Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/232

208 and monopolies; and the former brought to the crown a clear revenue of 4000000 dollars annual. Mexican artisans were said to be remarkably skilful in works of plate and jewellery; and like some of the eastern nations, evinced great taste in imitating carved surfaces and ornaments.

The commerce of Mexico with the mother country was carried on almost entirely through the port of Vera Cruz. In time of peace the annual value of the exports was estimated at about 22,000,000 dollars, and the annual value of the imports at nearly 15,000,000 dollars, thus:—