chap. xxv. CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES.

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CHAPTER XXV.

On the production of gold and silver from the end of the year.1809 to the end of 1829.

We are now arrived at a period when a greatand sudden change took place in the production ofthe mines of gold and silver. After a space ofmore than three centuries, during the whole ofwhich there had been a constant increase of thequantities obtained, and each succeeding decennialperiod yielding a larger portion than the similarnumber of years that preceded it, the whole of themines in every part of the western continent de-clined greatly in their produce ; and though theyhave in some measure been restored, it has beenby slow degrees, and they are yet very far fromhaving approached the copious produce which theyyielded before their general abruption from Eu-ropean government.

As Mexico is that division of America which Mexico ,contains the largest population, and yields thegreatest portion of the precious metals, it naturallyclaims our first attention. No contrast can begreater than is exhibited during the three centurieswhich preceded its convulsions, and the twentyyears which have passed since their commencement.

The troubles of Mexico began with the first

VOL. II.

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