Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/92

68 and fifty-two quintals, twenty-five pounds, and two ounces of mercury were extracted, and lodged in the royal magazines. This amount being divided among the aforesaid two hundred and nineteen years, will give to each of them an average product of four thousand seven hundred and fifty quintals, twenty-nine pounds, and five ounces.

Under the head of charges and disbursements, eight millions two hundred and eighty thousand six hundred piastres were expended on the mine, and on the processes for the extraction, fusion, &c. of the ores, between the years 1571 and 1748. From the last date to the end of the year 1789, it appears, by the entries made in the royal books, that there has been an expenditure of the gross sum of two millions three hundred and four thousand two hundred and forty-five piastres, and four reals. The total amount of ten millions five hundred and eighty-seven thousand eight hundred and forty-five piastres four reals, being divided among the two hundred and nineteen years, will allow to each of them a sum of expenditure equal to forty-eight thousand three hundred and forty-six piastres, two reals and a half.

The price of quicksilver has been subject to many variations. In the year 1786, this metal produced sixty piastres per quintal; and rose gradually to seventy- three, which was its current value at the commencement of 1791. There have been times when it has been still dearer, and other moments when it has even brought less than the former of the above prices, ing