Agricultural Methods

Plans by Gonzalez del Castillo to increase production of Fondo Piadoso haciendas and related fiscal correspondence. Exceptionally detailed accounts of climate, livestock management, irrigation techniques, and labor problems. Includes descriptions of miserable living conditions and personal nature of hacienda laborers and servants, and related problems with low labor output, contraband, servant indebtedness, and degenerating morality. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Concerns dispute between Sagarraga and tribunal de Cuentas over naming of persons to serve in junta to review accounts of haciendas owned by Fondo Piadoso. Sagarraga contends that such appointees need more experience in hacienda operations to produce accurate assessment. Includes list of haciendas with their appraised values. Repetitious and with out much specific detail. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Sagarraga explains to viceroy that high prices for corn feed, due to several years of drought, have forced reduction in heads of livestock at Ibarra. To remedy this, Sagarraga proposes installation of irrigation system to produce corn at Ibarra, along with expansion of livestock herds. Major portion of documents administrative correspondence concerning financing of this project through Fondo Piadoso. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Inventory of livestock (mostly sheep, horses, mules), riding gear, kitchen equipment, and furniture, along with their appraised value. Includes list of debts owed by ranch hands, appraisal of land value, and sworn testimonies that inventory is correct. (A. Tukey, July 1988)

Correspondence of administrative and financial matters consists of documents providing data on qualifications, salaries, appointments, health status and death notice (f. 475) of departmental personnel. Cargos and itineraries for fragata Santiago (Nueva Galicia), Goleta Sonora, Paquebot San Carlos carrying provisions to California. Ff. 471-472 discuss launching of new fragata la Princesa (N.S. del Rosario) and its role in colonization of California. Other documents continue Sonsonate and Realejo transferred to district of Guatemala, status of construction of new Paquebot and tools, supplies (ff. 453-455). Agricultural information on seeds and planting (ff. 451-452). Widow's pensions (f. 462) and salary deductions for payments to wives of officials (ff. 466-467). (J. M. Johnson, October 1988)

Diary of frey Francisco Garces trip of 11 months in exploration and visits with Indian tribes of upper and Lower Colorado. Incredibly rich in detail and observation . These documents list all tribes and respective population estimates of all tribes encountered, customs, agriculture, terrain, water, distances traveled etc. Separate summary sections are entitled. Friends and enemies, peoples ready for catecism, presidios, ways to curb Apache, roads for communications, possibilities for missions, etc. An incredible trip. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Compilation inventories missions, visitas, churches Tarahumara Alta and Baja, Tepejuania, Sonora, by individuals (as noted), including religious paraphernalia, stored crops, population figures, description mission buildings, materials, mention of temporal floodplain agriculture. Conducted 1768-69. (T. Sheridan) (1976)

Arnesto writes asking for three things- 1) that certain poblaciones do not harm the summer pastures of the missions in the Tamaulipas mountains. 2) that sheep should not be removed from their nursery and the shepherds should not be bothered. 3) the Mercedes given by Escandon to the soldiers should be withdrawn. Description of the geography of the area included. (M. Bowman) (1978)

First half a Carta edificante for previous missionary. Second part particularly strong on animal and agricultural activities. (D. Deeds) (1977)

Padre Diaz gives summary of his trip to lands of Yutas and Comanches near Thaos. Also brief description of crops and animals raised by Indians, fighting between Indian groups, locations of French settlements and relations with Indians. (J. Erbe) (1978)