the country have been improvidently destroyed. Early in the present century attention was called to the serious inroads upon forests, and steps were later taken to prevent the entire denudation of the country by offering inducements to plant trees.[1]
Stock-raising, during the present century, has considerably progressed, and the capabilities of Mexico for the future increase of horned cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs are incalculable.[2] Though cattle and sheep can be reared with advantage in most states of the republic, the plains of the central plateaus are peculiarly adapted to stock-raising. Even Chihuahua with deserts and barren mountain regions would become wonderfully productive of pasturage all the year round by the use of artesian wells.[3]
Horned cattle seem to thrive equally well at all altitudes, but the horse thrives best at an elevation of from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, while sheep are reared principally in the mountains. Special mention must be made of the raising of hogs, which are bred in great numbers all over the country. Indeed, the animal is ubiquitous.[4]
Great encouragement has been given to the development of agriculture by the government during this century. Schools and societies for its promotion have
- ↑ Plantations containing from 50,000 to 100,000 trees were to be made of ash, willow, poplar, eucalyptus, acacias, and other varieties. The cost of the government will be $200,000. Diario, Ofic., 28 Mayo, 1883.
- ↑ In 1860, the total number of stock comprising horned cattle, horses, mules, asses, sheep, and hogs was estimated at 15,172,725, having a value of $75,631,846. Hernandez, Estal. Rep. Mej., 122. The corresponding figures in 1879 were 25,610,000 and $122,000,000, including 4,600,000 goats, at $1 a head, a decrease in the value of horses, and an increase of $2 a head in that of hogs being observable. Busto, ut sup., iii. 422.
- ↑ In the northern states, cattle-stealing on the frontiers and depredations by Indians have been a great drawback to stock-raising. These evils will presently disappear. English companies have already purchased large ranges in Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, and Sonora.
- ↑ In value, hogs far surpass the other classes of domesticated animals. The figures representing the numbers of cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs for the year 1879 are respectively 4,460,030, 2,500,000, 6,800,000, and 6,200,000. The corresponding values are $35,680,000, $25,000,000, $6,800,000, and $43,400,000, cattle being valued at an average of $8 a head; horses at $10; sheep at $1; and hogs at $7. Busto, ut sup., ii. 422.
