The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1822-08-06

iidS tllI1eFdteu nine uiHefent places where
the waters which flow into the Atlantic
might possibly be connected with those
which flow into The Pacific.
The subject of the geological and other
natural features of New Spain, It's climate
aud meteorological phenomena, would fur
hlsh interesting matter of remark, but the
limits Of this sketch oblige us TO mass them
over. The singular circumstance of the
elevation OF the table land in Mexico, 10
which the greater part of the population is
confined, deserves, however, to be noticed.
One half OF the whole surface of Mexico Is
IN the torrid zone. But, as is well known,
the degree of heat and cold depends not ON
the distance from the pole, but on the ele-
vation above the level of the sea, proximity
TO the sea, and other local circumstances.
Under the operation of these circumsfan-
oes, more than three-ftlhs of those parts of
Mexico, which lie in the torrid zone. have
temperate or cold climate and con-
siderable part of the interior OF the Mexi-
can Vlceroyalty constitutes an immense
PLAN, at an elevation above the sea of six
or eight thousand feet, and in consequences,
IS stranger TO the affective temperament
81 the torrld zone. These immense plains,
which stretch for hundreds of miles in an
unbroken expanse, and at a height equal or
superior to that of the Peak of Teneriiie,
of mount Gents, and mount ST. Gothard,
are of the most singular natural features Of
the country. The neighborhood of the ca
pital is distinguished for still greater pc.
cullarity, in the rise above each other of
tour successive plains, each with its peculiar
climate and productions. The highest is
at an elevation of 8,529 feet above the level
OF the sea; the second at that Off ,459 feet :;
the third at that of 6 ,447 the fourth AT that
OF 3,247. The lower plain is the region of
sugar, the second of cotton, the third of
European grains, and the fourth Of the A.,
gave plantations, the vineyards of the ma
tive Meyicans. The climate of the capital
of Mexico is mild, and the temperature in
winter is that of Naples. In the coolest
season, the mean heat is from S. to 10 de-
grees of Fahrenheit NJ de Humboldt
Justly notices the remarkable advantage
for the progress of national industry, ari-
sing from the height at which nature, in
New Spain, has deposited the precious me-
tails. In Peru, the most considerable sill
yer mines, those ofPotosi, Pasco, and Cho-
ia, are elevated TO near the region Of per-
pctual snow. In working them, men, pro-
visions and cattle must all be brought from
a distance. Cities situated in plains, where
water freezes the whole year round, and
where trees never yegetate, can hardly be
an attractive abode. Nothing can de
termine free man TO abandon the delicious
climate of the valleys, TO insinuatc himself
on the top of the Andes, but the hope of
amassing wealth. But in Mexico, the rich
est seams of silver, those Of GlIanaxflato,
Zacatecas, Tasco, and Real del Monte, are
at moderate elevations of from $500 to
$500 feet. The mines are surrounded by
cultivated fields, towns, and villages the
neighb0ring SUBMITS are crowned with TO-
rests and every thing facilitates the acqui-
siton of this subterraneous wealth.
The population of Mexico is placed in
very favorable point of view, by NJ de Hum
beldt, and one much at variance with the
commonly received notions on the subject
We believe il to be the common opinion,
that this and the other Spanish conquests
IN America, were almost wholly depoplla-
ted, as far as the native race is concerned,
and that an arbitrary government, colonial
oppression, and the unfavorable influence
on the general condition of people of an
abundance OF the precious metals, have
prevented the increase ola new population.
Far otherwise. The native tribes have
been replaced under the projection of the
Spanish government, and at the present
day near three millions of the natives are
found in New Spain, which NJ. de Hum |
boldl is inclined to think equal, or not much
inferior 10 the amount of this population,
on the discovery OF Mexico, and, instead
of diminishing, this race is found TO be on
the increase. The cruel policy ofthe Mia,
Whereby it has been so much wasted IN Pc
I'll, does not here prevail, and the labor Of
the natives in the mines, is perfectNyolun-
tary. The cause of the remarkable con-
trast between the increase of the Mexican
aboriginal population and the rapid decline
OF the same species of population in the U.
States, Is to be sought in the agricultural
habits of the former, and the abundance of
the banana, whose spontaneous growth sup
Plies the greater part of their food while
the subsistence of our North American In
dams, by hunting, naturally causes them to
disappear, as the forests yields to the in
roads of agriculture. In addition to this,
marked contrast exists between the warlike
temper and habits of our native tribes, and
the peaceable disposition of most of the
Mexicans.
No attempt at an enumeration of the in.
habitants of Mexico was made before the
year 1894. 1t vas attempted in that year,
by the vlceroy Reyillagigedo, but it was not
entirely completed, and the population Of
some of the intendencies is given only by
conjecture. M. de Humboldt has given a
table of the population of Mexico, from the
result of this enumeration, preserved in the
vice regal archives. In the corner Of Mr..
Robinson's map is given another table, re-
presenting the population of 1916. On
what documents il is founded we are NOT