Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/79

Rh growth of the tree, there is reason to suppose that the quantity of oil produced will soon render importation unnecessary. Before 1810, the cultivation of the olive was prohibited, as it was apprehended that it might interfere with the interests of the mother country.

The vine was likewise a forbidden fruit before the Revolution, although the soil of Mexico is so well adapted to it, that it flourishes naturally in Texas, (which is overrun with wild vines,) and has succeeded as far North as Parras, the only spot where, under the old system, wine was allowed to be made, in consequence (I suppose) of the difficulty of supplying it from the Capital. In the centre of the country, vineyards were destroyed wherever an attempt was made to carry the cultivation to any extent.

As late as 1802, a general order to this effect was issued, which was acted upon at Dŏlōrĕs, (the curacy of the first insurgent chief, Hidalgo,) in 1805.

There is little doubt, however, that the vine will flourish, and that wine may be made, in almost every part of Mexico; whatever be its quantity, it cannot well be worse than the coarse Catalonian vintages, with which the country has been hitherto supplied; while on the balance of trade it would have a considerable effect, the sum averaged by wines imported, before the Revolution, being not less