Jalapa, a town of Mexico, in the state of Vera Cruz, 140 m. E. of the city of Mexico; pop. about 10,000. It is situated on the slope of the Cerro Macuiltepec, 4,500 ft. above the sea, and many of the streets are very steep. The houses are substantially built, frequently of two stories. There are several churches and convents, one of the latter dating from the time of Cortes. The hospital of San Juan de Dios is one of the oldest Spanish structures in the country. There is a home for indigent females, and a number of public and private schools. Among the productions of the surrounding country is the exogonium Jalapa or jalap plant. The great staples are honey and wax, the latter being here elaborated to great perfection. The silkworm has been introduced with much success; and tobacco little inferior to the finest Cuban is extensively grown. There are numerous potteries, and several tanneries and cigar factories. Jalapa, with a mild and salubrious climate, far above the yellow fever region, is the favorite resort of the wealthy inhabitants of the coast.

Jalapa.