Page:Guatimala or the United Provinces of Central America in 1827-8.pdf/219

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214

Tobacco is bought from the grower by the nation, at one real per pound, and on its account is re-sold for interior consumption, at six reals, and for exportation at two reals, delivered at the ports.

The following table shows the produce of sales, the expenses incurred, and the clear profit to the nation for five years.

Years. Produce of Sales. Expenses. Clear Profit.
1815 541,742 0¾ 163,012 3 378,729 5½
1816 570,776 2½ 256,743 4¼ 314,032 6
1817 510,079 2¼ 289,891 1¼ 220,188 1
1818 503,677 3¼ 309,586 0¼ 194,091 3
1819 794,041 2½ 306,635 4¼ 487,405 6¼
Amount, 2,920,316 3¼ 1,325,868 5 1,594,447 5¾
Average Amount. 584,063 265,173 318,889 4¼

Sugar is produced chiefly about Sonzonate and St. Ana. The same papers tell us, “that there have been years when more than three or four thousand quintals, or three or four hundred thousand pounds, have been exported by the port of the South Sea; but in others, nothing.”

All along the western coast, from the bay of Jiquilisco to the port of Acajutla, are to be found almost every species of the Balsam Tree, so that the coast takes its name from the quantities which grow on its borders. As much can be collected as is wished, but this branch of trade is now greatly neglected.