produce, the most ordinary manufactures being introduced from the neighbouring towns of the Băxīŏ. The Pueblos have now so little to give in exchange for these supplies, that the Alcavalas (or excise upon home-made goods) yield little or nothing. A contribucion directa, calculated at two reals a-head, has never yet produced 20,000 dollars; and even for tobacco the demand is very trifling. The tithes, one moiety of which belongs to the State, formerly produced 500,000 dollars; they now yield only 200,000 dollars; nor is there any immediate prospect of an increase, as their falling off is attributed not only to the depressed state of the agricultural interests, but to the dissemination of ideas unfavourable to the rights of the Church, which are gaining ground every day.
The only mines now in activity in Michoacan are those of Tlălpŭjāhuă, Ozūmătlān, and Angangeo. There are many other districts said to be rich in the Sierra Madre, and the mines of Huĕtāmŏ, amongst others, have excited the attention of some of our Companies; but it does not appear that their value is sufficient to compensate for the disadvantages of a scanty population, and a very unhealthy climate. The whole Western declivity of the Sierra Madre comprehended within the province of Michoacan is remarkable for its insalubrity. Agues of the most dangerous kind prevail there during a great part of the year, and the inhabitants are afflicted not only with wens, (as in parts of Sonora,) but with
