Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/636

616 of the different breeds of horses in use throughout New Spain. More than three centuries ago those of Arabian stock were usually possessed by the wealthy, while the more common breeds differed but little from those in existence to this day. Mules were largely raised in many districts, and were of course preferred for the transportation of goods and for work in the mining regions. At one time it was intended to introduce camels as beasts of burden, but beyond an experiment which is said to have been successful nothing was done in the matter.

During the eighteenth century sheep-raising was of some importance in the northern and central provinces, owing in part to the increased manufacture of woollen goods. Originally, when introduced by Viceroy Mendoza, this branch was exclusively in the hands of the Spaniards, though the labor, of course, was performed by Indians and mestizos, into whose hands the industry passed in after years. The conduct of the crown in this case differed somewhat from its usual policy. No open prohibitions were issued, but under the pretext of protecting the Indians a number of laws were made, amounting virtually to restrictions. Nevertheless this industry made good progress, having met with more favor on the part of the crown during the eighteenth century, and a