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48 Mines, (denominated the Real Tribunal General del importante cuerpo de Mineria de Nueva España,) which was followed by the publication of a new Code of laws, (called Las Ordonanzas de Mineria,) and by the creation of Thirty-seven Provincial Councils, or Mining Deputations, (Diputaciones de Mineria,) each exercising a jurisdiction independent of the civil authority, in all mining cases, in the District assigned to it, with an appeal to the Supreme Tribunal, which resided in the Capital.

The Provincial Deputations were composed of deputies, chosen annually, by the Mining proprietors of each District; and these again deputed two members of their own body to reside in the Capital, who, with a Director, appointed by the Government, an Assessor, two Fiscals, and a Civil Judge, constituted the Supreme Tribunal. A College was added to this extensive establishment; and the King assigned, for the support of the whole, one Real de plata upon each Marc of Silver coined, to be deducted from the duty of Seigneurage, which had before been paid to the Crown.

A part of this revenue was destined to cover the salaries of the Supreme Tribunal, (which did not, however, exceed 25,000 dollars in all,) while the remainder defrayed the expenses of the College, and furnished a Capital, out of which advances, (Avios) were made, at the discretion of the Tribunal, to Mining Proprietors, who required funds in order to complete their works. These advances were