CHAP. XXV. CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



On the production of gold and silver from the end of the year 1 

 1809 to the end of 1829. 



WE are now arrived at a period when a great 

 and sudden change took place in the production of 

 the mines of gold and silver. After a space of 

 more than three centuries, during the whole of 

 which there had been a constant increase of the 

 quantities obtained, and each succeeding decennial 

 period yielding a larger portion than the similar 

 number of years that preceded it, the whole of the 

 mines in every part of the western continent de- 

 clined greatly in their produce ; and though they 

 have in some measure been restored, it has been 

 by slow degrees, and they are yet very far from 

 having approached the copious produce which they 

 yielded before their general abruption from Eu- 

 ropean government. 



As Mexico is that division of America which Mexico, 

 contains the largest population, and yields the 

 greatest portion of the precious metals, it naturally 

 claims our first attention. No contrast can be 

 greater than is exhibited during the three centuries 

 which preceded its convulsions, and the twenty 

 years which have passed since their commencement. 



The troubles of Mexico began with the first 



VOL. II. Q, 



