Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/439

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
MEXICO IN 1827
423

1823, the number appeared to be 21,030. Some of the public buildings are fine, particularly the convent of Nuns, called de la Enseñanza. There are a few cotton-spinners and weavers, but the bulk of the population consists of "Lăbrădōrĕs," (agriculturists,) who reside in the town, and have estates near. Of these there are 971 "Vecinos," (heads of families.)

Salamanca contains 485 "Lăbrădōrĕs," and 1,091 "Artesanos," on a population of 15,053 souls. In the district of Ĭrăpŭătŏ there are thirty Haciendas de Campo and sixteen Ranchos; in that of Salamanca, twenty-nine Haciendas and sixty-nine Ranchos; many of which, however, are very small. From Zĕlāyă there are no similar returns.

12th Nov. From Ĭrăpŭătŏ to Guănăjūātŏ eleven leagues.

We commenced our journey late, having been assured that the distance did not exceed seven leagues. After breakfasting at the Rancho of La Călēră, we reached Būrrăs, a village belonging to the Marquis of Rāyăs, seven leagues from Irapuato, and found, to our great surprise, that we had still four leagues to go. The situation of Būrrăs is extremely picturesque. In the middle of a country almost desert, you come suddenly upon the borders of a Bărrāncă, the whole of which is a mass of verdure. Vegetation follows the course of a small stream that runs down the centre of the ravine, and extends for some distance on either side. The effect