s.

"The first class is principally of tithes and first-fruits, the
product of which was very considerable in times past, when they
included a tenth part of all the first fruits which grew upon the
soil of the republic, and the firstlings of the cattle. But
lately this revenue has much fallen off, since by the law of the
17th of October, 1833, it is no longer obligatory upon the
cultivators to pay this contribution. Nevertheless, there still
are many persons who, for conscientious reasons, or for other
cause, continue to pay this tax, so that it produces a very
considerable sum. This part of the clergy also receive
considerable sums which have been left by devout persons for the
performance of certain annual ceremonies called
_anniversaries_.

"The collegiate church of our Lady of Guadalupe has, in addition
to a monthly lottery, which operates upon a capital of $13,000,
certain properties and other capitals of which the government
takes no account.

"Particular ecclesiastics and chaplains are supported on a
capital generally of $3000, established by certain pious persons
for that object, besides the alms of the faithful, which are
given for a certain number of masses to be applied to objects of
their devotion.

"The support of curates consists of parochial rights, viz.,
fees for baptisms, marriages, funerals, responses, and religious
celebrations (_funcions_) which, in their respective churches,
they command the faithful to make; and, finally, by the profits
which they derive from the sale of _novenas_, medals,
scapularies, ribbons (_madedas_), wax, and other objects which
the parishioners employ.

"The income of convents of monks, besides the alms which they
receive for masses, _funcions_, and funerals, which they
celebrate in the convent churches, consists of the rents of great
properties which they have accumulated in the course of ages.

"The convents of nuns are in like manner supported by the income
of great estates, with the exception of two or three convents
which possess no property, and whose inmates live on charity.

"Besides the incomes named, which pertain to the _personnel_ of
the clergy, there are, in the cathedrals and other parochial
[churches], revenues which aris