population. 89 



POPULATION. 



We have until recently taken a regularly correct census of our 

 population. The first reliable census was made in 1795, under Revil- 

 lagigedo's viceroyalty, the second in 1810 by Don Fernando Navarro 

 y Noriega, the third one was estimated by Mr. Poinsett, United States 

 Minister in Mexico, in 1824, and the others have been taken by the 

 Mexican Government. 



The following is a statement of the general results of our various 

 censuses : 



Years. Inhabitants. 



1795 5,200,000 



1810 6,122,354 



1824 6,500,000 



1839 7,044,140 



1854 7,853,395 



1869 8,743,614 



1878 9,384,193 



1879 9,908,01 1 



1886 10,791,685 



1895 12,570,195 



The population of Mexico appears to be, from our last census, 

 taken in 1895, 12,570,195, which would give 16.38 for each square 

 mile ; but from my personal knowledge of the country, I am quite 

 sure that it is not less than 15,000,000. It is very difficult to take a 

 correct census in Mexico, because there is not the proper machinery 

 in operation for that purpose, and especially because a great many 

 districts are inhabited by Indians, who are impressed with the fear 

 that if they inscribe themselves in the census they will be taxed or 

 drafted into the military service, and they try to avoid registration. 



A great many of our people live in such remote districts that they 

 are practically cut off from communication with other portions of the 

 country, and in fact are almost isolated ; and this constitutes still 

 another difficulty in the way of taking a correct census. These people 

 generally raise everything they need for their living, as well as for 

 their clothing. They also raise their domestic animals, and wear either 

 cotton or woollen clothes, manufactured by the women. The configu- 

 ration of the country, which makes transportation very expensive, to- 

 gether with the very sparse population, has caused their isolation, and 

 this explains why some agricultural products which are very cheap in 

 other countries are very dear in certain districts of Mexico, as prices 

 can be easily controlled, there being no possibility of competition. 

 While sugar, for instance, costs 25 cents per pound in some districts, 

 it can be had in others for one cent. This fact shows also that a year 

 of good crops was often a real misfortune to these districts. 



