ings, neglected in better times, for others of greater promise, a very considerable quantity of Silver.
This desultory system is still pursued in many parts of the country; and, at Zĭmăpān, Zăcŭālpăn, el Dŏctōr, and many of the Northern Districts, a large population is even now maintained by it.
The Silver thus obtained was sold, in each Real de minas, at from four to six, eight, and twelve reals per marc below the Mint price, to those of the inhabitants who could afford, on such terms, to wait for an opportunity of forwarding it, under convoy, to the nearest Mint, where it was exchanged for dollars. It was called, in its rough state, Plata Piña, or Plata Pasta; and, incredible as it may appear that the value of the precious metals thus brought annually into circulation, should have amounted to Five millions and a half of dollars, there is no other mode, at present, of accounting for by far the largest proportion of the Ten millions of dollars, which, unquestionably, were coined annually, in the different Mints of Mexico, during the Civil War.
One million, indeed, may be deducted from the Coinage of each of the four or five first years of the Revolution, for the plate, which was brought into circulation during that period.
But then, at least, as much must be added, upon the whole fifteen, for unregistered Silver sent out of the country in bars.
