around me, and ride on.
The view is open, for the _valu_ is almost treeless.

The scene is no longer wild.

The earth has a cultivated aspect--an aspect of civilisation: for these high plateaux--the _tierras templadas_--are the seat of Mexican civilisation.

Here are the towns--the great cities, with their rich cathedrals and convents--here dwells the bulk of the population.