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pected that in now laying before the public a revised Selection from his works, some alteration in those parts relating particularly to the effects of the Government should have been made: but upon consideration this was not deemed advisable; the reader will therefore bear in mind that the descriptions relate to a former period, and not to the present one.

A writer in one of our newspapers has commented on the extraordinary spectacle of a vast country, teeming with the precious metals, applying to the inhabitants of a northern island, comparatively barren in native wealth, for assistance in the extraction of its treasures. It is, indeed, a striking proof that the richest gifts of nature are useless without the industry and intelligence requisite to bring them into action, and that such industry and intelligence are only to be looked for where property is secure and rational liberty is enjoyed.

year 1819, I had occasion, again, about the to consider some circumstances connected with the Mexican mines, owing to the intention of a respectable house in London to send out

a steam-engine to be employed in one of them. A number of interesting papers were then submitted to me, some of them warranted by the name of Don Fausto d'Elhuar, formerly President of the College of Mines at Mexico, and now resident at Madrid. My opinion of the benefits to be expected from such undertakings was much confirmed, and I saw a disposition to favour them on the part of the resident proprietors. I then advised the necessary measures to be taken: an engine was constructed and sent out, accompanied by a miner from Cornwall, Robert Phillips; and this was, I believe, the first equipment of the kind that reached this part of Spanish America. Owing to several circumstances, the engine was not sent to the mine it was intended for, and considerable delay occurred before it reached the place of its ulterior destination; but it is now erected in the mine of Conception in the Real Catorce. I had lately a letter from Phillips, who was in good health and spirits; and the undertaking, as far as I can learn, is likely to be a very successful one.

At the present moment the difficulties I

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have alluded to arising from the policy of the former Spanish Government are removed, and it seems probable that the New Government, whatever form it may assume, will follow the direction of its own interests and of the wishes of the people, and will give encouragement to The proforeign aid in working the mines. perty in them, like that of mines in England, is private; the contracts are therefore made with individuals, many of whom have considerable influence; the State only interferes in taking a duty on the metals when exported, which has lately been lowered with respect to 6 cent. per silver from 294 per cent. to

Various commercial establishments from this country have been made of late in Mexico, and English gentlemen are resident there; a channel of communication has thus been opened, through which negotiations with England have been carried on for grants or shares in some of the principal mines, and abun dant capital has been raised to work them with effect.

The first Company seems to have originated with a proposal from Don Lucas Alaman, a

leading minister in the Mexican Government. It was first promulgated in Paris, under the title of the Franco-Mexican Company;"

but not succeeding there, it was transferred hither, and after some time, and some alteration in the original plan, is now established under the name of the United Mexican Association, with a capital of 240,000l. in 600 shares of 40%. each. The object of this Company is said to be principally to purchase ores and smelt and refine them; it also, according to the prospectus, meditates the working mines, but it does not appear to have yet actually engaged any.

I should think the establishment of a Company to purchase ores of the smaller mines, and to refine them upon a well-conducted system, a promising undertaking; but as I am unacquainted with the details of the plan, I of course refrain from giving any further opinion.

The Company next established is called the "Anglo-Mexican Association," which having actually contracted for some of the

most extensive and productive concerns, has raised a proportionate capital by a subscription of one million in 10,000 shares of 1007. each. This Company has done me the honour to consult me on its arrangements; it is governed by twelve Directors of great respectability, and the preparations are in considerable forwardness. The mines undertaken by this association are principally in the Real of Guanaxuato, concerning which a great deal of information will be found in the following pages. Its situation, north-west of the city of Mexico, will be seen by a reference to the map.

The great mine of Valenciana is in this district; of this M. de Humboldt speaks frequently, and ample details as to its produce and other circumstances will be laid before the reader. It is situated upon a lode, or vein, which has been extensively worked, and upon which the Company has other mines, called Tepeyac, Rayas, Cuta and Serena; it has also one which seems to be in another lode, called La Luz, at no great distance: they are negotiating for other mines, which will complete