Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/325

Rh to the Spaniards. The soil was little adapted to the cultivation of wheat, maize, or even fruit, excepting the Indian fig, the cactus apuntia covering the neighborhood in every direction. Nevertheless its location had many advantages. The climate, though changeable, was healthy, being never excessively hot or cold. In the vicinity variety of temperature favored the cultivation of different agricultural products. Cattle-raising became an important feature at an early day, and besides silver, copper lead and other metals were found in abundance.'

The three or four persons in charge of the treasury, and the corregidor, appointed directly by the king, were the only officials who were paid a salary at