CHAPTER XXV

INDUSTRIES AND NATURAL WEALTH (_continued_) 286

Minerals--Past obstacles to the proper working of mines--Gold--Auriferous prospects--Situation of the goldfields of Uruguay--Past and present workings of the mines--Influence of politics on labour--The Corrales mine--Manganese--Districts in which iron ore is met with--Mineral centres--Minas--Maldonado--Silver-- Copper--Marble--Gypsum--Slate--Sulphur--Asbestos--Precious stones--Diamonds and rubies--Jasper--Agate--The amethyst and topaz--The water-stone--A peculiarity of Uruguay-- Viticulture--Date of the introduction of the vine-- Vicissitudes at the start--Consequent rapid progress-- Vineyard area of the present day--The introduction of suitable plants--Countries of origin--Production of grapes and wine--Departments most suitable to the industry--The seal-fisheries--Originally carried on by the Indians--Habits of the seals--Development of the industry--Government grants--Conditions and concessions--Number of skins obtained since 1873-- Islands inhabited by the seals--Method of killing and curing--Waste of seal life--Suggestions for the improvement of the industry--Scientific measures necessary--A diplomatic incident in connection with the seal-fisheries.