278 BOGOTA'. 



> The produce of the soil is about eight mil- 

 lions of dollars annually in vegetables, fruit, 

 and grain ; besides eight millions in export, 

 and two millions in merchandize, making a 

 total of eighteen million dollars. The duty 

 on imports is eighteen per cent., and twelve 

 per cent, on exports. This gives nearly 

 eight million dollars per annum under the 

 Spanish government, but does not now pro- 

 duce two-thirds of that sum, in consequence 

 of the great contraband trade and the pecu- 

 lations of the collectors. The custom-house 

 officers are badly paid, and in consequence 

 easily bribed; it would certainly be much 

 to the interest of the government to give 

 them a salary which would set them above 

 corruption ; whereas their present stipend 

 not sufficing for their support, they are 

 compelled to increase it in the best way 

 they can. The Alcabalas were suppressed 

 by the law of the 3d of October, on the 



