the use of the Mexican crown, the property of the conquered was respected. The rather loose nature of the suzerainty exercised by Mexico over its dependents made revolt a frequent occurrence, but this was hardly regarded as a drawback, owing to the ceremonial nature of war and its function in providing victims for sacrifice. Tribute was generally paid by a town or district in common, and consisted of local produce and manufactures (Fig. 18). Produce-tribute, which was generally levied at harvest-time, was furnished by the common lands, and stored in magazines in the principal cities. Maize and other grain was contributed in large chests (Fig. 18,l), and cotton (r), cacao (a) and pepper in bales. Of manufactured articles, textiles (s) and ceremonial costumes (m) were the most common, but the tributelists show a great variety. Many of the town-names in these lists cannot now be located, but their geographical position can be roughly assumed from the nature of their contributions. From Soconusco came lip-plugs, cacao, feathers and hides, from Oaxaca province, gold and cochineal (Fig. 18, 4), from the Tlalhuica, paper and pottery. Other forms of tribute were honey (9), lime, wood, salt (g), copal (0), sea-shells (¢), amber (/), rubber, live eagles, copper axes, chalchiuitl beads (¢), turquoise (d), swords, shields (p), and canes filled with perfumes for smoking. Tax-gatherers were received with great ceremony and respect, and the arrival of these officers at the town of Quiauiztlan,in Vera Cruz, is described by Diaz. A special apartment decked with flowers was prepared for them, together with food and chocolate; they arrived dressed in richly embroidered cloaks and loin-cloths, their hair bound up on their heads, each carrying a crooked staff and a bouquet of flowers which he smelled from time to time. The Totonac it is true complained to the Spaniards of the harshness of Mexican rule, probably referring rather to the Aztec demands for sacrificial victims. Tribute on
