Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/360

344 the height of 11,019 feet. The socabon, or adit of the Mine, (commenced in 1780, and concluded in 1794, at an expence of 90,000 dollars,) lies 753 feet below the village. It is 966 varas in length, but, from some miscalculation in the measurements, it did not enter the Mine below the lowest levels, and is consequently of little use at present.

The creation of a populous village in such a spot as that upon which the Pueblo of the Dŏctōr stands, is a proof of the influence which the Mines, when successful, always exercise upon the population. The whole surrounding country is now settled, and should the vein, upon examination, be found sufficiently accessible to induce the Catorce Company to continue its operations there, a few months will ensure them an abundant supply of all the necessaries of life. The district contains a number of metalliferous lodes, by which the Indians, not employed in agriculture, have gained a subsistence during the last twenty years; and although none of them have been explored to any extent, they present sufficient indications of richness to render a more minute examination of them expedient. The Haciendas formerly belonging to the mine are situated at Măcŏnī, (four leagues to the South-west,) where there is water in abundance; and at three leagues North of the Dŏctōr, are the mines of San Crĭstōvăl, which abound in lead ores, and furnish large quantities of liga, or flux, for smelting. Two leagues and a half