Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/374

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358
MEXICO IN 1827

from seventy, to one hundred varas, of virgin ground, the value of which, in an extremely rich vein, may be easily appreciated.

The country about Real del Monte abounds in forests. Several of these are included in the Grant to the Company, which likewise comprehends the farms of Guajalote, Zimbo, and Ĭztūlă. At the last of these it is intended to introduce the English system of husbandry, (with English grass seeds, unknown at present in Mexico,) and oats, lucern, turnips, and clover: a project which cannot fail to be highly interesting to the Agriculturists of New Spain.

These farms are situated between Real del Monte and the Hacienda of Regla, which is likewise ceded to the Company. I visited on the 25th of July this stupendous monument of the magnificence of the old Mexican miners, which may be regarded also as the best proof of the value of their mines. It is situated in a deep ravine, or Barranca, about six leagues to the South-east of Real del Monte; it not having been found possible to obtain a sufficient command of water at a less distance.

The Hacienda is composed of a vast pile of buildings constructed apparently without plan, or regularity, but comprising every thing that a mining establishment can require:—immense vaulted storerooms, for the reception of the ores; twenty-four Arrastres, worked by horizontal water-wheels; a number of furnaces for smelting, and two covered Patios, each of about 200 feet in length, in which the