The environs of Montevideo count a great many important
establishments dedicated to the commerce of plants, ornamental and
fruit trees, all of the most valuable kinds.
Animals.
The native animal reign counts thirty-nine families; among them we
find the deer, the buck, the otter, the _carpincho_ and many others,
the skins of which are exported.
There are more than 500 species of birds, among them the ostrich, the
white stork, the wood turkey, the swan, the water duck, the heath
cock, the moor cock, the partridge, the wood pigeon, etc. Among the
singing birds the varieties are innumerable. Among the fowl, they
bring up all kinds of hens, the duck, the goose, the pigeon, the
turkey, etc.
There are fourteen species of shells, and seven among the crustaceous.
As for fishes, there are to be found numerous and rich varieties of
salt and fresh water ones. Large quantities of the first class are
taken over to Buenos Ayres every day by the steamers. Pisiculture
is destined to have a great development here. An important fishery
is already established on the coasts of Maldonado. The bringing up
of salmon has already been tried. The only things wanting still are
money and technical directions for the reproduction of the richest
kinds of fishes, so as to supply with great advantage the Montevideo
and Buenos Ayres markets.
The principal industry in the country is the cattle and
horse-breeding, which, as will further on be seen, produces in a
prodigious way. This industry was introduced into the country in the
time of the conquest by the Spaniards.
Actually they improve and refine the cattle and horses by the
crossing with the pure blood animals which continually come from
Europe and the Argentine Republic. Already there exist important
establishments with thoroughly pure blood animals born in the
country, having already begun the wholesale of oxen and cows for
consumption, and of horses for races and coach. The sheep are now a
great deal finer. The improvement began in the year 1832, with two
Negretti and Rambouillet rams, and this is the reason why the wool,
for its good quality, is so much valued in European markets. Besides
the merino sheep, a great many other races have been introduced, and
among them some of very good flesh, like the Southdowns, of which
there are already numerous herds.
Division of the Territory--Situation of the Departments--Centre of
Population.
The territory is divided into nineteen departments. The superficial
area of each of them is as follows:
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