220 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



Their tanned leather is very indifferent, 

 though the country produces abundance of 

 fine bark, and skins are cheap. Before I 

 left Mexico two tan yards were preparing by 

 young men, tanners from Europe, with every 

 prospect of success. 



Paper has never yet been made in New 

 Spain, but is always imported from Europe : 

 it is of bad quality, and exorbitantly dear. 

 Perhaps, from linen not being in use among 

 the lower classes, it may be difficult to procure 

 the material for the best paper, otherwise the 

 manufacture of it here would be very ad- 

 vantageous. 



The making of cutlery and hardware, of 

 any kind, is scarcely attempted ; and what is 

 done is wretchedly executed. They must 

 long continue to receive it from Europe ; but 

 our manufacturers should be cautioned as to 

 what they should send, for few table knives, 

 and no steel forks, are used at the houses 



