By 1882 they had produced $60,000,000 of precious metals.
Mining for the precious metals ceased at a very early date, after rich discoveries were made on the continent.
It is worthy of observation, that Brazil was the first colony founded in America upon an agricultural principle, for until then the precious metals were the exclusive attraction.
He saw that the amount of money in circulation did not constitute the wealth of the community, and that the prohibition of the export of the precious metals was rendered inoperative by the necessities of trade.
They used these precious metals in decorations and as ornaments, but apparently attached no great value to them.
