Aztecs, whom they are said to have followed in their emigration from the North. Their capital was situated upon the banks of the Lake of Pātzqŭarŏ, called by them Tzinzunzan, from the number of humming birds (Tzinzun) in its vicinity, with the feathers of which the statues of their gods were adorned.[1] Driven into the mountains by the persecutions of their conquerors, the Indians led a wild and barbarous life, until they were reclaimed by the exertions of Vasco de Quiroga, first Bishop of Valladolid, who devoted thirty years of his life to the mitigation of the evils, which the ambition of his countrymen had brought upon the aboriginal race. The Bishopric was created in 1536, and held by Quiroga until 1565, during which time the valleys were once more filled with inhabitants, and the natives distributed into villages, where they have continued ever since to cultivate the lands assigned to them by their protector; and, in some instances, to exercise the trades, in which he caused them to be instructed.
The registered population of the State in 1822, was 365,080 souls. It may be calculated at 450,000 at the present day, adding one-sixth for omissions, and making some additional allowance for the inhabitants who have returned to their homes
- ↑ The Indians of Patzquaro are still famous for this art. They compose figures of saints with the feathers of the Colibri, which are remarkable both for the delicacy of the execution, and the brilliancy of the colours.
