Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/125

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MEXICO IN 1827.
111

many instances, invested more profitably, in mines of less celebrity, but easier of access, than some of those which have been selected by the English Companies.

Not one of the German mines is known in England; for Ărēvălŏ, the most important one amongst them, (at Chico,) was discovered after Humboldt's visit to Mexico; yet the Germans, by a judicious selection, made upon the spot, by miners of great experience, and activity, have done more, (in proportion,) in less time, and with a smaller capital, than any of the Foreign Companies established in New Spain.

By the statement of the Directors, it appears that they commenced their operations in the Autumn of 1825; and that, at the end of December 1826, they had drawn from the very small proportion of mines, which they had been able, at that time, to bring into work, a sum nearly equal to one-fourth of the capital employed.

The whole outlay of the Company, including the transport of the directors and officers from Germany, amounted to 637,760 dollars; while the produce was 147,153 dollars: a result sufficiently favourable to render any farther calculations as to the ultimate success of the Company unnecessary. That success, however, will not be so rapid as might be expected, unless the capital of the Association (originally 500,000 dollars) be increased, so as to enable its agents to bring the mines taken up by