102 CHARACTER OF EXPORTS SILVER EXPORTED. 



Genoa and Bordeaux furnish Paper; — Glassware, window 

 glass and looking glasses are imported from the United States, 

 England and France, but the finer kinds are exceedingly rare and 

 costly, in consequence of the risk of transportation through the 

 country by the present imperfect modes of carriage over bad roads. 

 Iron ware, of all kinds, and iron machinery for manufacturing or 

 mining purposes, are imported from the United States, England, 

 France, Germany and Spain. 



Quicksilver, one of the most important articles for the miners, 

 is brought in French and Italian ships from Idria and Almaden. 

 Wine, Brandy and Gin are consumed from France, Germany, 

 Spain, Portugal and Holland ; while fine liqueurs are largely im- 

 ported from France and the Dutch West Indies. 



Cacao is imported from several of the Southern American na- 

 tions ; — Oil from France, Gibraltar and Genoa ; — and Wax, of 

 which about 700,000 dollars worth is annually consumed, is re- 

 ceived from the United States or Cuba. Salted and dried Fish or 

 Flesh is chiefly monopolized by our traders. 



The principal Exports from Mexico have always been and still 

 are, Cochineal, and the Precious Metals in bars and coined. 

 Of the latter of these native products it is estimated by reliable au- 

 thorties that one half is remitted to England and that the balance is 

 divided between the United States and the continental states of 

 Europe. The greater portion of silver is exported from Tampico, 

 which is the nearest vent for the mineral wealth of Guanajuato, 

 Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and the principal mining districts of 

 northern Mexico. Large sums are also sent from Vera Cruz and 

 from Mazatlan on the western coast, as will be seen by reference 

 to our tabular statement of the value of exports. In 1845, before 

 the war with the United States broke out, and when Mexican trade 

 was in its ordinary condition, ten millions nine hundred and thirty- 

 two thousand four hundred and sixteen dollars worth of the pre- 

 cious metals, coined and uncoined, left these several ports through 

 the regular channels. But as we have no means of exactly esti- 

 mating the contraband exportation, which is very large, we may 

 safely calculate that at least five millions more found their way 

 clandestinely to Europe and the United States. Of the regular 

 and lawful exportation, eight millions seven hundred and thirty- 

 nine thousand two hundred and twenty dollars were coined ; two 

 millions one hundred and eighty-three thousand four hundred and 

 fifty, in uncoined gold and silver ; and nine thousand seven hundred 

 and forty-five, in wrought silver and gold. 



