The Evils of Cochineal.
Cochineal is a red dye made from the crushed bodies of insects which live on nopal cacti.
During the Spanish period, cochineal was the second most important export from Mexico to Europe after silver. In reading the document, note the structure of indigenous town government. Note how the town elders shape their appeal to the Spanish crown. It is because of this neglect, the cabildo members considered that all the foods are becoming expensive. The owners of cochineal cactus merely buy maize, chiles, etc., and are very occupied only with their cochineal, by which their money, cacao beans, and cloth are acquired.