Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/598

578 wealth of the Marquis of Bustamante, and from which a mass of solid silver was extracted weighing seventeen arrobas, or 425lbs. The ores of Pastraña were so rich, that the lode was worked by bars, with a point at one end and a chisel at the other, for cutting out the silver. The owner of Pastraña used to bring the ores from the mine with flags flying, and the mules adorned with cloths of all colours. The same man received a reproof from the Bishop of Durango, when he visited Batopilas, for placing bars of silver from the door of his house to the sala, for the Bishop to walk upon.

Buen Suceso was discovered by an Indian, who swam across the river after a great flood. On arriving at the other side, he found the crest of an immense lode laid bare by the force of the water. The greater part of this crest was pure and massive silver, and sparkling in the sun. The whole town of Bătŏpīlăs went to witness this extraordinary sight as soon as the river became fordable. The Indian extracted great wealth from his mine, but on arriving at the depth of three varas, the abundance of the water obliged him to abandon it, and no attempt has been since made to resume the working.

In this district the silver is generally found pure, and unaccompanied by any extraneous substance. The reduction of the ores is consequently easy and simple. When the silver is not found in solid masses, which require to be cut with the chisel, it is generally finely sprinkled through the lode, and often