than 700,000 dollars per annum. The attention of the landed proprietors is already turned to the subject, but much time must elapse before any change can be effected; and as the French have, in the mean time, possession of the market, it is probable that they will find it to be their interest to keep it so well, and so cheaply supplied, that the project of growing wines for home consumption will be abandoned, before the attempt has been seriously made.
CHILE, OR CAPSICUM.
Whole estates are devoted, on the Table-land, to the cultivation of this most powerful stimulant, and few are more productive, as it constitutes one of the necessaries of life with the Indian, and Mestizo, population, and is used in very large quantities at the tables of the Creoles of all ranks. Its pungency is so great, that, amongst the uninitiated, it produces absolute excoriation; but the palate becomes accustomed to it by degrees, and habit renders it indispensable. It is used by the lower classes as a seasoning to the insipid tortilla, and the two together furnish a meal, which they would not exchange for an allowance of meat, and wheaten bread.
In addition to the vegetable productions already enumerated, Mexico possesses the potatoe, which is found in great abundance on every part of the Table-land; the yam, which is confined to Tierra caliente; Tomates, (Tomatl,) with every variety of garden
