Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/490

472 has been known to amount to two thousand fanegas. When converted into flour in the Count's own mills, the wheat sells at San Luis (sixteen leagues distance) for fourteen and fifteen dollars the Carga, of two fanegas, which are reckoned equivalent to three hundred pounds.

Maize averages usually from two hundred to two hundred and fifty for one; but the price, in ordinary years, seldom rises above twelve reals the fanega.

From five to six thousand arrobas of Chile are likewise produced in the vicinity of the Jărāl. It is worth, in Mexico, six dollars the arroba, while the carriage and alcavala are paid with one.

The great fertility of the valley of the Jărāl is due to the abundant supply of water distributed, apparently with profusion, to every part of the estate, from an immense "presa," constructed sixty years ago by the grandfather of the present Count. The front wall of this "presa" is 2,008 varas in length, and of immense thickness. It intercepts the whole of the water that descends during the rainy season from the surrounding mountains. The basin in which this water is received, though artificial, has, from its size, the appearance of a natural lake. It is surrounded by trees, and is situated about three leagues to the South-west of the house. Part of the road lies, as usual, through uncultivated land, and part through vast fields of maize; but the temperature of the valley formed an agreeable contrast to the cold which we had experienced in crossing the high plains between La Tlăchĭquēră and the Puerto