SPANISH DOMINIONS IN NORTH
AMERICA.

THE whole of the southern part of the continent belongs to the crown of Spain, which conquered it soon after the discovery of the New World. The destruction of the native empire of Mexico, with its numerous people, was one of the vaunted exploits of Spanish valour exerted against naked savages. The poor remnant is now the subjects, or rather the slaves, of Spain, which has colonized these countries, and established in them its civil and religious forms of government.

The boundaries of this country are the isthmus of Darien to the south, the Pacific ocean to the west, and the gulf of Mexico to the east. The northern limits are contested; for, whilst the English would restrict them on the western coast to a port a little to the north of Monterey, about N. latitude 38°, the Spaniards claim almost the whole of that side of the continent; and disputes have arisen between the two nations concerning the right of forming trading factories at Nootka, in latitude 50°. The boundaries on the Louisianian border are probably not exactly fixed, as they run in tracts as yet occupied by the natives, and beyond all European settlements. East and West Florida are now cut off from contiguity with the rest of the Spanish dominions, in consequence of the possession of Louisiana by the United States; and it is probable that at no distant period they may cease to be a part of them.

The Spanish territories in North America may be reckoned to extend in a direction from north-west to south-east from N. latitude 39° 30' to 7° 30'. Their breadth is very disproportionate to their length. Suddenly contracting from the northern shore of the gulf of Mexico, the land rapidly, but unequally, diminishes to a mere neck at the isthmus of Darien. In respect to climate, a great part lies within the tropics, and of con

sequence feels the extreme of solar heat; and even the northern portion is parallel to the most southern of the United States. Heavy rains prevail during several months of the year; storms and lightning are frequent, and earthquakes not uncommon. The sea-coast is generally hot, moist, and unhealthy, but the internal parts often enjoy a mild temperature and salubrious air.

The face of country, in a general view, may be considered as mountainous. In the north the whole peninsula of California is divided by a ridge of hills; and branches descend from the great chain of the Stony Mountains, which overspread the province of New Mexico and the country commonly called New Spain, and terminate to the north of the lake of Nicaragua. Some of these present very lofty summits, covered with perpetual snow; and many volcanoes occur, the causes or concomitants of the frequent earthquakes.

Of the rivers that which claims pre-eminence for length of course is the Rio Brava or del Norte, of which the sources are not explored. It takes its way south-eastward through New Mexico and Leon, and reaches the gulf of Mexico about the 26th degree of N. latitude. To the east of it, the Rio Colorado, which flows in the same direction, is a considerable stream. A large river to which the same appellation is given by some geographers enters the upper end of the gulf of California. After the continent begins to contract sufficient space is not left for rivers of a long course; but many streams descend from the hills on each side to the two seas.

Of the lakes the principal is that of Nicaragua, about 170 miles in length and 80 in breadth. It has an outlet to the gulf of Mexico; and, being situated where the two seas make a near approach, goes far to effect a communication between them. The lake of Mexico, though not very extensive, is famous for its connexion with the capital city of Mexico. To the west of it is the lake of Chapala, which is larger.

The natural riches of this country have not yet been investigated with scientific ardour and accuracy: some of its vegetable products, however, are well known by their value in commerce and the arts. Of these are the logwood and mahogany,

of which whole forests cover the shores of Honduras and Campeachy; the guaiacum, sassafras, jalap, and balsams of tolu and copaiva, all articles of the materia medica; the species of cactus, or Indian fig, on which the cochineal insect delights to feed; the fine indigo of Guatimala, vanilla, and the chocolatenut. Many quadrupeds and birds have been added to the naturalist's catalogue from New Spain, but they are such as have little influence upon human economy.

The mineral wealth of this region is scarcely surpassed by that of any part of the globe. The precious metals are found in almost all its provinces, from California to the isthmus of Darien ; and the crown of Spain derives a great revenue from its Mexican mines. In the northern province of Sonora discovery was made in 1771 of a plain in which great quantities of gold in lumps were mingled with the soil at a small distance from the surface. Copper abounds in the vicinity of the city of Mexico, and tin is enumerated among its metals. Valuable stones and gems are also met with in various districts.

When this part of the world was first discovered by Europeans a monarchy was found established at Mexico, with a state of society much more approaching to civilization than that of the hunter tribes of North America. The kingdom or empire of Mexico was of considerable extent, full of people, and formidable to all its neighbours. Its capital, seated in a lake, to which access was given only by narrow causeways, was large, fortified, and contained edifices of a rude magnificence. The Mexicans spoke a language different from any other known in the New World, and had many peculiarities of manners and The government was despotic and severe; the religion horrid and bloody in a singular degree, enjoining such a profusion of human sacrifices as tended materially to diminish the population. The government was overthrown by the celebrated Cortes, after a prodigious loss of lives, and with many circumstances of cruelty; and the Spanish dominion was,established in every part to which the military adventurers of that nation were able to penetrate. The Spaniards are still, however, a small number compared to the extent of the country possessed by them, and to the relics of the original inhabitants.

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customs.

The government of these provinces is administered by the viceroy of Mexico, an officer of high rank and power, whose court is formed upon the model of regal splendour. Lately, indeed, a new and independent government, but of inferior dignity, has been formed of California and some of the adjacent districts. The Roman catholic religion prevails over the whole with all its superstition, pomp, and intolerance, and the burden of its monastic institutions. Little attention has hitherto been given to improve the natural advantages of the country in any other point than the working of mines, a consequence almost inseparable from abundance of the precious metals, and which has rendered the rich Spanish colonies of less benefit to the mother country than to the nations whose industry is paid by their produce.

The population of these provinces has been reckoned at six or seven millions under the dominion of Spain. There must, however, be many native tribes still in a state of independence. The fine peninsula of California was scarcely known till lately, except to the Jesuits, who had established missions in it; and the districts in the northern parts, from their vicinity to the American wilderness, must be held in very precarious subjec tion.

The capital, Mexico, on the site of the ancient city of that name, is reckoned the principal place in all Spanish America. It is regularly planned and well built, with a great number of churches and religious houses, profusely decorated, and various ample establishments for the encouragement of science and the arts. The viceroy's palace and the mint are the most spacious edifices. The inhabitants are reckoned at 150000 (another account says 200000) of whom about one third is of Spanish blood. These are magnificent in their apparel, and luxurious in their mode of living; and few cities display a greater show both of opulence and poverty. Though an inland town, Mexico is the centre of a vast commerce, by means of the ports connected with it on the two seas. A remarkable singularity attending this city is the floating islands on the lake, artificially formed of intertwisted willows and other aquatics covered with earth, and cultivated as gardens: they are moved

from place to place on occasion, and supply the markets with flowers and vegetables.

Guatimala, a considerable place, was totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 ; but a new town has been erected near the same spot, and is in a flourishing condition. Acapulco, a port on the Pacific ocean, has long been famous for its commerce with the Philippine islands, and with Peru and Chili, and for its annual fair, frequented by merchants from all Spanish America. It is extremely unhealthy, and, except at the time of its fairs, is deserted by all the opulent inhabitants. Vera Cruz is the principal port on the opposite sea, and carries on the traffic between New Spain and Europe. It is likewise unhealthy, and is inhabited only by people of business. There are several other towns of considerable population in these provinces, but they are little visited by strangers.

The chief articles of export from New Spain are gold, silver, and precious stones, chocolate, cochineal, indigo, dying and cabinet woods, and some silk and cotton. It has few manufactures, and depends upon Europe for most articles of luxury and convenience.