With all this, it is impossible that their numbers should increase or their condition or their lands improve; rather, they are continually deteriorating and dying--as in many districts they are already ruined; and everywhere there is a tendency to this, in the opinion and judgment of all who see and understand their condition.
Twelfth: All this has arisen from two sources.

The first is, as has been already said, that the people are so low, barbarous, poor, ill-favored, rude, ignorant, and unworthy of being mingled with Spanish nobility and valor.

The second is, that the country is so poor, and what wealth it has is so unsubstantial; it has no roots, or anything in which it could take root and become established.

For almost the only wealth of these people has been in the mines and metals, and in their personal belongings, which are not permanent or fixed.

There are no hereditaments or cultivated farms, or crops, or regular supplies; no products of the industry of workmen, and no machinery; no general provision for ordinary use.