Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/445

Rh profits could take place. The drainage was conducted by four mălăcātĕs, (three English and one Mexican,) and had been effected, in three months, to within twenty yards of the bottom of the shaft, at an expence of 84,000 dollars. The buildings connected with the mine had been all brought into a state of complete repair, and as the weekly produce already amounted to three hundred Cargas of ore, the prospects of the Adventurers were thought to be highly favourable. The mine was worked principally by Bŭscōnĕs, (Searchers,) whom the hope of a rich prize, (from the value of the gold in some of the ores,) attracted in great numbers. Each man received in payment one-half of the ores which he had raised; and at the weekly sales it was curious to observe the eagerness with which all strove to attract the attention of the buyers, by putting their best stones in the most advantageous light, and sprinkling them with water, in order to show the metallic particles. The sale is conducted by the "Administrador," or principal Overseer of the mine; and as he moves from heap to heap, the "Rescatadores" make their offer in a whisper, and the name of the highest bidder, with the price paid, is inserted on the list. The ores are immediately taken possession of by the Cārgădōrĕs, (Porters,) by whom each Rēscătădōr is accompanied; and sent down to the Hacienda in the town, where the Buscones receive their money on the following day.

Nothing can be worse than the road to