only again to relapse into its former state, as soon as peace was concluded. The export of raw cotton, though favored by exemption from duties and customs, never acquired any commercial importance,[1] and was inconsiderable compared with that of the United States.
Though at an early date the raising of flax and hemp was encouraged,[2] little progress was made for more than two centuries. In 1777 and later, numerous orders were issued to the viceroys, urging their cultivation and manufacture,[3] and in the same year twelve experts were sent from Spain to give practical instruction. Privileges were also granted to persons willing to engage in this industry;[4] but all efforts were fruitless, despite the large amounts of money spent in experiments, and finally the effort was abandoned.[5]
In addition to the products already mentioned, others were raised in New Spain of less importance, though still of value for domestic or commercial purposes. To the former class belong the manioc, yam, potato, the different kinds of pepper, or chile, a necessary ingredient in the national dish, tortillas de maiz, and manifold varieties of fruit. Of the latter, mention will be made later.
After the Spanish dominion was established, and strange plants and animals introduced, aboriginal occupations were placed more and more in the background. This was apparently the case with the fisheries, a well developed industry among the Aztecs,[6] but little encouraged since the conquest.
- ↑ Amounting only to about 6,000 quintals at the beginning of the present century.
- ↑ Since 1545. Recop. del Ind., ii. 67.
- ↑ From January 12, 1777, till May 9, 1795, ten decrees were issued, all for this purpose. Zamora, Bib. Leg. Ult., iv. 189; Beleña, Recop., i. pt. iii. 219-20.
- ↑ Zamora, Intendentes, Real Ord., 71-2.
- ↑ More than $100,000 had been spent by the crown. See also on this subject, Revilla Gigedo, Instruc., 98-100; Id., Bandos, no. 39; Cancelada, Ruina, 33-4.
- ↑ See Native Races, ii. 352-3, this series.
