The effort of the marquis to improve the mode of manufacturing iron was thus rendered abortive.

Labor and subsistence are, however, so very cheap that almost any amount of work can be executed, at a cost that renders expensive establishments unnecessary.
A party of native miners and smiths is still kept in the employment of the government, who, working the rich black magnetic iron ore, produce for the government from 480 to 500 bars of good malleable iron every month.

They are supported by the appropriation of a few thousands of a small fresh-water fish, called "Cacusu", a portion of the tax levied upon the fishermen of the Coanza.

This fish is so much relished in the country that those who do not wish to eat them can easily convert them into money.

The commandant of the district of Massangano, for instance, has a right to a dish of three hundred every morning, as part of his salary.