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Production and Industry

Mexico has been estimated to contain 479 square leagues of forest, 18,134 square leagues of mountain-land, and 4,822 square leagues of uncultivated land. The climate and soil are fitted for very varied produce, but, as regards crops usually grown in cold countries, agriculture is in Mexico in a very primitive condition. Provision is made for the sale and occupation of public lands by a law of July 22, 1863. To promote colonization, the Government, during the years 1881-88, caused demarcation to be made of lands to the extent of 36,578,780 hectares, mainly in favor of public companies. From March to September 1891, 1,882,700 hectares were demarcated to companies; and in each case the third part of the area demarcated is ceded to the companies for expenses incurred. To meet the difficulties to which colonists are exposed from the want of a reliable survey, and the consequent trouble and expense of procuring a title to land, commissions of inquiry have been appointed to survey and rectify the demarcation of lands in many of the States. In 1890 there were 18 colonies with populations varying from 37 to 2,294, the total being 6,524. The backward state of agriculture, both as to the implements and methods, has been attributed to the want of sufficient capital on the part of the comparatively few companies and private persons who hold the vast tracts of land. The Government by, disseminating information, by distributing seeds and plants brought from abroad, and by favoring the formation of local mortgage banks, afford encouragement to agricultural enterprise. The chief agricultural products are maize, barley, wheat, beans .