supplying the home consumption there remained in 1803 only 125,000 quintals for export. The restriction on the sale of liquors made from maguey was applied also to those manufactured from sugar, the most common of which was generally known as guardiente. The prohibitions could not, however, be effectually carried out, and when investigation had revealed the comparatively limited consumption of the article introduced from Spain, its free manufacture was allowed in 1796 under certain regulations.[1]
Of European cereals only wheat was raised to any extent,[2] and although in different parts of the cordillera the climate was extremely propitious, the want of moisture, which could be supplied only by irrigation, would frequently check its cultivation. This defect was at an early time recognized by the crown, and in 1612 an order was issued that no cattle should be allowed on irrigated land suitable for raising wheat.[3] Notwithstanding this drawback the yield exceeded the average returns obtained in Europe, being in some instances as high as seventy or eighty fold.[4]
One of the different kinds, cultivated chiefly in the neighborhood of Puebla and called trigo blanquillo,[5] was remarkable for its abundant yield. For some unknown reason the medical board declared it to be injurious to the health, and a decree of the viceroy and audiencia, of May 4, 1677, ordered the consumption of the stock on hand within a limited time, and forbade its cultivation under severe penalties.[6] During several years the order was in force, but when a famine
- ↑ The viceroy's edict was of December 9, 1796, Disposiciones Varias, i. 102, iii. 84-96; Cedulario, MS., iii. 169-76. Cédulas bearing on the prohibition had been issued August 6, 1747, July 15, 1749, and March 24, 1753. Ordenes de la Corona, MS., i. 45-50; Reales Cédulas, MS., ii. 223-4.
- ↑ For an account of its introduction, see Hist. Mex., ii. 132-3, this series.
- ↑ In 1624 the law was repealed. Recop. de Ind., ii. 42. Other laws also fostering the cultivation of wheat are given in Cedulario, MS., iii. 63; Intendentes. Real Ordenanza, 73-4.
- ↑ The average yield in New Spain was 25 to 30 fold. Humboldt, Essai Pol., ii. 385-6.
- ↑ Literally meaning white wheat.
- ↑ Montemayor, Autos, 60-1; Sigüenza y Góngora, Carta, MS., 38.
