Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/224

Rh the quantity of goods imported has considerably increased is certain, but the overplus has been paid in coin; besides which, the markets are at the present day loaded with British manufactures. So long as civil war rages in those parts of the country where indigo is almost universally cultivated, the produce must be rather on the decrease than otherwise.

A sketch of the principal employment of the inhabitants of each state will show the slight degree of encouragement given to agriculture in the different provinces.

The inhabitants of the state of Guatimala, are employed—1st. As carriers, for which they serve all the other states, in their importations and exportations. 2d. In the production of cochineal, a little indigo, about 500 cargoes of cocoa, and some flour. 3d. In the manufacture of some coarse woollens, of which it is calculated a quantity equal in value to 200,000 dollars is furnished to the other states. Those of San Salvador are almost entirely employed in the cultivation of indigo, cotton, and sugar. Those of Honduras, in the rearing of about 40,000 head of cattle introduced annually into San Salvador and Guatimala, and in the cultivation of tobacco. Those of Nicaragua, in the growth of cocoa, and the breeding of cattle. While those of Costa Rica, scarcely raise more of any article than is requisite for