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.