Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/596

576 breeding estates (Haciendas de cria), abounding in mules and horned cattle; but agriculture was in a very depressed state, and the proprietors were looking anxiously to the mines, from which alone they expected a market. Of the mining districts, that of Jesus Maria was alone in a flourishing state; Santa Eulalia being entirely abandoned, and Bătŏpīlăs and the Părrāl but little worked. Some account, however, of these sources of past and future prosperity, may not be uninteresting.

On entering the State of Chihuahua, the first district of any consideration is that of San José del Părrāl, situated upon the Eastern edge of the Sierra Madre, and near the Southern boundary of the State of Chĭhūāhuă, in a level country of easy access. The mines lie amongst some undulating hills, thickly covered with pasture, and of inconsiderable elevation. The lodes are easily distinguished by their rocky crests, which rise above the smooth and rounded surface of the hills. The ores are very abundant, but poor, although from time to time some rich "clavos" have been discovered. This disadvantage is compensated by the trifling expence at which they may be reduced, from the cheapness of the animals employed in the process, and the very abundant supply of grain in the surrounding country. The only article of high price is quicksilver. The salt and magistral are abundant, and cheap; but there is not a sufficient supply of water to move machinery during the whole year, and as the rains are very