Page:Mexico (1829) Volumes 1 and 2.djvu/507

 MEXICO. 467 where the first mines were worked, differs but little from that of Tlascala, Cholula, and Tenochtitlan, where the popula- tion was found to be most concentrated at the time of the Conquest. So little, indeed, are the metalliferous ridges, which have been, hitherto, the seat of the great mining operations of the Spaniards, elevated above the level of the Table-land, that, with the exception of Jesus Maria, (North-west of Chihuahua,) I hardly know one mining district, in the vicinity of which the snow remains long on the ground. Real del • Monte, and Tlalpujahua, are certainly not warm ; and the first is liable to be occasionally enveloped in clouds, as is the district of El Oro, near Zimapan, and many others on the Eastern branch of the Cordillera. But the difference between their level, and that of the Capital, does not exceed 1,500, or 2,000 feet, (as will be seen by a reference to the map of Routes and eleva- tions annexed to this work,) and the cold felt there by visi- tors from the warmer districts, is merely relative ; the ther- mometer seldom falling below 40° of Fahrenheit, except in the nights, which are sometimes severe. This temperature seems well adapted to the constitution of the Indians, who flock to these mountain districts with their families, on the report of any new discovery, and appear to thrive there as well as upon the Table-land. There are particular tribes of Natives, who have been miners from generation to generation, and who lead a roving life, migrating, with their wives and children, from one district to another, as they are attracted by the fame of superior riches. A mine in Bonanza, in whatever part of the country it may be situated, is sure of a sufficient supply of workmen, because the system of payment by Partido, (a share in the ore raised,) which is usually re- sorted to upon such occasions, is always preferred to regidar wages, however high, for dead works. It was by employing liberally this powerful incitement to exertion, that the Old Spaniards found means to create a population in the most 2 H 2