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Ebook Elementary Statistics A Brief 6Th Edition Bluman Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
Ebook Elementary Statistics A Brief 6Th Edition Bluman Test Bank Full Chapter PDF
2. When the majority of the data values fall to the right of the mean, the distribution is said
to be left-skewed.
Ans: True Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
4. When the data values are evenly distributed about the mean, the distribution is said to be
______________.
Ans: symmetrical
Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
5. Which choice is another term that can be used to describe a normal distribution:
A) independent variable C) negatively or positively skewed
B) discrete distribution D) bell curve
Ans: D Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
6. On an easy test, the mean score was 96 out of a possible 100 points. The distribution of
the test scores is likely to be
A) symmetric. C) positively skewed.
B) negatively skewed. D) diagonally skewed.
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
7. Which of the following characteristics does not apply to a theoretical normal distribution?
A) It is bell-shaped.
B) The mean, median, and mode are equal.
C) It is bimodal.
D) It is never negative.
Ans: C Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
8. In applied statistics, it is the area under the normal distribution curve which is most
important, not the value of single points on the curve.
Ans: True Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
9. The normal distribution curve can be used as a probability distribution curve for normally
distributed variables.
Ans: True Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
11. For a normal distribution curve with a mean of 15 and a standard deviation of 7, which
range of the variable defines an area under the curve corresponding to a probability of
approximately 68%?
A) from 11.5 to 18.5 B) from 8 to 22 C) from 15 to 29 D) from 1 to 29
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
12. One normal curve has a mean of 22 and a standard deviation of 4. A second normal
curve has a mean of 4 and a standard deviation of 22. The curve that is more dispersed, or
spread out, is
A) the first normal curve.
B) the second normal curve.
C) both; they are equally spread out.
D) neither; by definition,a normal curve shows no spread.
Ans: B Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
13. For a normal distribution curve with a mean of 9 and a standard deviation of 7, which of
the following ranges of the variable will define an area under the curve corresponding to
a probability of approximately 34%?
A) from 5.5 to 12.5 B) from 2 to 16 C) from 9 to 16 D) from –5 to 23
Ans: C Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
14. Which of the following properties distinguishes the standard normal distribution from
other normal distributions?
A) The mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1.
B) The total area under the curve is equal to 1.00.
C) The curve is continuous.
D) The mean is located at the center of the distribution.
Ans: A Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
15. The number of standard deviations a particular X value is from the mean is commonly
referred to as ________.
A) z B) P(X) C) µ D) σ 2
Ans: A Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
16. The area under the normal distribution curve that lies within three standard deviations of
the mean is approximately 95%.
Ans: False Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
17. To find the area under the standard normal distribution curve between two z values, one
first finds the difference between the two z values, then locates the value corresponding
to that difference in the Standard Normal Distribution table.
Ans: False Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
18. The area under a normal distribution curve is always positive even if the z value is
negative.
Ans: True Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
19. Stating that the area under the standard normal distribution curve between z = 0 and z =
1.00 is 0.3413, is the same as stating that the _____________ of randomly selecting a
standard normally distributed variable z with a value between 0 and 1.00 is 0.3413.
Ans: probability
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
20. Find the area under the standard normal distribution curve between z = 0 and z = 2.16.
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
21. Find the area under the standard normal distribution curve between z = 0 and
z = − 2.16 .
22. The area under the standard normal distribution curve to the right of z = 1.83 is 0.4664.
Ans: False Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
23. What is the area under the standard normal distribution curve between z = 1.50 and z =
2.50?
24. Find the area under the standard normal distribution curve between z = –2.05 and z =
2.05.
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
25. Find the area under the standard normal distribution curve to the left of z = 1.69.
27. Find the probability P (0 < z < 1.67) , using the standard normal distribution.
A) 45.25% B) 45.54% C) 42.07% D) 35.54%
Ans: A Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.1
28. Find the probability P ( z < –0.36) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.6406 B) 0.3594 C) 0.8594 D) 0.6400
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
29. Find the probability P ( z > 0.78) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.2823 B) 0.7823 C) 0.7177 D) 0.2177
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
30. Find the probability P(–1.09 < z < 1.06) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.8410 B) 0.2824 C) 0.7176 D) 0.6744
Ans: C Difficulty: Difficult Section: 6.1
31. Find the probability P(0.26 < z < 1.33) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.3057 B) 0.6943 C) 0.8057 D) 0.4600
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
32. Find the probability P ( z > –0.69) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.2451 B) 0.7549 C) 0.7451 D) 0.2549
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
33. Find the probability P ( z < 0.37) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.6300 B) 0.3557 C) 0.6443 D) 0.1443
Ans: C Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
Page 73
Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
Page 74
Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
37. Find the z value to the right of the mean so that 62.93% of the area under the distribution
curve lies to the left of it.
Ans: 0.33
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
38. Find the z value to the right of the mean such that 85% of the total area under the
standard normal distribution curve lies to the left of it?
Ans: 1.04
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
39. Find the probability P(–0.77 < z < –0.16) using the standard normal distribution.
A) 0.0400 B) 0.7842 C) 0.3458 D) 0.2158
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
40. In a standard normal distribution, what z value corresponds to 17% of the data between
the mean and the z value?
A) 1.25 B) 0.44 C) 0.52 D) 2.10
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.1
41. If a normally distributed group of test scores have a mean of 70 and a standard deviation
of 12, find the percentage of scores that will fall below 50.
A) 4.75% B) 45.25% C) 6.75% D) 35.54%
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
42. The average length of crocodiles in a swamp is 11.5 feet. If the lengths are normally
distributed with a standard deviation of 1.7 feet, find the probability that a crocodile is
more than 11 feet long.
A) 0.88 B) 0.38 C) 0.12 D) 0.62
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
43. At a large department store, the average number of years of employment for a cashier is
5.7 with a standard deviation of 1.8 years, and the distribution is approximately normal. If
an employee is picked at random, what is the probability that the employee has worked at
the store for over 10 years?
A) 99.2% B) 49.2% C) 1.7% D) 0.8%
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
44. The average hourly wage of workers at a fast food restaurant is $6.50/hr. Assume the
wages are normally distributed with a standard deviation of $0.45. If a worker at this fast
food restaurant is selected at random, what is the probability that the worker earns more
than $6.75?
A) 28.8% B) 27.6% C) 42.1% D) 5.2%
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
45. The average gas mileage of a certain model car is 30.0 miles per gallon. If the gas
mileages are normally distributed with a standard deviation of 0.75 miles per gallon, find
the probability that a car has a gas mileage of between 29.8 and 30.2 miles per gallon.
A) 0.210 B) 0.290 C) 0.270 D) 0.105
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
46. The average height of flowering cherry trees in a certain nursery is 11 feet. If the
heights are normally distributed with a standard deviation of 1.6 feet, find the probability
that a tree is less than 13 feet tall.
A) 0.67 B) 0.89 C) 0.95 D) 0.78
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
47. A recent study found that the life expectancy of a people living in Africa is normally
distributed with an average of 53 years with a standard deviation of 7.5 years. If a person
in Africa is selected at random, what is the probability that the person will die before the
age of 65?
A) 94.5% B) 44.5% C) 61.0% D) 89.0%
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
48. X is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 6.0 and a standard deviation
of 2.00. Find the value x such that P(X < x) is equal to 0.86. (Note: the diagram is not
necessarily to scale.)
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
49. X is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 5.00. If the probability that
X is less than 6.32 is 0.67 (as shown below), then what is the standard deviation of X?
(Note: the diagram is not necessarily to scale.)
50. In order to be accepted into a certain top university, applicants must score within the top
5% on the SAT exam. Given that the exam has a mean of 1000 and a standard deviation
of 200, what is the lowest possible score a student needs to qualify for acceptance into the
university?
A) 1400 B) 1330 C) 1250 D) 1100
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
51. Mrs. Smith's reading class can read an average of 175 words per minute with a standard
deviation of 20 words per minute. The top 3% of the class is to receive a special award.
What is the minimum number of words per minute a student would need to read in order
to get the award? Assume the data is normally distributed.
Ans: 213
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
52. X is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 5.0. Find the standard
deviation of the distribution if 59.10% of the data lies to the right of 4.42. (Note: the
diagram is not necessarily to scale.)
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
53. X is a normally distributed random variable with a mean of 11 and a standard deviation of
2.0. Find the value of X for which 70.54% of the area under the distribution curve lies to
the right of it. (Note: the diagram is not necessarily to scale.)
54. X is a normally distributed random variable with a standard deviation of 4.00. Find the
mean of X when 64.8% of the area lies to the left of 11.02. (Note: the diagram is not
necessarily to scale.)
55. X is a normally distributed random variable with a standard deviation of 3.50. Find the
mean of X if 12.71% of the area under the distribution curve lies to the right of 11.49.
(Note: the diagram is not necessarily to scale.)
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
56. The data shown represent quiz scores from Ms. Mayer's 5th grade class. Use the
Pearson coefficient to check for skewness.
21 25 9 21 23 22 22 15 23 22 16 11 20 20 17 22 21
A) PC > 1 so data is skewed C) PC > 0 so data is skewed
B) PC < 1 so data is skewed D) PC < 1 so data is not skewed
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.2
57. For a normal distribution with a mean of 6 and a standard deviation of 4, the value 12 has
a z value of
A) –1.5 B) 1.5 C) 2.5 D) 3.5
Ans: B Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.2
58. For a normal distribution with a mean of 11 and a standard deviation of 6, the value 2 has
a z value of
A) 0.5 B) –3.5 C) –2.5 D) –1.5
Ans: D Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.2
59. The following formula can be used to find the specific value of the variable in a data set
that corresponds to a particular value of the standard normal variable:
X = z ⋅σ + µ
Ans: True Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.2
60. What is the z value such that 50% of the total area under the standard normal distribution
curved lies to the right of it?
Ans: zero
Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.2
62. The difference between a sample mean and the population mean may be referred to as
______________________.
A) the standard deviation B) the variance C) skewness D) sampling error
Ans: D Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.3
63. If the standard deviation of a normally distributed population is 20.0 and we take a
sample of size 4, then the standard error of the mean is
A) 10.0 B) 2.0 C) 20.0 D) 5.0
Ans: A Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.3
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
64. In order to have the standard error of the mean be 12, one would need to take _______
samples from a normally distributed population with a standard deviation of 24.
A) 2 B) 4 C) 8 D) 16
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
65. The standard deviation of sample means will be larger than the standard deviation of the
population.
Ans: False Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.3
67. As the sample size n increases, the shape of the distribution of the sample means taken
with replacement from a population with mean µ and standard deviation σ, will approach
a normal distribution. This distribution will have a mean of µ and a standard deviation of
σ
. This is a statement of the _______________________.
n
Ans: central limit theorem
Difficulty: Easy Section: 6.3
68. The standard deviation of a normal distribution is 20. What is the standard error of the
mean obtained by averaging 225 samples?
Ans: 1.33
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
69. The average age of vehicles registered in the United States is 96 months. Assume the
population is normally distributed with a standard deviation of 15 months. Find the
probability that the mean age of a sample of 36 vehicles is between 98 and 100 months?
A) 44.5% B) 28.8% C) 15.7% D) 6.4%
Ans: C Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
70. The average age of doctors in a certain hospital is 48.0 years old. Suppose the
distribution of ages is normal and has a standard deviation of 6.0 years. If 9 doctors are
chosen at random for a committee, find the probability that the average age of those
doctors is less than 48.8 years. Assume that the variable is normally distributed.
A) 15.5% B) 34.5% C) 53.5% D) 65.5%
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
71. The mean weight of loads of rock is 50.0 tons with a standard deviation of 8.0 tons. If 9
loads are chosen at random for a weight check, find the probability that the mean weight
of those loads is less than 49.1 tons. Assume that the variable is normally distributed.
A) 13.68 B) 36.32 C) 63.68 D) 86.32
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
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Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
72. The average number of mosquitos in a stagnant pond is 70 per square meter with a
standard deviation of 12. If 9 square meters are chosen at random for a mosquito count,
find the probability that the average of those counts is more than 73.6 mosquitos per
square meter. Assume that the variable is normally distributed.
A) 0.3% B) 18.4% C) 31.6% D) 81.6%
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
73. The length of country and western songs is normally distributed and has a mean of 170
seconds and a standard deviation of 40 seconds. Find the probability that a random
selection of 16 songs will have mean length of 158.30 seconds or less. Assume the
distribution of the lengths of the songs is normal.
A) 0.88 B) 0.38 C) 0.12 D) 0.62
Ans: C Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
74. The average diameter of sand dollars on a certain island is 4.00 centimeters with a
standard deviation of 0.60 centimeters. If 16 sand dollars are chosen at random for a
collection, find the probability that the average diameter of those sand dollars is more
than 3.85 centimeters. Assume that the variable is normally distributed.
A) 0.659 B) 0.780 C) 0.341 D) 0.841
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
75. A survey of 250 lobster fishermen found that they catch an average of 32.0 pounds of
lobster per day with a standard deviation of 4.0 pounds. If a random sample of 36 lobster
fishermen is selected, what is the probability that their average catch is less than 31.5
pounds? Assume the distribution of the weights of lobster is normal.
Ans: 22.66%
Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.3
77. Use the normal approximation to the binomial to find that probability for the specific
value of X.
n = 30, p = 0.3, X = 11
A) 0.12 B) 0.37 C) 0.11 D) 0.3
Ans: A Difficulty: Difficult Section: 6.4
78. Of the members of a Boy Scout troop, 15% have received the first aid merit badge. If 40
boy scouts are selected at random, find the probability that four or more will have the
first aid merit badge?
A) 86.6% B) 81.3% C) 36.6% D) 31.3%
Ans: A Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.4
Page 81
Chapter 6 - The Normal Distribution
79. A biologist estimates that 50% of the deer in a region carry a certain type of tick. For a
sample of 300 deer selected at random, what is the chance that 155 or fewer deer have
this tick?
A) 0.864 B) 0.737 C) 0.475 D) 0.263
Ans: B Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.4
80. If a baseball player's batting average is 0.340 (i.e., the probability of getting a hit each
time at bat is 0.340), find the probability that the player will have a bad season and get at
most 60 hits in 200 times at bat?
A) 38.3% B) 11.7% C) 36.9% D) 13.1%
Ans: D Difficulty: Moderate Section: 6.4
81. A magazine reported that 6% of American drivers admit to reading the newspaper while
driving. If 500 drivers are selected at random, find the probability that exactly 40 will
admit to reading the newspaper while driving.
A) 4.7% B) 2.0% C) 1.3% D) 0.6%
Ans: C Difficulty: Difficult Section: 6.4
Page 82
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be brought from a vessel which had recently reached the coast. A
great event was the arrival of three vessels with two hundred
Spaniards, eighty horses, and a full complement of arms,
ammunition, and other effects, partly bought and partly enlisted by
the agents whom Cortés had despatched to the Islands during the
previous autumn. Among the new-comers were Julian de Alderete of
Tordesillas, appointed royal treasurer for New Spain, and the
Franciscan Pedro Melgarejo de Urrea of Seville, bearing a supply of
papal indulgences for the men who had been engaged in the
crusade. That the soldiers were conscious of frequent transgressions
may be judged from the suggestive and not wholly reverential
observation of Bernal Diaz, that “after patching their defects the friar
returned to Spain within a few months, a rich man.”[1075]
Cortés was cheered by offers of submission and alliance, owing
partly to the good offices of Tezcucans and other allies. Some came
from places quite distant, such as Nautla and Tuzapan, on the coast
north of Villa Rica, laden as usual with presents.[1076] Another
pleasing evidence of still more devoted loyalty came not long after
from the south, from the country of the valiant Chinantecs, of the
long pikes. During the great uprising, when Spaniards in small or
straggling parties had everywhere been slaughtered, this people
faithfully protected the two soldiers who happened to be with them,
and were in return aided by their prowess and advice to achieve
victories over adjoining tribes. One of these men, Captain Hernando
de Barrientos, sent two natives in April with a letter to his
countrymen imparting the assurance that Chinantla and its six sub-
towns were loyal.[1077]
The recent successes and the arrival of the two hundred men
induced Cortés once more to propose peace to Quauhtemotzin. To
this end, during passion week, he bade some of the captured nobles
proceed to Mexico with a letter as a symbol of their commission, and
impress upon their master the superiority in arms and skill of the
Spanish forces, their constant and large reinforcements, and their
unvarying success in the field. They must point out the generous and
humane treatment of the provinces which had submitted, and assure
the Aztec leaders that equal forgiveness would be accorded them.
Refusal to return to their allegiance would lead to the destruction of
themselves and their city. Only two of the captives ventured to
accept the commission, for according to Aztec articles of war any
noble who returned to his country after having been captured by an
enemy was doomed to decapitation unless he had performed some
extraordinary deed.[1078]
No answer came from Mexico, and it was afterward learned that
the messengers had suffered death. The Aztec ruler had not even
given a thought to peace. He was watching his opponents, prepared
to take advantage of any neglect or relaxation in their effort. No
sooner had Sandoval been induced by peaceful appearances to
retire from Chalco than Aztec forces again prepared to invade the
province. The Chalcans had due warning, and close upon the heels
of Sandoval came two messengers lamenting louder than ever, and
exhibiting a painting wherein were named the many towns whose
forces were coming upon them, fully fifty thousand strong. These
constant menaces and movements were exasperating, and Cortés
resolved personally to inflict a lesson which might be lasting. At the
same time he proposed to complete his reconnoissance of the lake
region and encourage his troops with spoils from hostile localities
whereon the Aztecs yet relied for support.[1079]
Cortés selected thirty horse, three hundred infantry, a number of
Tlascaltecs, and over twenty thousand Tezcucans, under Prince
Ixtlilxochitl, to which twice that number of other allies were added on
the way. A large proportion of archers and aquebusiers were taken,
together with Alvarado, Olid, Alderete, Melgarejo, and others, while
Sandoval was left in charge of Tezcuco, with instructions to watch
and promote the completion of the brigantines against which several
incendiary attempts had been made.
The expedition left Friday, the 5th of April, and passed through
Chalco, Tlalmanalco, and Chimalhuacan,[1080] and crossing in a
south-westerly direction into the Totolapan province, they entered the
hills which form the southern border of the Mexican valley. By this
time the forces had assumed proportions hardly inferior to those of
the Iztocan campaign, when over one hundred thousand moved
against the foe. Highly picturesque was the spectacle of this army, its
naked hordes of warriors relieved by plumage and glittering iztli
points which rose above the broad line of gaudy shields; its white
adventurers in mail of cotton and metal, surmounted by bright
helmets, and armed knights on proudly stepping steeds: picturesque
in particular as it wound in almost endless line along the rounded
slopes of the cliffs, or climbed in clearly defined file across the hill-
tops, only to descend again into gulches gloomy as their own sinister
purpose.
Alarmed by the invasion, the inhabitants had abandoned their
valley homes, and had sought refuge on the summits, whence they
hurled missiles at the passing lines. Little attention was paid these
irregular bands, composed as they were to a great extent of women
and children. On entering the Tlayacapan Valley, however, and
observing on the craggy sides of an almost perpendicular isolated
rock, perched there like an eagle’s nest, a place of refuge peopled
with more pretentious opposers, in a fit of insensate folly Cortés
ordered the place to be assailed. He seemed to think the honor of
the army demanded it, and was ready to stake the lives of valuable
men on its destruction.
Orders were given to attack from three several sides, the
steepest being assigned to Alférez Corral, a brave and spirited
leader. Verdugo and Villafuerte were given another side, and Ircio
and Monjaraz the third. Each party consisted of about threescore
men, and included archers and arquebusiers. At a given signal all
rushed forward to the ascent. Soon they were on hands and knees,
crawling over projections and pulling themselves up by means of
shrubs. All the while stones and darts rattled on helmet and
breastplate; and huge rocks came rolling down upon them. In vain
they sought shelter in crevices and under crags; they must face the
storm. Bernal Diaz followed Corral, and after receiving many a hard
knock they gained what was called two turns of the rock. There they
paused and looked around, wondering at their success thus far.
Supporting himself against a small tree, his face bathed in blood, his
banner rent, Corral said, “Señor Diaz, it is useless to advance
farther; not a man will survive.” Then they shouted a warning to
Pedro Barba, at the head of his archers, not to climb farther. “The
order is to advance!” was the reply. The next moment Barba was
wounded by a stone, and a soldier at his side was killed. Cortés then
sounded the recall, but not until eight brave men had laid down their
lives, victims of their commander’s puerility, and of the rest most of
them returned wounded.[1081]
The recall was likewise prompted by the approach of a
considerable force in the valley. This the cavalry charged and quickly
routed, following in close pursuit, though the broken ground soon
enabled the fugitives to gain shelter. During this ride some of the
horsemen came, a league beyond, to another hill fortress, strong in
its natural features, and held by a large force. Near by were some
springs. The need of water was pressing, which afforded a plausible
excuse for abandoning the scaling of Tlayacapan, and the whole
force was moved to the springs. Early next morning Cortés
examined the approaches to the new stronghold. It extended over
three hills, the central one exceedingly steep and held by the largest
force; the others easier of ascent, though higher, and occupied by
smaller numbers. In reconnoitring, Cortés advanced toward the
centre. This movement led the occupants of the other hills to infer an
attack on the central height, and they began to abandon their
positions with a view to reënforce the threatened point. Observing
this, Cortés ordered Barba to occupy the most commanding
elevation with some fifty arquebusiers and archers, while he himself
continued to scale the centre as a feint, for there was little hope of
capturing a point so steep and strongly held. The stones and darts
rained here as previously, and man after man was struck down,
some bleeding freely from the wounds sustained.[1082]
Meanwhile Barba’s sharp-shooters had made so effective a use
of their weapons that within half an hour the volleys from the fortress
ceased, and the women began to wave their robes in token of truce,
shouting their submission. Cortés graciously met the advances, and
extended full pardon. He also prevailed on the chiefs to induce the
Tlayacapans to submit. On the extensive surface of the rock were
collected all the inhabitants of the neighborhood, with their effects,
which Cortés ordered not to be touched.[1083]
The army remained encamped for two days to refresh
themselves after their arduous march, and after sending the
wounded to Tezcuco, Cortés proceeded to Huastepec. The report of
the clemency extended to preceding settlements had a reassuring
effect on this town, whose cacique came forth to welcome them, and
tender his palace for their entertainment. This was situated in a
garden, celebrated throughout New Spain for its beauty and extent,
and the immense variety of its plants, collected partly for scientific
purposes. A river with tributary canals flowed through its grounds,
which extended over a circuit of nearly two leagues, murmuring its
melody in unison with winged songsters hidden in arbors or playing
between bush and hedge, mingling their bright color with the green
expanse. Adjacent were steep rocks, on whose smooth surface were
sculptured the portraits of noted warriors, statesmen, and orators,
with hieroglyphic inscriptions of their fame. It was a paradise formed
equally for student and idler, and to the weary soldiers no spot could
perhaps have proven so grateful. Cortés certainly grows ecstatic in
describing it, declaring it “the largest, most beautiful, and freshest
garden ever seen.”[1084] Tempting as was the retreat, Cortés tore
himself from it the following day, and proceeded in a south-westerly
direction to Yauhtepec. Although many warriors were gathered there,
they fled on the approach of the Spaniards, and were chased, with
some slaughter, for about two leagues, into the town of Xiuhtepec.
[1085] The women and effects there found were appropriated as
spoils, and rendered agreeable the two days’ stay. The ruler failing to
appear, the place was fired, and terrified by this warning the lord of
Yauhtepec hastened to proffer submission.
After a day’s hard march the army came in sight of
Quauhnahuac,[1086] capital of the Tlahuicas. They were one of the
Nahuatlaca tribes, which according to tradition had entered the
Anáhuac country to supplant the Toltecs. Coming rather late, they
found their brethren already in possession of the lake region, and so
they crossed the range to seek a home on the headwaters of the
Zacatula, where soon a number of settlements rose round
Quauhnahuac. They afterward fell under the sway of the
Chichimecs, and finally the Aztecs took advantage of internal discord
to establish sovereignty,[1087] maintaining it by a garrison in the
capital. This was a natural stronghold, situated on a tongue of land
between two steep ravines over forty feet in depth, and through
which ran a little stream during the rainy season. It was further
protected by strong walls, particularly on the side where a strongly
guarded gate opened to a fine stretch of country. Two other
entrances faced the ravines, sometimes spanned by bridges, which
were now removed.
Situated at the gateway to the tropical southern valleys, between
which and the colder lake region interposed a range of mountains,
the spot stood as a new Eden in its manifold beauties. A sight even
of the pine-fringed mountains that rolled off toward the north, with
their green slopes shaded by oak and birch, and bathed in soft
though bracing airs, was refreshing to the indolent inhabitants of the
burning plain beyond. On the other hand the sturdy toilers of the
northern plateaux might in this sunny south seek relaxation in the
varied charms of a softer air balmy with the incense of a more
lustrous vegetation.[1088]
It was an opulent community that of Quauhnahuac, surrounded
as it was by endless resources and advantages, and the people
were in no mood tamely to yield their wealth to invaders. And in this
determination they were sustained by their lord, Yohuatzin,[1089] who
was not only a vassal but a relative of Quauhtemotzin. Confident in
the impregnable position of his city, in which supplies were ample, he
replied with volleys to the demands of the Spanish forces as they
appeared on the other side of the ravines. It seemed almost
impossible to effect a crossing and climb the steep wall of the ravine
to the city; nevertheless Cortés selected a position and began to
open fire so as to occupy the attention of the garrison and cover the
scaling parties.
While they were thus busied a brave Tlascaltec reconnoitred and
came to a point half a league beyond, where the ravine was steepest
and narrowed to an abyss. On the two sides grew two large trees,
which inclined toward each other, with branches intertwined, forming
a sort of natural bridge, though by no means secure. He called the
attention of his party to this and led the way across, followed by
several Spaniards. The natives, who were more accustomed to this
kind of tactics, found comparatively little difficulty in swinging
themselves across; but to the soldiers it was far from easy, and three
of them, overcome by dizziness or weight of armor, slipped and fell.
[1090]
The attention of the inhabitants being attracted elsewhere, a
number of the invaders had gained a secure foothold within the city
before they were observed. Even now a few resolute men might
have driven them back, but such were wanting, and the sudden
appearance of the dreaded white men, as if indeed they had
dropped into the stronghold from some cloud made radiant by the
sun whose reputed children they were, struck terror to the hearts of
the poor natives. All impotent and nerveless, they permitted the
daring strangers to lower the drawbridge, and turned to spread the
panic. Meanwhile the reports of a formidable army advancing from
the rear so wrought on the fears of the garrison that, when the
handful who had crossed on the bushy bridge fell on them, they
offered no resistance. This also allowed the scaling forces to pour in,
so that within a short time the siege was turned into a rout, wherein
the cavalry played a prominent part. The zeal of the allies was
already indicated by smoky columns in different parts of the city, and
the foot-soldiers hastened to share in the rich plunder and intercept
the women.
Most of the fugitives had gathered on an adjacent height, and
though no attempt was made that day to molest them, yet they
began to fear that men who could so readily capture one of the
strongest fortresses in the country, would find no difficulty in reaching
them anywhere; therefore, after listening to the advice of
messengers sent by Cortés, Yohuatzin concluded to surrender, and
presented himself on the following day with a large retinue and rich
presents. The Mexicans were as usual blamed for the opposition
offered. He would have submitted before, but thought it best to
expiate the fault of resistance by allowing the Spaniards to pursue,
so that after spending their fury they might be more ready to forgive.
[1091]
FOOTNOTES
[1062] This is according to Cortés; others differ slightly, and Ixtlilxochitl increases
the Tezcucan force to 60,000. Hor. Crueldades, 13.
[1063] From tocatl and xal, spider and sand. Chimalpain, Hist. Conq., ii. 29. The
lake in which it lies is divided about the centre by an artificial causeway about one
league long, running from east to west, the southern water being now known as
San Cristóbal Ecatepec, from the town of that name, and the northern water as
Xaltocan or Tomanitla, San Cristóbal being also the general term for both waters.
[1065] Bachiller Alonso Perez, afterward fiscal of Mexico. Bernal Diaz, Hist.
Verdad., 135.
[1066] This incident was commemorated by some poetic follower in a ballad which
became a favorite with the conquerors:
[1067] So runs Bernal Diaz’ account, which appears a little exaggerated, for
recently Cortés had shown the greatest caution, and would hardly have allowed
himself to be so readily trapped on so memorable a spot. Hist. Verdad., 126.
Cortés states that not a Spaniard was lost, though several Mexicans fell. Cartas,
187.
[1069] They begged permission to return home, says Chimalpain, Hist. Conq., i.
31. Herrera relates that the efforts of Ojeda, by Cortés’ order, to take from the
Tlascaltecs the gold part of their booty so offended them that they began to desert.
The extortion was accordingly stopped, dec. iii. lib. i. cap. vii. Clavigero doubts the
story. Prescott regards the departure of the allies as distasteful to Cortés; but we
have seen that he did not care at present to encumber himself with too many
unruly auxiliaries to prey upon the peaceful provinces. The Tlascaltecs would
willingly have remained to share in raiding expeditions.
[1072] Lorenzana inspected the position in later times. Cortés, Hist. N. Esp., 214.
[1073] ‘Que todos los que allí se hallaron afirman.’ Cortés, Cartas, 190. The
general lauds the achievement with rare fervor for him. Bernal Diaz sneers at the
river of blood story; but then he was not present to share the glory. The Roman
Mario was less dainty than these Spaniards under a similar circumstance,
commemorated by Plutarch; or as Floro more prosaically puts it: ‘Ut victor
Romanus de cruento flumine non plus aquæ biberit quam sanguinis barbarorum.’
Epitome, lib. iii. cap. iii.
[1074] Fifteen, says Bernal Diaz. Chimalpain, the Chalcan narrator, states that his
tribe lost 350 men, but killed 1500 foes, capturing the captain-general,
Chimalpopocatzin, a relative of the emperor, who now became a captain among
the Tezcucans, and was killed during the siege. Hist. Conq., ii. 34. Some of these
facts are evidently not very reliable. He also assumes that Sandoval lost eight
soldiers on again returning to Tezcuco.
[1075] The ‘comissario’ or clerk in charge of the bulls was Gerónimo Lopez,
afterward secretary at Mexico. Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 129. This author names
several of the arrivals, some of whom became captains of vessels. A number also
arrived during the following week, he adds, notably in Juan de Búrgos’ vessel,
which brought much material.
[1076] Gomara mentions also Maxcaltzinco as a distant place. Hist. Mex., 186.
[1077] The chiefs were awaiting orders to appear before Cortés. The general told
them to wait till tranquillity was more fully restored. The name of the other soldier
was Nicolás. Cortés, Cartas, 203-5. Herrera assumes that Barrientos arrived in
camp during the late Tepeaca campaign, dec. ii. lib. x. cap. xvii.
[1078] Of the rank and file none suffered penalty on returning, for captivity was
regarded as disgraceful only to a noble. Native Races, ii. 419.
[1079] Bernal Diaz states that the soldiers were tired of these repeated calls, many
being also on the sick-list, but Cortés had now a large fresh force only too eager
for a fray attended with spoliation.
[1080] According to a native painting the army entered here April 5th, which is a
day or two too early, and received a reënforcement of 20,000. See copy in
Carbajal Espinosa, Hist. Mex., ii. 523.
[1081] So says Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 130, who names four. Cortés allows
only two killed and twenty wounded; how many fatally so, he carefully omits to
mention. Cartas, 194.
[1082] Twenty fell, says Bernal Diaz. He speaks of two futile attempts on the
previous evening to scale the central hill. It seems unlikely for soldiers, tired by
repulse and march, to undertake so difficult a feat, and that at the least assailable
point.
[1083] Yet Bernal Diaz relates a story to show that the order was a mere pretence.
[1085] Some write Xilotepec. Bernal Diaz mentions Tepoxtlan, which may have
been visited by a detachment.
[1086] Place of the Eagle. Corrupted into the present Cuernavaca, which
singularly enough means cow’s horn.
[1088] Cortés was so captivated by the alluring clime and scenery that he made
the town his favorite residence in later years. It was included in the domains
granted to him, and descended to his heirs. Madame Calderon speaks of his
ruined palace and church. Life in Mexico, ii. 50.
[1089] Ixtlilxochitl, Hist. Chich., 311. Brasseur de Bourbourg calls him Yaomahuitl.