ities 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.[1]
During the eighteenth century sheep-raising was of some importance in the northern and central provinces,[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] Nevertheless this industry made good progress, having met with more favor on the part of the crown during the eighteenth century,[5] and a con-
- ↑ Romero, Not. Mich., 245, says the attempt was made in the beginning of this century, but that the animals were killed during the war of independence. A glowing report of the immense benefit their introduction would cause is given in Alzate, Gaceta, ii. 241-7.
- ↑ Arlegui states that in 1736 there were over 1,000,000 sheep raised, and more than 1,500,000 pasturing in Nuevo Leon. Chrón. Zac., 82, 138. Humboldt, however, says that the breeding of sheep was very much neglected in New Spain. Essai Pol., ii. 450.
- ↑ In 1590 Viceroy Luis Velasco the younger took active interest in furthering the manufacture of woollen goods, and established a factory at Tezcuco.
- ↑ Licenses for factories could only be granted by the king through the mediation of viceroy and audiencia. Indians were to be dissuaded from working in the factories, although without their labor they would have to be closed; all laws on the good treatment of the Indians should be most rigidly enforced in manufacturing establishments, Recop. de Ind., ii. 106 et seq.; Reales Cédulas, MS., ii. 81, 84. To favor the industries of Spain raw wool from Mexico was exempted from duties. Intendentes, Real Ord., 73.
- ↑ The second Revilla Gigedo took great interest in these matters, and at-
