Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/635

Rh pasture lands afforded a splendid field for this branch of industry; and soon after the conquest, Cortés made importations from the Antilles, of such domestic animals as did not exist in Mexico. They increased rapidly, and before long vast herds of cattle and horses, almost in a wild state, formed, as they do at the present day, an important feature in the wealth of the country. Fostered by special legislation and placed under the jurisdiction of the alcaldes de la mesta, first appointed by Viceroy Mendoza, the raising of stock, and especially of cattle, soon became a favorite occupation. In earlier times cattle were of little value except for their hides, which formed an important article of export. Later, however, they were turned to better advantage, the hides being manufactured into leather, while the tallow was used for making soap. These industries flourished chiefly in Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Puebla, and Mexico, and being undisturbed by the government, competed successfully with those of Spain.

No comment is needed as to the well known