"One step outside the gate, and we are among the sand-hills that stretch for miles and miles round Vera Cruz"

This quote by Edward Burnett Tylor paints a brilliant photo of the landscape surrounding the city of Vera Cruz. It recommends that the city is surrounded by large sand-hills that go for miles in every instructions. This suggests that the city lies in a desert-like environment, with the sand-hills providing a barrier in between the city and the outdoors world. The quote also suggests that the sand-hills are so expansive that they can be seen from the city gates, indicating that the city is relatively separated from the remainder of the world. This might be interpreted as a metaphor for the city's sense of security and safety, as the sand-hills offer a physical barrier in between the city and any potential risks. Alternatively, it could be viewed as a sign of the city's seclusion, as the sand-hills make it challenging for people to get in or leave the city. In either case, this quote supplies an intriguing insight into the environment surrounding Vera Cruz.