The pearl fisheries, however, were an exception, and from an early date attracted the attention of the crown and its vassals. A number of laws were issued for their regulation,[1] and for some time they attracted many explorers to the gulf of California; but as this belongs to another division of my work, I shall speak of it elsewhere.[2]
The skill of the natives in certain branches of manufactures created astonishment even among the Spaniards, though they were little inclined to recognize any such ability. No less surprise was caused among the Aztecs by the first examples of European skill in manufactures, not so much on account of their workmanship, as the facility with which they were produced. They immediately discerned the advantages which they could derive from their European masters, and seized eagerly the opportunity, whenever it offered. Instances have already been related, among which may be mentioned the manner in which they contrived to learn the weaving of a certain kind of cloth and the making of saddles.[3] Soon after the conquest such occupations as those of carpenter, bricklayer, shoemaker, and tailor, fell into their hands, and they not only imitated the Spanish artisans, but exhibited some ingenuity as inventors. Occasionally, however, their enterprising spirit would lead them astray. Of this a rather humorous instance has been recorded by an early chronicler, who relates that an Indian tailor on observing in a procession a man dressed in the sambenito, the badge worn by those sentenced by the inquisition, supposed it to be a new kind of garment to be used in church festivals. A few days later he surprised the Spaniards by offering a number for sale, until the laughter which he excited made him aware of his mistake.
