Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/568

548 silver in the "horno," (furnace,) than in the patio, (amalgamation court,) and the difference, in Mr. Anitua's opinion, is more than sufficient to cover the additional expence. The question has never yet been fairly brought to an issue, as, in the different districts, the choice of the process was usually determined, in the first instance, by the greater or less facility with which the ingredients required in each could be procured. Very rich ores are, however, always smelted; and as those of the Păvĕllōn are remarkable for the quantity of silver which they contain, this circumstance is perhaps sufficient to account for the general preference now given in Sŏmbrĕrētĕ to reduction by fire, although in the neighbouring districts of Zăcătēcăs and Guănăjūātŏ, it is very little in use.