maguey as a producer of hennequen and ixtle, it has been estimated that a machine capable of turning out 200 pounds a day, and costing about $500, will yield a net profit of five dollars daily.[1]
The cultivation of sugar-cane, at the opening of the present century, in spite of the restrictive policy of Spain, had advanced so as to admit of an annual exportation of about 125,000 quintals; but during the struggle for independence most of the finest plantations in the districts of Oajaca, Guadalajara, and Michoacan were destroyed, and the industry languished for many years. Nevertheless, the culture of the cane has gradually spread over a large portion of the country.[2] The consumption of liquors, also, made from the sugar-cane is considerable, the annual value of aguardiente alone exceeding two million dollars.[3]
Tobacco, in its different forms of cigars and cigarettes, is another article of general consumption, being used by both sexes. In colonial times, its monopoly formed one of the principal sources of wealth to the government. In May 1829, however, the cultivation and sale of tobacco were declared free, and have practically remained so, notwithstanding temporary at-
- ↑ The production of hennequen is chiefly confined to Campeche and Yucatan, when great quantities are annually exported. It is estimated that the increase in the production of this fibre, during the 10 years ending 1884, was was 400 per cent, and that of ixtle 250 per cent. Mex. Financier, Oct. 25, Nov. 29, 1984, 62-3, 131.
- ↑ In 1861, about 2,816 sq. leagues were under cultivation for the growth of sugar-cane. The fluctuations appear from the following figures: In 1803, the export of sugar from Vera Cruz alone amounted to about $1,500,000; in 1813 to only $19,412; and in 1822, to $150,000. While the exportation has never been of great importance, the home consumption is immense. The aggregate exports for four years, 1872 to 1876, were only about 65,000 quintals, worth $256,000; that for the fiscal year 1977 to 1878 being $276,479. Comparing these figures with the value of the total production estimated in 1861 at $5,200,000, and in 1879 to $8,761,317, an idea of the proportion of home consumption to exportation may be formed. Ward's Mex., i. 66 et seq.; Soc. Mex. Geog., 34 Ep., i. 249-59; v. 50S; Mex., Mem. Fom., 1956, 53; Vera Cruz, Mem., 1872, annex 43; Busto, ut sup., i., Cuad. Agric., no. 30. Though the cane is grown in almost every state, Morelos, Michoacan, and Vera Cruz produce about one half of the total amount.
- ↑ Id., ii. 426. The district of Cuernavaca alone is said to have produced annually 50,000 barrels of aguardiente and the more ordinary chinguirito, Michoacan following with 12,000 barrels.
