APPENDIX. 



335 



thod of culture, I was informed by reputable persons, that the 

 average crop of wheat is not less than fifty bushels per acre, in 

 good seasons. 



On the subject of religion, especially, the change in the public 

 mind, has been very great. The catholic faith is established, as 

 that of the state; but there are many advocates, both in conversa- 

 tion and in writing, of universal toleration. Some members of 

 congress, are said to be strongly in favor it; but the ignorant and 

 superstitious part of the people, together with the regular clergy, 

 would not be satisfied with such a measure, while the liberality 

 prevailing among the better informed classes, is such, as to secure 

 a virtual toleration for the present. Besides, from the circum- 

 stance of there being no sects in the country, such a provision may 

 wait the progress of liberality in public opinion. In fact, the au- 

 man mind has been set free, on all matters of a general abstract 

 nature, although the liberty of the press is circumscribed, in some 

 degree, with respect to strictures on public measures and men, 

 and the established religion; but there is neither inquisition nor 

 previous license. They acknowledge the pope as a spiritual head 

 merely, and do not think him entitled to any authority to inter- 

 fere in their temporal concerns. His bull in favor of the king of 

 Spain, against the colonists, which may be almost regarded as an 

 excommunication, produced little or no sensation. 



The number of monks and nuns, never were very great in Bue- 

 nos Ayres, when compared with other portions of the Spanish do- 

 minions. They have diminished since the revolution. There was 

 at one time, a positive law passed, forbidding any one to become a 

 monk or a nun; but they were obliged to repeal it, and it was af- 

 terwards passed with some modifications. The restrictions sub* 

 stituted, aided by public opinion, have nearly produced the desired 

 effect. Few of the youth of the country, apply themselves to the 

 study of theology, since other occupations much more tempting to 

 their ambition, have been opened to their choice. Formerly, the 

 priesthood was the chief aim of young men of the best families, 

 who were desirous of distinction; as in fact, it constituted almost 

 the only profession to which those who had received a liberal edu- 

 cation, could devote themselves; which will readily account for 

 the circumstance, of so many of the secular clergy directing their 

 attention, at present, exclusively to politics. The regular clergy, 

 who are permitted by the nature of their profession, to take part in 



