Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/485

Rh 1802 and 1803 to 1,500,000 dollars annually, was all raised in the Province of Veracruz, by free labour; the slaves imported during that period having borne no proportion to the increase in the produce.

The cultivation of Coffee and Tobacco about Cordova, at the present day, is conducted in a similar manner, nor has it been found difficult to procure a sufficient number of labourers to extend the quantity of land under cultivation, so as to keep pace with the increasing demand. Of the activity displayed throughout the valley of Cūāūtlă, (which, though not a Maritime province, is Tierra Caliente, and consequently resembles the inland parts of Veracruz in climate,) I have spoken largely in Section III., Book I.; nor do I find any reason to vary the opinions, which I have there expressed, respecting the possibility, and even the probability, of great, though gradual improvements.

But these cannot be expected to be of spontaneous growth: they require time, they require exertion, they require capital; and the two last of these again depend, in a great measure, upon the mines, which, by increasing the circulating medium, must give the means, and with the means the inclination to promote those branches of agriculture best calculated to make a fair return for the time and capital employed upon them.

Should that increase in the produce of the mines, to which I confidently look, take place as soon as I have been taught to expect, (vide Book IV.) the