Mexico

Sources from old books

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome

• MEXICANE, with its several Audiences of
  • MEXICO, whose Provinces, with their chief Places, are those of
    • FLORIDA,
      • St. Hellens,
      • Port Royal,
      • St. Matthews,
      • St. Augustin,
      • St. Jago,
      • Naguater.
    • MEXICO, particularly so called,
      • Mexico,
      • Chulula,
      • Tezcuco,
      • Quitlavaca,
      • Queretaro,
      • Mestitlan,
      • Cuyocan,
      • Acapulco.
    • PANUCO,
      • St. Jago de los Valles,
      • Pabuco,
      • St. Lewis de Tempue.
    • MECHOACAN,
      • Mechoacan,
      • Colima,
      • St. Philip.
    • THASCALA,
      • Thascala,
      • los Angelos.
    • GUAXACA,
      • Antequera,
      • Spiritu Sancto.
    • TABASCO, Nos. Sen. de la Victoria.
    • JUCATAN,
      • Merida,
      • Campeche.
  • GUADALAJABA, whose Provinces, with their chief Places, are those of
    • GUADALAJARA,
      • Guadalajara,
      • St. Maria de las lagos.
    • XALISCO,
      • Compostella,
      • la Purification,
      • Xalisco.
    • CHIAMETLAN, St. Sebastian.
    • CULLACAN,
      • St. Michael,
      • P•ast••.
    • CINALOA, St. John.
    • LOS ZACATECAS,
      • Zacatecas,
      • Nombre de Dios.
    • NEW BISCAY,
      • St. John,
      • St. Barbara.
    • QUIVIRA, St. Fee.
    • ANIAN.
    • CIBOLA, Cibola.
    • CALIFORNIA,
      • Port de Montere.
      • Port de Roque.
  • GUATEMALA, whose Provinces, with their chief Places, are those of
    • GUATEMALA,
      • St. Jago the Guatemala,
      • St. Salvador,
      • la Trinidad,
      • St. Michael,
      • Xeres.
    • VERA PAX, Vera Pax.
    • SOCONUSCO, Guevetlan.
    • CHIAPA, Cuidad Real.
    • HONDURAS,
      • Valadolid,
      • Gratias di Dios,
      • Truxillo,
      • St. George de Olancho.
    • NICARAGUA,
      • Leon,
      • Granada,
      • Jaen.
    • COSTARICA,
      • Cartago,
      • Nicoya,
      • Castro de Austrio.
    • VERAGUA,
      • la Conception,
      • Trinadad,
      • Sancta Feo,
      • Parita.
  • St. DOMINGO; In which are the Isles of ANTILLES, or CAMERCANES, otherwise called the Isles of LUCAYES, and the CARIBE Isles; the chief among which are those of
    • CUBA,
      • St. Jago,
      • St. Spiritus,
      • Porto del Principe,
      • St. Christophoro.
    • JAMAICA,
      • St. Jago,
      • Port Royal,
      • Passage,
      • Melilla.
    • HISPANIOLA,
      • St. Domingo,
      • Porto del la Plat•,
      • St. Jago,
      • Monto Christo.
    • SAONA,
      • St. Juan del puerto Rico,
      • St. Germain.
    • BOREQUEM, St. Juan del Puerto Rico.
    • St. CRUX.
    • St. CHRISTOPHERS,
      • Sandy point,
      • Basse terre.
    • NIEVES.
    • ANTEGO.
    • MONT SERRAT.
    • GUADELOUPE.
    • MARIGALANTE,
    • MARTINIQUE.
    • St. OLOUZIA.
    • BARBADOS,
      • St. Michaels,
      • Little Bristol,
      • St. James,
      • Charles Town.
    • St. VINCENT.
    • GRENADO.
    • BARBADA.
    • ANGUILLA.
    • DOMINICA.

MEXICO, OR New Spain.

MEXICO, or NEW SPAIN, is the fairest and most famous part of America Septentrionalis, and sometimes the Spaniards, comprehended under this name all that America: We may esteem that which belongs to the Catholick King for the greatest part; in which we shall have several Provinces, and all comprised under four Audiences or Courts of Parliament: viz. that of St. Domingo; of Mexico, which bears the particular name of New Spain; of Guadalajara, or Nova Gallicia; and of Guatimala.

• 1.79The Audience of St. DOMINGO hath under it all those Islands which are before the Gulph of Mexico; then Florida which is North-West of them, and in America Septentrionalis; and Venezuela, New Andalousia, and Rio del Hacha, which are towards the South of them, and in America Meridionalis.

• 1.80The Audience of MEXICO hath the Provinces of Mexico, Panuco, Mechoacan, Tlascala, Guaxaca, Tavasco, and Jucatan. That of Panuco is North of Mexico; Meochan, West; Tlascala, East; Guaxaca, Tavasco, and Jucatan, continuing likewise towards the East. The two last lie wholly upon Mer del Nort; Guaxaca, and Tlascala, on the two Seas of North and South; Mexico and Mechoacan only on that of the South, and Panuco on that of the North.

• 1.81The Audience of GƲADALAJARA contains the Provinces of Guadalajara, Xalasco, Los Zacatecas, Chiametlan, Cinaloa: some add New Biscany, and others likewise Cibola, Quivira, Anian, California, &c. New Biscany, and Los Zacatecas, touch not the Sea; Guadalajara, little; to wit, between Xalisco and Chiametlan: and these begin on Mer del Sud. Others advance themselves far into that which they call Mer Vermejo or the Red Sea, the Isle of California being on the other side.

• 1.82The Audience of GƲATIMALA, South-East of that of Mexico, continues between the Seas del Nort and del Sud, advancing towards America Meridionalis.

There are under it the Provinces of Guatimala, Soconusco, Chiapia, Vera Pax, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Castorica: and these two last lie on both Seas; Honduras and Vera Pax on the Gulph of Honduras, towards the Mer del North; Chiapa, within Land; Guatimala, and Soconusco, on the Mer del Sud.

The Audience of MEXICO, so called from its principal City; now known by the name of Nova Hispania; and by this City of Mexico the Spaniards began to make themselves absolute Lords of all these Quarters. Which before their arrival was very populous; but in the space of 16 or 17 years, destroyed above six Millions of its Inhabitants by cruel and unchristian-like deaths, as roasting some, cutting off the Members of others, putting out the Eyes of others, casting others alive to be torn in pieces and devoured by wild Beasts, and the like horrid deaths; and only to act their Tyranny over them, rather than to reduce them to obedience, which might have been otherwise obtained without shedding so much Blood.* 1.83 This City was called by its ancient Inhabitants Tonoxtitlan, and was the residence of their Kings, and is at present the fairest of all America, seated in the midst of a Lake, in some places 10 Leagues long, and 7 or 8 broad, having 25 or 30 Leagues circuit: It is not joyned to the Main Land, but by 3 Caus-waies, of which, that towards the West is but 3 quarters of a League long; that towards the North a League and an a half, and the last, 3 Leagues. It was by this last that Cortez and the Spaniards made their approaches, and took the City. All this Lake is salt; but there falls into it another almost of the same bigness, which is fresh, and good to drink; both together are 45 or 50 Leagues circuit, in which are said to be about 50000 Wherries continually seen to row and carry Passengers; they have about 50 Burgs or Towns on their Banks, whereof some have once been esteemed great Cities: The salt Lake yields quantity of Salt, the other so much Fish, that its Fishing hath been farmed for 100000 Crowns yearly. In this City may be found 4000 Natural Spaniards, 30000 Indians or Americans, (there having heen formerly 200000) 20000 Negroes; and its Jurisdiction contains 250 Towns, of which some have their Schools; more than 3000 (some say 6000). Estancia's, that is, Farms; and in all 500000 Americans Tributaries.* 1.84 It is the residence of the Vice-Roy of America Septentrionalis, as also of an Archbishop, and many other Officers of Justice of the Mint, and of the Inquisition. It hath a famous Academy, 150 Monasteries for the one and the other Sex. It is distinguished (as under its Ancient Kings) into these Quarters, which at present are called that of St. John, of St. Maria the Round, of St. Paul, and of St. Sebastian, and of St. James, formerly Tlatelulco. In this last, which is very great and the fairest, is the Palace of the Vice-Roy, the House of the Archbishop, the Court of Audience, the Mint, and other Offices. In this City of Mexico is a Cathedral Church, which was begun by Cortez with so much haste, that to raise two Columns, for want of Materials they made use of the Stones which had made part of the Statues of the Idols. Here is also a Printing-house, several Houses of Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, and other Religious Orders; some Colledges, abundance of Hospitals, and other publick Buildings; all of great state and beauty. They have here four things which are remarkable for Beauty, viz. their Women, their Apparel, their Horses, and their Streets.

• 1.85Among those places which are, or have been on the two Lakes of Mexico, Chulula is reckoned one of the fairest; scarce excepting that of Mexico, with which it in times past contended as well for state as bigness, once containing near 20000 Houses, and beautified with so many Temples as there are days in the year. The People were said to be so addicted to Idolatries, and so barbarous in their bloody Sacrifices,* 1.86 that it sacrificed yearly no less than 5000 Infants of both Sexes on its Altars before its Idols.* 1.87Tezcuco, once twice as great as Sevil in Spain; its Streets are fair and large, its Houses stately and Beautiful, and adorned with many Conduits and Aquaeducts, which furnished them with fresh Water; though seated on the brinks of the Salt-Lake of Mexico. Quitlavaca,* 1.88 built on divers little Islands like to Venice, was joyned to the Continent by a Caus-way made of Flint-stones of about a League long, but narrow; called by the Spaniards, Venezuela, containing about 2000 Houses. Yztalpalapa,* 1.89 seated part on the Lake and part on the Banks, with a Paved way to Mexico, from which it is distant two Leagues: once a large City, having no less than 10000 well built Houses, which were plentifully supplied with fresh Waters from its many Ponds, as well as its beautiful Fountains. Queretaro hath two Fountains,* 1.90 of which one is so hot, that its Waters at first burn, being cold, fatten Cattle; the other runs four whole years continually, and ceases other four whole years; having likewise this property, that it increases in dry, and diminishes in moist and rainy weather.* 1.91Mestitlan, once of good repute, containing about 30000 Inhabitants, seated on an high Hill, begirt about with pleasant Groves and fertil Plains, which affords excellent Fruits, and very good Grains. Cuyocan, of about 50000 Houses, and Mexicaltzingo of about 4000,* 1.92 both upon the Lake, were in times of Paganism adorned with many beautiful Temples, so rich, that at a distance they seemed to be made of Silver; but now their lustre is decaied, most of them being converted to Monasteries and Religious Houses. Acapulco, a City and Port on Mer del Sud,* 1.93 seated on a safe and capacious Bay, full of convenient places or Docks for Ships to ride in, so that it is said to be the safest Haven of all those Seas; it is distant from Mexico 100 Leagues. The Mexicans keep here some Vessels, and trade to the Philippines, and to China, from whence they are distant 3000 Leagues.

• 1.94The Air of Mexico is sweet and temperate, though scituate under the Torrid Zone, the Heats thereof much qualified by the cooling Blasts, which rise from the Sea on three sides of it, as also by the frequent refreshing Showers, which always falls in June, July, and August, which is their hottest Season of the year: The Soil is so fertil that they gather their Crop twice a year; yet want they good Wine and good Oil by reason of the Summer-Rains.* 1.95 It is believed, that no Country in the World feeds so much Cattle, some private persons having 40000 Oxen or Cows, others 15000 Sheep, &c. and an infinite number of tame Fowl, as Hens, Turkies, &c. whence it comes that Oxen, Sheep, Goats, Hogs, and tame Fowl are hardly worth the buying. Their Horses are excellent, the Race coming from the best of Spain.

• 1.96There are few Mines of Gold, though many of Silver, about Mexico; as those of Comana, Fuchuco, Archichica, Temozcaltepeque, Zacualpa, Tasco, Ymiquilpo, Cu Tepeque, Talpajava, Zumpango, Guanaxuato, and others. And these Mines are not so rich as those of Peru; but easier wrought, and with less expence and loss of Men. The principal Riches of the Country, after their Silver, Gold, Iron and Copper, are their Grains, Fruits, Wool, Cotton, Sugar, Silk, Cocheneel, the grain of Scarlet, Feathers, Honey, Balm, Amber, Salt, Tallow, Hides, Tobacco, Ginger, and divers Medicinal Drugs.* 1.97 The Natives of this Country are more ingenious than the rest of the Savages, and are much civilized since the Spaniards had to do here; they are excellent in many Mechanical Arts, especially in making fine Pictures with the Feathers of their Cincons, which is a little Bird living only on Dew, and place their Colours so well, that the best Painters of Europe admire the delicacy, they far exceeding a piece of Painting. They have some memories of their Histories, make use of certain Characters instead of Letters of our Alphabet; their Tongue was extended so far as they could extend their Dominion, though in divers Provinces there were diversity of Languages: They are excellent in refining of Metals, expert Goldsmiths, and curious in Painting upon Cotton.

• 1.98Among their Rarities of this Country there is a most admirable Plant called Magney, from which they extract several things; it hath on it about 40 kinds of Leaves, which are fit for several uses; for when they are tender they make of them Paper, Flax, Thread, Cordage, Girdles, Shoes, Mats, Mantles, Stuffs, &c. upon them grow Prickles so strong and sharp, that they make use of them instead of Saws, also they serve for Needles. The Bark, if it be roasted, maketh an excellent Plaister for Wounds; from the top Branches comes a kind of Gum, which is a sovereign Antidote against Poyson: from the top of the Tree cometh a Juyce like Syrup, which, if seethed, will become Hony; if purified, Sugar: they make also Wine and Vinegar of it, and it affordeth good Wood to build with.

In this Country are two Mountains, one which vomits flames of Fire like Aetna, and another in the Province of Guaxaca, which sendeth forth two burning streams, the one of black Pitch, and the other of red. The Kings of Mexico were rich and powerful in regard of their Neighbours, having no less than 2 or 3000 Men for their ordinary Guard, and having been able to raise 2 or 300000 Foot; among the 25 or 30 Kings, which were his Tributaries, some could arm 100000 Men; their Revenues vast, which they raised out all Commodities, as well of Natural as Artificial, which the King received in kind, participating of the Fruits of all Mens labour, and sharing with them in their Riches. Their Palaces were magnificent, both that within the City, and those in divers parts of the Kingdom; they kept great Attendance, lived in great Pomp, were much reverenced of their Subjects; in their Vestments stately, being adorned with Gold, Pearl, and Precious Stones, wearing a rich Crown resembling that of a Duke; their Coronations held with great pomp, at which times they used bloody Sacrifices of Men and Children, which for the most part were their Enemies, but sometimes their own; their Temples were stately, with many Idols whom they worshipped; which were attended with abundance of Sacrificers or Priests; and to excite their Souldiers to valour, they used three degrees of Honour or Orders of Knighthood, which according to their merit were conferr'd upon them; the first was distinguished by a red Ribband, the second called the Tyger or Lion-Knight, and the third the Gray-Knight; which among other things were priviledged to apparel themselves in Cotton in a different habit, and to adorn themselves with Gold and Silver, which things are prohibited to others.

• 1.99Moreover, the present Mexicans descended not from the Ancient Inhabitants of the Country, but from divers People, which had their residence in the North, and not unlikely from that which we call New Mexico. The History they produce of the manner how they came from these quarters at divers times, of the time which the one and the other, and particularly of him whom they last employed in their Voyages, those Ceremonies they observed, and likewise the name of their chief Mexi, seems to accord somewhat with the Voyage of Moses and the Hebrews, when he led them to the Land of Promise. These People becoming Masters of Mexico, formed a considerable Government, and gave it divers Kings. Montezuma, under whom Ferdinand Cortez entred the Country, was but the ninth in number.

• 1.100The Ynca-Mango-Capac, and his Wife Coya Mama-Oelho, were the first that led them to a human and civil life, they made themselves be believed to be Brother and Sister; Children of the Sun and Moon; and that they had been sent here below for the good of Men. And with this belief they withdrew them from the Mountains, Caves, and Forrests, and gave them the first knowledge of the Law of Nature. Ynca-Mango-Capac taught Men how to till the Earth, to graft Plants, to feed Flocks, to gather the best Fruits, to build Houses and Cities, &c. Coya Mama-Oelho, learnt Women how to Spin, Weave, Sow, make Habits, &c. and above all instructed, that their principal care ought to be to serve and obey their Husbands, and feed and instruct their Children.

And these People finding themselves in a better and more reasonable way of living than before, easily submitted themselves to the Government of these Ynca's; addicted themselves to the Religion they taught them, which was to adore the Sun, as that Star which above all the rest did most visible good to Men, Beasts, Grains, Fruits, Plants, &c. and so soon as these Ynca's knew the affection of the People, they raised Arms, assembled Troops, and reduced to the same Government and the same Religion many neighbouring People; but still more by sweetness than force: and in the end, composed an Estate or Empire, which for its greatness and riches, and likewise for its Laws, was one of the most considerable of the World. And if we should put in parallel the Politicks of the Ynca's of Peru, or of those of Mexico, with them of the Greeks and Romans; Acosta maintains that these would have the advantage, and that the Ynca's had so great a care of the good and repose of their Subjects, that there cannot be found in all History any King or Emperour that ever bore himself with so much sweetness, freedom, and liberality towards his People, as did the Ynca's, Kings of Peru and Mexico. So soon as a Province entred under their Obedience, they made Channels every where to water the Lands; and that these Lands might be the more commodious for Tillage, they caused to be laid level what was unequal, evening by degrees what was too steep: The Lands proper for Tillage were divided into three parts, viz. for the Sun, for the King, and for the Inhabitants of the Country; and if these were in so great number, that the third part of the Land was not sufficient for their food, so much taken from the Third of the Sun and of the King, as was needful.

The Lands being equally parted according to the ability of every Family, the labour began with those of the Orphans, Widows, the old and impotent, and Souldiers when they were in War; after these, every one laboured and cultivated his own: then those of the Curacca's or Governours, which were to be after the Private persons; those of the King and of the Sun were the last. And this Order was so religiously observed, that a Governour having caused the Field of a Kinsman of his to be tilled before that of a poor Widow, was hanged in the Field he caused to be tilled before its degrees: so careful were they of the Poor. Besides this labour for the Tillage of the Lands of the Sun and the Ynca's, Private persons were obliged to make Cloaths, Hose, Shoes, and Arms for the Souldiers, as also for those whom Age or Sickness made incapable of Travel or Labour. The Wool or Cotton was taken from the Flocks; and on the Lands belonging to the Sun and the Ynca's: and each Province gave only what was easie and common, and each Private person only his labour: young Men under 25 years, Men above 50: Women and Lame people were exempt from these Tributes. They made no account of Gold, Silver, or precious Stones, but for their adornment, beauty, and splendor, nor needing wherewith to buy Victuals or Cloaths; their Lands and ordinary Occupation yielding and furnishing them with what ever was necessary. Yet if at their hours of leasure they could discover any, they made a Present of it to their Curaca's: these to the Ynca, when they went to salute him at Cusco, or when the Ynca visited his Estates; and then it was employed either for the Ornaments of the Royal-house, or the Temples of the Sun.* 1.101 The Temple of the Sun at Cusco was so stately, and enriched with so much Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, that it is incredible. In this Temple, besides the principal Apartment which was for the Sun, there was others for the Moon, Stars, Lightning, Thunder, Thunderbolt, and Rainbow, which was the device of the Ynca's. They esteemed the Stars as waiting-Maids, which followed the Moon, and all the rest Executioners of the Justice of the Sun; to whom alone they sacrificed Sheep, Lambs, Rabbits, Fowls, Spices, Henbs, Habits,* 1.102&c. besides Men and Children, as was said before. The Priests of this Temple were all Descendants of the Ynca's. In the Temples of other Provinces it sufficed, that they were descendants of the Priviledged Ynca's, Curaca's or Governours of those Provinces. They called Priviledged those to whom the Ynca-Mango-Capac had communicated this Title for them and their Children; but ordinarily the great Priest was Ʋncle, Brother, or one of the nearest kin to the Ynca.

To make appear the Riches in some respect of this Temple,* 1.103 that which inclosed the divers apartments of the Sun, Moon, Stars, &c. were all wainscotted with Plates of Gold. The Sun, placed on his Arter towards the East, was of one Plate of Gold much thicker than the others, and the Figure in the same manner as our Painters here describe it; viz. a round Visage, environed with Rays and Flames. At the taking of Cusco, this piece, or the Image of the Sun, fell to Maneca serra de Lequisano, a Castilian; who being a great Gamester, lost it one Night at play; which made it to be said, That he had plaid away and lost the Sun in a dark Night, long before it was day. On the two sides of the Sun were the Bodies of the Kings or Ynca's, deceased, ranged according to their times, and enbalmed in such manner that they appeared living: They were seated in Thrones of Gold, raised upon Plates of the same, and accommodated in degrees or ascents: The Bodies of the Queens were according to the same order in the apartment, and on both sides the Figure of the Moon, where all the Ornaments, Doors, Wainscots, Thrones, &c. were of Silver. Near this Temple was a Garden, where the Herbs, Plants, Flowers, Trees, and where Beasts of all sorts, as also Birds, even to Butterflies and Flies, were of Gold and Silver; and so lively represented, that they seemed Natural. And there were likewise of these Gardens near the Palace of the Ynca's, and near the Houses of the Virgins vowed to the Sun. In all the Provinces there were Temples of the Sun, built after the model of those of Cusco, but not so rich: Here the Virgins that vowed to the Sun were taken from the Curaca's, or the fairest in the Province: Of these the Ynca or King might make use; but not of those of Cusco, being reserved only for the Sun, and which the Ynca himself might not see. Though these Ynca's and their People adored not, nor made any Sacrifice but to the Sun, yet the most knowing among them esteemed, much beyond the Sun, the Pachachamac, that is, the Author of the Ʋniverse;* 1.104 but whom, not seeing, they contented themselves to adore in their inward parts. They had likewise some knowledge of the Deluge, believing that the Souls could not die, and that the Bodies should revive. Their Amauta's or Philosophers addicted their principal study to the Morals, cared little for the Metaphysicks, Medicine, or Astronomy; yet observed the Equinoxes, the Solstices, and called the Eclipses the Anger of the Sun, and the Sickness or Sleepiness of the Moon, from which they wakened her by making great noises. Their Poesies were on divers honest Subjects; their Comedies and Tragedies on divers accidents of human life, or on the Victories and Triumphs of their Ynca's or Curaca's. But we are entred too far into this matter: The Ynca G. de la Vega saith, that there is Subject to many Volumes if we would recount all observable and good in the ancient Government of Peru, touching the Order established, to know the number of Persons that was in each City and each Province; what was its Revenue; what Forces might be raised; touching the Judges, the Curaca's or Governour, and other Officers of Policy or for the Militia; touching the publick Magazins for Provisions, cloaths, and Arms; touching their Ceremonies in their Sacrifices, in their Feasts, in their Funeral Pomps; in their mourning a whole year after the death of their Kings; likewise in the establishment of their Colonies; of their Schools; of their Post-houses on great Rods, which they had built so stately that the Romans had not the like.* 1.105 But, as he saith, the best of these good Laws and Policy was abolished when the Spaniards became Masters of the Country; adding, that if there were Barbarism before the reign of the Ynca's, after them the Spaniards brought in another worse than the first: The Inhabitants of the Country, for the most part, not having what was necessary for life, whatever labour or service they rendred their Masters; who ought to have contented themselves with the Riches they had reaped, and may yet reap, from the goodness of the Country. The ransom of Atahualpa, the pillage of Cusco, and the first incursion which the Spaniards made into Peru, yielded them the value of 20 Millions of Ducats; but Pizarre and Almagre, the two first Spanish Chiefs which conquered Peru, and put to death Atahualpa; and in likelyhood Guascar, likewise Brothers and Ynca's, were so blinded with the Gold they found, and became so cruelly covetous, that each seeking to have all, they began between themselves an unhappy War, and in the end murthered, hanged, strangled, and beheaded one another till there was not left one of them, their Children or Brothers, &c. By which God seemed not only to have chastised their unbridled Ambition and insatiable Avarice; but to revenge the Blood of the Ynca's they had unjustly slain, and their ill treating the Indians.

• 1.106The Province of PANƲCO is 100 Leagues long, and as many broad, divided by a River of the same name into two almost equal parts: That which is Southward, and towards Mexico, is the most fertil and best tilled; the other towards the North, and Florida, being worse. Like wife, that which approaches the Sea is worth much more than that within Land. The Castilians have established only three Colonies,* 1.107 of which St. Stevan del Puerto is the Metropolis, seated on a River of the same name, and 12 Leagues from the Sea; the greatest Town of Traffick in this Province, built by Ferdinando Cortez out of the Ruins of Panuco, once the chief City of the Province till destroyed by him. Next, St. Jago de los Valles, likewise on the same River, scituate on an open Country, and therefore fenced about with a Wall of Earth. And, Thirdly, St. Lewis de Tempico, seated on the North Banks of the River Panuco, and near the Coast of the Gulph of Mexico. These Colonies are so weakned by the incursions of the Inhabitants, who now knock one on the head, and then another, that the best had not above sixty Native Spantards, An. 1600. They have Mines of Gold in the Country, which are not wrought; good Salt-pits, out of which they draw the greatest profit, &c.

• 1.108The Province and Bishoprick of MECHOACAN, between those of Mexico and New Gallicia, stretches on the Coast of Mer del Sud near 100 Leagues, advances within Land from that Coast to the Zacatecas near 150 Leagues. Places of most note are, 1. Colina, seated ten Leagues from the Sea, built by Gonsalvo de Sandoval in the year 1522. 2. Zacatula, on the Mer del Sud, and at the Mouth of a River of the same name. 3. Mechoacan, the Metropolis, which takes its name from the Province so called, now the Seat of the Archbishop. 4. Zinzouza, once the Seat of the Kings of Mechoacan. 5. Pazcuaro, once the Seat of the Bishop. 6. Valladolid, seated near a Lake as large as that of Mexico, once the Seat of the Archbishop, till removed to Mechoachan. 7. La Conception de Salaga. 8. St. Michael, built by Lewis de Velasco, then Vice-Roy of Mexico. 9. St. Philip, built by the said Velasco at the same time, to assure the way going from Mechoacan or Mexico, to the Silver Mines of Zacatecas: this way being often pestered and frequented by the Chichimeques, Otomites, Tarasques, and other barbarous and as yet unconquered People, who greatly perplex and annoy the People that border upon them. Some place likewise in this Province the Cities of Leon, of Zamora, of Villa de Lagos, and about 100 Towns, of which many have their Schools.

• 1.109The Soil of this Province is very different, but every where fertil, and in most places yields such great increase of all sorts of Grains, Fruits, &c. that it hardly hath its fellow in the whole World. It produceth likewise Cotton, Ambergreese, Gold, Silver, Coppers soft and hard; of the soft they make Vessels, of the hard Instruments instead of Iron. They have black Stones so shining, that they serve them instead of Looking-Glasses. They have store of Plants, Medicinal Herbs, Mulberry-trees, Silk, Hony, Wax, &c. The Country is said to be so healthful, and of so sweet an Air,* 1.110 that Sick people come hither to recover their health. It is well stored with Rivers and Springs of fresh Water, which makes their Pastures exceeding rich and fat. Cattle and Fowl are here found in great plenty, and their Rivers and Lakes afford store of Fish.

• 1.111Between COLIMA and ACATLAN is found the Plant Gozometcath or Olcacazan, which takes Blood-shot from the Eyes, preserves the strength of the Body, or restores it to the Weak, cures the Tooth and Head-ach, resists all Poysons; and in fine, is most excellent against all Diseases. Those of the Country will judge of the event of any Sickness whatsoever it be, when they apply the Leaf on the party: If they fasten easily, they soon hope a cure; but if they resist or fall off, they expect nothing but a great and long sickness or death.

• 1.112THASCALA, or LOS ANGELOS, is between Mexico and the Gulph of Mexico, from whence it advances unto the Mer del Sud, stretching it self on the Coast of this Sea 25 Leagues; on the other 75, or 80. Places of most note are, 1. Thascala, which gives name to this Province; once the Seat of a Bishop, and once governed in form of a Common-wealth, and exceeding populous. It had four principal Streets or Quarters, which in time of War were each of them governed by a Captain; and in the midst of these Streets it had a most spacious Market-place, which was always thronged with People for the negotiating of their Affairs: It is scituate on an easie ascent betwixt two Rivers, encompassed with a large, pleasant, and fruitful Plain, about 20 Leagues in compass. 2. Los Angelos, (or the City of Angles,) a fair City, built by Sebastian Ramirez, Anno 1531, now the Bishops Seat. 3. Vera Crux, built by the said Cortez, being a place of great concourse by reason of its near scituation unto the Gulph, from whence it is a thorough-fare to the City of Mexico, which is distant from it 60 Leagues. Its Port of St. Joan de Ʋlva, though but bad, is in some esteem, being the best on the Mer del Nort, and held more commodious than that of Mexico. 4. Zempoallan, seated on a River of the same name, the Inhabitants whereof did Ferdinando Cortez▪ good service in his conquest of Mexico. Beside those Towns or Cities, they count in this Bishoprick or Province 200 Towns, 1000 Villages, and 250000 Indians under its Jurisdiction, which are exempted from all extraordinary charge and imposition, because of their assisting the said Cortez in his conquest of Mexico. The Country is more hot than cold, fruitful in Corn, Mayz, Sugar, Wine,* 1.113Fruits; feeds much Cattle, full of rich Pastures, well watered with fresh Streams. In the Valley of St. Paul was a Country man possest of 40000 Sheep, which were the product of only two, which were brought him from Spain. The Inhabitants are much of the same nature and condition with those of Mexico aforesaid.

• 1.114GƲAXACA is between the Mer del Nort and Sud. The Plain of the Province makes a Lozenge, whose 4 sides are each 75 Leagues, or little more. Its Cities are, 1. Antequera, a Bishprick, and which sometime communicated its name to the Province. It is seated in the Valley of Guaxaca, and adorned with stately Buildings, and beautified with a magnificent Cathedral Church, whose Columns are of Marble, and of a prodigious height and thickness. 2. St. Jago, seated in the Valley of Nexapa, but upon a lofty Hill. 3. St. Ilefonso, on a Mountain in the Province of Zapoteca. 4. Spiritu Sancto, in the Quarter and on the River of Guaxacoalco, near the Mer del Nort. 5. Cuertlavaca, of note for a Labyrinth, not far distant, hewed out of a Rock. 6. Aquatulco, a noted Port on the Mer del Sud, well frequented by those who transport the Merchandizes of Europe and Mexico to Peru; a place of great Riches till plundered by those two eminent Travellers Drake and Cavendish, both Englishmen; besides those places, there is said to be 300 Towns, and as many Estancia's or Hamlets, which are inhabited by the Natives of the Country, which pay Tribute to the Spaniards. The divers Quarters of this Province are all fertil, not only in Grains,* 1.115 but also in Fruits, Cocheneil, Silk, Cassia; and the Earth well stored with Mines of Gold, Silver, and other Metals, and almost all the Rivers stream down sand-Gold. Here is also a kind of Almond, which they call Cacao, which they make use of instead of Mony.

• 1.116TAVASCO is only a Coast of an 100 leagues long, between Guaxaco and Jucatan, scarce 25 Leagues broad between the Province of Chiapa and the Sea; the Country is full of Pools and Marshes towards the Coast, Wood and Forests towards the Mountains; and the Rains being continual for 8 or 9 Months in the year, the Air is very humid; and its scituation being much under the Torrid Zone, it engenders an infinite number of Vermin, Gnats, and Insects, yet the Soil is excellent,* 1.117 abundant in Mayz and Cocao, which is their principal Riches. There is observable here but one Colony of the Spaniards, which they call Villa de Nuestra a Sennora de la Victoria, so called because of the Victory Cortez gained in 1519 against those of the Country, when he went to the Conquest of the Kingdom of Mexico. It was called Potonchan when it was besieged, taken and sacked by Cortez; and it is observed, this was the first City in America which defended it self, and which suffered under the Spaniards Sword.

• 1.118JƲCATAN is the last Province of the Audience of Mexico towards the East. It is a Peninsula of about 400 Leagues circuit, scituate between the Gulphs of Mexico and Honduras. The Isthmus which joyns it to the Main Land, is not above 25 or 30 Leagues over, from whence the Country continues enlarging it self from 50 or 75 Leagues breadth, and ends at Cape de Cotoche, which regards towards the East Cape St. Anthony in the Isle of Cuba, at the distance of 60 and odd Leagues.

The Coasts of JƲCATAN are very much cumbred with little Isles, which often prove dangerous for Ships; but covered with abundance of Sea-Fowl, which those of the Neighbouring and far distant Countries come to chase.* 1.119 The Isle of Cozumel, to the East, hath formerly been famous for its Idol Cozumel, which all the People of the Neighbouring Continent went to adore.

And it was in this Isle, or the Continent near unto it, that Baldivius unfortunately saved himself, having been Shipwreckt near Jamaica, he had taken a little Boat (like to those used by Fisher-men,* 1.120 wherein going with about 20 of his Men, he was brought hither by the Sea; but no sooner had he set foot on Land, but he and his Men were seized by the Natives; who immediately led them to the Temple of their Idols, where they presently offered up, or sacrificed and ate him and four of his Men, and the rest they reserved till another time. Among these, Aquilar, who had seen the Ceremony, escaping with some others, fled to a Cacique, who treated him courteously for many years, during which time some died, others married in the Country. Aquilar in the end was fetched thence by Cortez, who was of no small use unto him in his Conquest of Mexico, because that he had learned their Tongue.* 1.121 The Air of Jucatan is hot, the Country hath scarce any Rivers, yet wants no Water, being supplied every where with Wells; within the middle of the Land are to be seen quantity of Scales and Shells of Sea-fish, which hath made some believe the Country hath been overflowed.* 1.122 They have scarce any of the Corn or Fruits of Europe, but some others of the Country; and quantity of wild Beasts, principally Stags and wild Bears; and among their Fowls, Peacocks. They have yet found no Gold, much less Latten; which makes it appear, that it is not true, that the Spaniards found here Crosses of Latten, there being none in all America. The Cities of Jucatan are four, Merida, Valladolid,* 1.123Campeche, and Salamancha. 1. Merida, is the Metropolis, being the Seat of the Bishop and Governour for Tavasco and Jucatan, distant from the Sea on each side 12 Leagues: The City is adorned with great and ancient Edifices of Stone, with many Figures of Men cut in the Stones; and because they were resembling those which are at Merida in Spain that name was given it. 2. Valladolid, beautified with a very fair Monastery of Franciscans, and more than 40 thousand Barbarians under its Jurisdiction. 3. Campeche, scituate on the shoar of the Gulph; a fair City of about Three thousand Houses, and adorned with many stately and rich Structures, which in 1596 was surprized and pillaged by the English, under the Command of Captain Parker; who carried away with him the Governour, the Riches of the City, and many Prisoners; besides, a great Ship laden with Hony, Wax, Campeche-Wood, and other rich Commodities.

The Conquest of the Kingdom of Mexico was much easier to the Castilians than that of Peru; the Kingdom of Peru being Hereditary, and its Ynca's loved, and almost adored by their Subjects; the Kingdom of Mexico being Elective, and its Kings hated, if not by those of Mexico, yet by all the neighbouring Estates, and envied by those might aspire to the Royalty. This diversity was the cause that Motezuma died, and the City of Mexico taken, there was nothing more to do or fear as to that Estate. In Peru, after the death of Guascar and Atabalipa, and some other Ynca's, the Spaniards could not believe themselves safe so long as there was any remainder of the Race of these Ynca's; which made them under divers pretexts persecute, banish, and put them to death. And so much for Mexico or New Spain.

The Audience of GUADALAJARA, or NEW GALLICIA.

THE Audience of GƲADALAJARA, or Kingdom of NEW GALLICIA, makes the most Occidental part of New-Spain, and contains the Provinces of Guadalajara, Xalisco, Los Zacatecas, Chiametlan, Culiacan,* 1.124 and New-Biscany; some others add Cibola, and others likewise California, Quivira, Anian, &c. that is, the Castilians pretend to extend their Power to the farthest part of this New World.

• 1.125The Province of Guadalajara hath only two Cities or Colonies of Spaniards, viz. Guadalajara, and Sancta Maria de los Lagos, of which, the first is the chief of the Province, built in 1531 by Nonnez de Guzman, after he had finished his Conquest. It is the residence of the Kings Treasurers; dignified with the Courts of Judicature, the See of a Bishop; beautified with a fair Cathedral Church; a Convent of Augustine Friers, and another of Franciscans. It is scituate in a pleasant and fruitful Plain, and watered with divers Fountains and little Torrents not far from the River Baranja; the neighbouring Mountains having furnished them with Materials for their Buildings. Santa Maria de los Lagos was built by the same Guzman, and made a place of great strength, only to hinder the Incursions of the Chichimeques, who are a barbarous and untamed sort of People, who border upon them towards the North-East; who live upon the Spoils of other people, harbouring in thick Woods and private Caves for the better obtaining their Prey; which said Town keeps them in such awe, that they dare not molest them.

• 1.126The Air of this Province is temperate and serene; except it be in their Summer, which is much troubled with Rains. The People (as generally throughout all Gallicia) are crafty, very docil in matters of Religion, inconstant, impatient of labour, much given to pleasures, delight in strong Drinks; their habit for the most part is a Shirt of Cotton, over which they wear a Mantle, which they fasten about their Shoulders: They are of a good Stature, and well proportioned, little subject to sickness, nor knowing what the Plague is, they ordinarily living 100 years. The Country is rather Mountainous than Plain, well furnished with Mines of Silver, Copper, Lead, and Margasites, &c. but none of Gold,* 1.127Iron, or Steel: The Plains tilled yield ordinarily 100 for one of Corn, and 200 for one of Mayz; they have much Pulse, many Olive-trees, whose Fruit is often spoiled by the Ants, as their Grains are by Pies. These Pies are no bigger than our Sparrows, but in such quantity that where they alight, in a little time they devour the whole Crop. Almost all the Fruits of Europe are here found in great plenty, which for goodness surpass those of Spain. Their Pastures likewise are rich, and feed abundance of Cattle.

• 1.128In the Province of XALISCO are the Cities of Compostella, the Metropolis of the Province, built by the said Guzman; once a Bishops See, till removed to Guadalajara; built in a Plain, but so barren, that it will scarce produce food either for man or Beast, and with the disadvantage of so bad an Air, that made it to be soon left. La Purification, a small City, built also by the said Guzman, seated near the Port of Natividad on the Sea-side. And lastly Xalisco, so called from the Province; once of some account till destroyed by the said Gazman.

• 1.129North-East of Guadalajara and Xalisco are the Provinces of CHIAMETLAN, whose chief City is St. Sebastian, seated on a River of the same name; night to which are many rich Silver Mines. The Province of CƲLIACAN, whose chief Cities are St. Michael, seated on the River of Women, built by Guzman, and Piastla seated on a River so called, about two days Journey from the Sea; well built, and of good esteem till the great damage it received from the Spaniards in their Conquest. And lastly, the Province of CINALOA, whose chief City is St. John, an ancient Colony of Spaniards. There are every where rich Mines of Silver, plenty of Provisions, Fruits, Mayze, Pulse, and Cotton: their Inhabitants are great, strong, and warlike; and particularly in Cinaloa, where they have made the Spaniards abandon the City of St. John, who have rebuilded other-where that of St. Philip and Jacob.

• 1.130North of Guadalajara are the Provinces of LOS ZACATECAS, and new BISCANY. Account is made of four Colonies in Los Zacatecas: 30 Towns and 4 famous Lodges near the Mines, of which the principal are Los Zacatecas, inhabited by Spaniards, who have here a Convent of Franciscans. Avino, Sombrarino, St. Martin, and possibly St. Luke. The Cities are Xeres de Frontera, Erena, Nombro de Dios, besides that in the Isthmus of Panaman and Durango. There are no Cities spoken of in New Biscany, but only excellent Mines of Silver, at St. John, Sancta Barbara, and at Eudes, which they esteem the best, built only for the benefit of the Silver Mines, which the Spaniards enjoy. The Zacateca's want both Water and Food, except towards Durango and Nombro de Dios: New Biscany hath Cattle and Grain. All these Provinces hitherto are not only of the Audience, but likewise of the Bishoprick of Guadalajara.

Above, and Northward of New Gallicia and the Audience of Guadalajara, we have quantity of People and Provinces little known: we call them in general New Mexico, because esteeming these quarters likewise under the name of Mexico, they make that part of Mexico latest known; others pass them all under the name of New Granada, and place here the City of Granada, which Herrerd makes in Cinaloa, others in Cibola, and others in the Kingdom of Mexico taken particularly: so little assurance is there of the Relations of these quarters. However, here is observed divers People very different in their Languages, Manners, and Customs; some having fixed and settled Habitations, others wandring after their Flocks: among the first there are some that have many Cities, some containing in them about 30, 40, or 50 Thousand Inhabitants, and in these Cities the Houses are built of Stone several Stories high. New Mexico, taken particularly, hath 10 or 12 of these Cities,* 1.131 whose Houses have their Chambers, Halls, Parlours, and other Conveniences, very populous; among which the City called New Mexico is the chief, distant from Old Mexico about 500 Leagues, being the residence of the Governour, where the Spaniards keep a Garrison, and have changed its name to St. Fogie.* 1.132Cibola hath seven Cities, each of 3, 4, or 500 Families, and (with those which remain in the Field) may make likewise 8 or 10 thousand Men. All these Inhabitants are addicted to War, their Country tilled, and abounding in all Victuals.

• 1.133QƲIVIRA hath not many Houses, nor over stored with People, and those that do inhabit here are very rude, and barbarous; the Men cover their Bodies with the Skin of an Ox ill accommodated, the Women only with their Hair, which they wear so long, that it serveth them instead of a Veil to hide their nakedness: they live almost altogether on Raw-flesh, which they devour rather than eat, swallowing it without any chewing: They live in Hoords or Troops, resembling those of the Tartars; not having any certain abode, but remove from one place to another, staying where they find good Pasture for their Cattle.

• 1.134ANIAN is yet poorer than Quivira: the Spaniards have long since over-run both the one and the other, but finding nothing of worth, neglected them; but after all, there are Opinions much contrary, touching the temperature, fertility, and scituation of these two Provinces; some making them cold and barren, others temperate and good.

• 1.135CALIFORNIA hath a long time been esteemed to be only a Peninsula; but the Hollanders having taken on these Seas a Spanish Vessel, which had rounded it, and made the Chart of it, who saw that it was an Isle, which extends it self from South-East to North-West, and from the 23th degree of Latitude, to beyond the 45th, lying along the West side of America. Its length is of 7 or 800 Leagues: Its breadth under the Tropick of Cancer, not above 20 or 25 Leagues; from whence it still enlarges it self unto 150 Leagues towards the 40th degree of Latitude. The Air hath been found Cold, though in a scituation which ought to render it more hot than temperate. The Country ill peopled, they fish for Pearls in Mer Vermejo, and on the East of the Coasts of California, and likewise along and on the Coasts of New Granada, or New Mexico.* 1.136

Mark de Niza, a Franciscan, made a Voyage into these parts in 1529, and at his return recounted Marvels of what he had seen and understood; of People that wore about their Heads pieces of Mother of Pearl, of divers Provinces rich in Gold, of Cities and Houses well built, whose Gates were adorned with Turquoises and other Stones. That the chief City of Cibola was greater than Mexico: That the Kingdoms of Marata, Acu, and Tonteac, were likewise very rich and powerful.* 1.137

The Relation of this Fryar caused Mendoza, Vice-Roy of Mexico, to send Vasque de Cornada, Governour of New Gallicia, to search out the truth. Who, far from finding the Riches he hoped for, found only people naked, very poor, rude and barbarous; some Cities he found indifferently well built, but sadly furnished; assuring us that the Kingdoms of which the Fryar had made so much account of were almost all Imaginary. Tonteac being only a Lake, about which there were some few Habitations: Marata a thing invisible, and Acu a beggerly Town, in esteem amongst them, only gathered some Cotton. Possibly the Fryar said more than he had seen, that he might incite the Spaniards to send some Colonies hither, and have the Means to convert those People: And Cornada less, because he found not that present profit which he did in his Government: however it be, this contrariety, with those we have observed touching the City of Granada, and the Provinces of Quivira and Anian, may make us see how dangerous it is to trust those that come from parts so remote and unknown, whatever specious or fair Habit they wear, or whatever good Tongue they have, or whatever protestations they make of Truth.

The Audience of GUATEMALA.

THE Audience of GƲATEMALA is between the Seas Del Nort, and Sud; and between divers Isthmus's and Tongues of Land, which are found in the most Southernly part of America Septentrionalis. Its Provinces are Guatemala,* 1.138Soconusco, Chiapa, Vera-Pax, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costarica, and Veragua.

• 1.139GƲATEMALA and SOCONƲSCO are on the Mer del Sud, Chiapa within Land; Vera-Pax and Honduras on the Mer del Nort; Castaria, Nicaragua and Veragua, on both Seas. Guatemala hath 150 Leagues along the Coast, and advanceth within Land 30 or 40 Leagues. Here were built the Cities of St. Jago, of Guatemala, St. Salvador or Curcatlan, La Trinidad or Conzonate, St. Michael, and Xeres de la Frontera or Chuluteca; they are all upon, or little distant from the Sea: Guatemala is more advanced within Land, and yet the principal, being the Seat of the Bishop and Court of Audience. In 1541 this City was almost overwhelmed by a deluge of boyling Water, which descending from that Vulcan which is above and near the City, threw down, and tumbled over all that it met with, as Stones, Trees, and Buildings; where it stifled many People, and among the rest, the Widow of him who had conquered and so ill treated that Province. The City was rebuilt farther to the East, and may have near 100 Houses, about 1000 Inhabitants, and its Country about 25000 Indians Tributaries. A certain private Person had once a strange phancy came in his head,* 1.140 that there was a very rich Mine of Gold in this Vulcan of Guatemala, and that he needed but to find some way to put down a Cauldron, and draw out what he could wish for, as one doth Water out of a Well; he undertook the enterprize, and caused to be made great Chains of Iron, and a great Cauldron, so strong, that he believed the fire could not damage it; he caused a way to be made to carry to the top of the Mountain his Chains, Caularon, and Machins, which were to serve to let down and draw up his Caul•ron full of Gold, which he believed to coyn at the bottom of the Mountain; but he found the Fire so violent, that in less than a moment of time he had neither Chains nor Cauldron. Which so perplexed him with grief and shame to see his own folly; having not only spent all his own Estate, but the best part of his Friends; so that he would have precipitated himself into the Mountain, had he not been hindred; but in a short time he died for anger and grief.

• 1.141The Country is colder than the scituation may bear; and subject to Earthquakes; hath excellent Balms, liquid Amber, Bezoar, Salt, Grains; is full of rich Pastures, which are well stooked with Cattle, plenty of Cotton Wool, excellent Sulphur, store of Med••inal Drugs, and abundance of Fruits; among others Ca•ao in such great plenty, that it yearly lades many Vessels, which are transported to other places. The Country is more inclining to Mountains than Plains, but well watered with Rivers. The People are pusillanimous and fearful;* 1.142 the Men are expert at the Bow, and the Women at the Distaff: they are more civil, and embrace Christianity more than their neighbouring Countries do, and are willing to receive Advice from the Spaniards, who are their Masters.

• 1.143SOCONƲSCO hath only the little City of Guevetlan on the Coast, and nothing of particular or worthy to be noted in it; only it hath some Grains, feeds some Cattle, its Rivers have Fish, and its People more barbarous and rude.

• 1.144CHIAPA is not over fertil in Grains nor Fruits, but the Country well cloathed with lofty Trees, and some of which yield Rozin, others precious Gums, and others bear Leaves, that when they are dried into powder make a Sovereign Plaister for Sores. The Country is full of Snakes, and other venemous Creatures. Places of most note in this Province are 1. Crudad-Real, built by the Spaniards, scituate in a round Plain at the Foot of a Hill,* 1.145 and begirt with Mountains resembling an Amphitheater; now the residence of a Bishop, and governed by City-Magistrates, by them called Alcaides. 2. Chiapa, seated in the fruitfullest Valley of the whole Country. 3. St. Bartholomews, remarkable for having near it a great Pit, or opening of the Earth, into which if any one casts a Stone, though never so small, it makes a noise so great and terrible as a clap of Thunder. 4. Casapualca, a small Town, but famous also for a Well it hath, whose Waters are observed to rise and fall according to the flowing and ebbing of the Sea.

Among the Bishops of Chiapa, one was Bartholomew de las Casas, of the Order of St. Dominique,* 1.146 who having seen the Cruelties with which the Spaniards treated the People of America, endeavoured by divers Remonstrances to hinder it for the future, and to that end went into Spain; but finding no redress, wrote and printed a Treatise of their Cruelties, which was endeavoured to be supprest, but some Copies escaping, were translated and reprinted in Italian, and other Languages.

There are in this Relation things that can scarce enter into the belief of man: He makes account, that in divers parts of America and its Isles, the Spaniards had put to death in his time (which was fifty years after their Invasion of it) 12 or 15 Millions of Persons,* 1.147 by several cruel and unchristian Is•• Deaths, as by Fire, Hunger, Boiling of them, impaling them; by the H••••• and Sword; as also in excessive Labours in the working in their Mines, in earrying of heavy Burthens, like Horses, and the like Cruelties. He also saith, that they treated those that remained worse than Slaves, nay, worse than Beasts; cutting off the Ears of some, others Noses or Hands; sometimes cutting them alive into pleces and quarters to feed their Dogs, and learn them to devour these poor Americans; and if they found one of these Dogs killed, or a Spaniard knockt on the head in the Field, they would hang up a dozen of these miserable People, in honour (as they said) of the Twelve Apostles, or else put the neighbouring Country to Fire and Sword. He saith, that it was ordinary with them to abuse Boys, to deflour Virgins, and to ravish Women, whom they sold afterwards for a Cheese: and oft-times a hundred Men and Women, and sometimes five hundred and more, for an Ass or a Horse. He observes, that a certain Chacique having escaped out of Hispaniola into Cuba, to shun the cruelty of the Spaniards, they becoming after Masters of Cuba, and this poor Chacique falling into their hands, they condemned him to the Fire, where being incited by a Fryar to turn Christian, that at least after this life he might be saved in Paradise; when he understood that it was a place that the Spaniards went unto, he would not be a Christian, nor go thither, so much he dreaded them. And he affirms, that the most part of these Murthers, Burnings, and Pillages, were voluntarily done to terrifie others, and make themselves absolutely obeyed; which they might as well have gained by fair means and gentle usage. But let us return to what concerns our Audience.

• 1.148Near Chiapa are several Fountains, which have some singularities; as that aforesaid, which rises and salls with the flowing and ebbing of the Sea, though far from it. Another, that for three years together increases, though there be never so little Rain; and for three years after diminisheth, though there be never so much: and so continues from three years to three years. Another there is, that falls in Rainy-weather and rises in dry. And there is another that kills Birds and Beasts that drink of it; yet cures those Sick which demand violent Remedies. But we should swell too large, if we should speak of all Singularities found in America.

• 1.149HONDƲRAS and NICARAGƲA are two great Provinces. Honduras is more than 200 Leagues long, and near 100 broad. Nicaragua little less. Honduras communicates its name to the Gulph which lies on Mer del Nort: Its chief places are, 1. Valladolid, of near an equal distance between the two Seas, scituate in a pleasant and fruitful Valley, and on the banks of the River Chamalucon. 2. Gratias di Dios, scituate on a high ground, 30 Leagues Westward of Valladolid, and near the rich Mines of Gold of St. Piedro, and serveth for a place of defence for those that work in the Mines, against the Savages. 3. St. Juan del porto de los Cavallos, once a famous Port, but through its Ruins is uninhabited. 4. Truxillo, seated on the ascent of a little Hill betwixt two Rivers, in a rich and fruitful Soil, with the benefit of an excellent Port. 5. St. George de Olancho, seated in the Valley of Olancho, noted for the Golden Sands that the River Guayape was said to yield. The Country hath pleasant Hills,* 1.150 and fruitful Valleys for Grains, Fruits, and rich Pastures: It is well furnished with Rivers, hath Mines of Gold and Silver; but its greatest profit is made by Wool, which it transports to other places.

• 1.151NICARAGƲA hath five Colonies of Spaniards; the Country is destitute of Rivers, except that part which is towards Veragua, called Costa Rica; the want whereof is supplied by a great Lake which ebbs and flows like the Sea. Upon its Banks are seated many pleasant Cities and Villages, which are inhabited by the Spaniards and Indians; a Lake well stored with Fish, and as full of Crocodiles. The Air of the Country is healthful, though hot,* 1.152 the Soil fruitful and pleasant; it hath Fruits, Cows, Hogs, Sheep, Turkies, Pullain, and so many Paroquets that they are hurtful: It yieldeth not much Grain, it hath plenty of Cotton-Wool and Sugar-Canes, and towards Segovia are some Mines of Gold and Silver.* 1.153 Its Inhabitants are of a good stature, active, very comformable to the Spaniards as well in Behaviour as Apparel. Its chief places are,* 1.154 1. Leon, scituate on the aforesaid Lake in a Sandy soil, but begirt with Woods: It is the residence of the Governour, as also the Seat of a Bishop. 2. Grenada, on the same Lake, beautified with a fair Church and a strong Castle, seated in a fruitful Soil, and well stored with Sugar-Ganes, 3. Jaen, seated at the end of the said Lake, 4. Segovia the New is farther within Land, rich in Veins of Silver. 5. Realeijo, near the Mer del Sud, having the benefit of a good Port, by reason of which it is inhabited for the most part by Shipwrights, Mariners, and those that depend upon Naval Affairs.

• 1.155COSTARICA, and VERAGƲA, are the two most Eastern Provinces of the Audience of Guatemala. In COSTARICA are the Cities of Carthage, seated between two Seas, where there are some places, which serve in for Ports: Aranjues and Nicoya are on the Mer del Sud, Castro de Austria within Land.

• 1.156VERAGƲA, hath towards the East the Isthmus of Panama, and was once under the Chamber of Panama; though this City be esteemed in America Meridionalis, and Veragua in the Septentrionalis: There are placed in this Province four or five Cities of Spaniards, viz. 1. La Conception, seated on the Mer del Nort, and is the Residence of the Governor. 2. La Trinidad, seated also on the said Sea. 3. Sancta Fe within Land, being the place where the Spaniards melt, refine, and cast their Gold into Barrs and Ingots. 4. Carlos, seated on the Mer del Sud. And 5. Parita, seated on the said Sea.

The Country both of the one, and the other Province, is rude, mountainous, and little fertil, only for Mayze and Pot-herbs. In supply thereof, they have exceeding rich Mines of Gold and Silver in their Mountains, and Sand-gold in their Rivers; but there remain yet some Natives in these quarters, who still molest and annoy the Spaniards, killing and eating them when they can catch them.

The Isles ANTILLES, or CAMERCANES.

BEtween the two America's Septentrionalis, and Meridionalis, and before the Gulph of Mexico, are abundance of Islands of different greatness; HISPANIOLA, and Cuba are the greatest; Jamaica, Boriquen, and others of the middle sort; the rest, much less.

• 1.157HISPANIOLA, is in the middle of these Isles: near 200 Leagues from West to East; and 50 or 60 from South to North. Christopher Columbus was the first that made discovery of this Isle, in his first Voyage that the made in 1492. being conducted thither by some of the Inhabitants of Cuba. There remain 10 Colonies of Spaniards, of which, 1. St. Domingo (built by Bartholomew, Brother to Christopher Columbus) is the chief, pleasantly seated, its houses well built, which for the most part are of Stone, its Haven is large and safe for Ships to ride in, it is enriched by the Residence of the Governour, the Court of Audience, the See of an Arch Bishop, the Chamber of Accounts, the Treasury Court; and, besides many Convents of Religious Houses, and Hospital endowed with a large yearly Revenue, a place of great Trade, till the taking of Mexico, and the discovery of Peru; since which time it hath much decayed, nor hath it yet recovered it self of the great loss and damage it sustained by Sir Francis Drake, in 1586. It now being Inhabited by not above 2000 Families, of which about 600 are Natural Spaniards, the rest Mestiz, Mulatts, Negroes, and Canaries. Porto de la Plata holds the second place by reason of its Commerce, and is well seated on a commodious Bay. Then 3. St. Jago de los Cavallieros, for the beauty of its scituation. 4. El Cotuy for its Gold Mines. 5. Salvaleon de Yquey for its Sugars and Pastures. 6. Azua likewise for its Sugars, being a noted Haven. 7. St. Maria del puerto for its Cassia. 8. Monte Christo for its Salt. 9. La Conception de la Vega, the foundation of Christopher Columbus, for whose fake it was made an Episcopal See, which at present is united to St. Domingo; and the last of the ten Colonies is El Zeybo seated on the Sea shore, but of small account.

• 1.158So soon as the Spaniards were Masters of this Island, they caused to be brought from Spain, Grains, Fruits, and Beasts of all sorts. The Grains would not thrive in the Plains, by reason of the richness of the soil, the stalks taking away all the force of the seed; but when they found out the reason, they sowed them on hills, and there where the land was lean; so that then they yielded a great increase. The Fruits became excellent; and the Beasts multiplied in such manner, that they grew wild for want of proper owners, being hunted to death by any one, only for their skins. The Sugar Canes brought from the Canaries yielded exceeding great profit. The Country for the most part flourishing and beautiful, the Trees and Meadows being alwaies in their Summer livery: and the soyl so fertil, that in the space of sixteen or eighteen daies, herbs, and roots will come to their perfection and ripeness, but the Mines of Gold, Copper, and other Metals which remained, are no longer wrought; the Spaniards having consumed and perished in them, not only the most part of the antient Inhabitants of this Country, but likewise of the Neighbouring Isles.

• 1.159The Isle of CƲBA is longer and streighter than Hispaniola, near 300 Leagues from West to East, and from South to North, only twenty five or thirty almost every where, so that in Continent, these two Isles are almost equal, their qualities are likewise in many things correspondent, as in their Grains, Cattle, and Fruits. The Air of Cuba is healthful, and its Forrests furnished with the best Wood,* 1.160 for building of Ships: It feeds store of Pullein, Pigeons, Tortells, Partridges, Flamengo's, Whose feathers are white when little, and of many colours when grown great. Its Rivers stream down more Gold, than those of Hispaniola: Its Ports likewise greater and more safe; but yet there are more Rocks and Banks about Cuba than Hispaniola.* 1.161 For the greatness of the Isle, it hath but few Cities, the chief of which are St. Jago, seated in the bottom of a capacious Bay, about two Leagues from the Sea, whose Port is esteemed one of the best of all America; being the seat of a Bishop, who holds from the Arch Bishop of St. Domingo; and beautified with a Cathedral Church, and some Religious houses near the City, and from the Sierra de Cobre they fetch Copper, yet the City is much ruined, and hath little trade. Towards Baracoa, its Mountains yield Ebony and Brasile; it hath this inconveniency that its Port cannot receive great Vessels. The goodness of the Air the fertility of the Soil, and a pleasant Plain hath made St. Salvador the best place of the Island, where they have a great trade; though off from the Coast. Near Porto del Precipe, a Haven-Town in the North parts of the Isle, there are Fountains of Bitumen which they make use of instead of Pitch, to caulk their Ships, and the Indians for divers Medicines.

The Port of Havana, having its entrance streight and deep, receives the Ocean in form of a Gulph, capable to receive a thousand Vessels, and secure them from the fury of the Sea, or Winds. The two Capes which inclose it, have their Castles to defend the entrance, and a third joyning to the City regards the opening of the Port; the Ships which return from New Spain into Europe, assemble together at Havana, where they are furnished with all things necessary either for Food or War; and dispose themselves to depart by the month of September, passing by the Channel of Bahame, which carries them into the Ocean.

Twenty five Leagues from Havana, towards the East, is the Port of Matanca's, that is Massacres; for that once those of the Country here slew some Spaniards.* 1.162 In 1628 Pieters Heyn, General for the West India Company, surprized the Fleet returning to Spain, and carried it in to the West India Company: It was loaden with Silver, Silk, Cocheneil, Hides, Cassonade or powder Sugar, and divers other Merchandizes all of great value: This Prize was esteemed worth near seven Millions of crowns; yet this great service was but very ill recompensed by the Governours of the said Company.

• 1.163JAMAICA is an Isle of a large extent being from East to West 170 miles in length, and from North to South where it is broadest about 70, being of an Oval form, and waxing narrower and narrower at both extream ends. It is seated betwixt the Tropicks in the 17 and 18 degrees of Northern Latitude,* 1.164 and beareth from off the Isle of Hispaniola Eastwards about 35 Leagues. In the midst of the Isle from East to West runs a continued ridge of lofty Mountains which are well stored with fresh Springs whence flow the many Rivers that so plentifully water the Island,* 1.165 to the great benefit of the Inhabitants. The Air is observed to be more temperate than any of the Caribe Isles, and of as mild a temperature as any place betwixt the Tropicks, being alwaies refreshed with cool breezes, frequent showers, and great dews in the nights, that it may be deemed Temperate, and by its continual verdure exceeding delightful.* 1.166 The weather is less certain than in the Caribe Isles, the most observable wet seasons are in November and May, there being no seemable Winter, but by a little more rain and thunder in the Winter months; nor is there scarce any sensible lengthning or shortning of the Days or Nights. Hurricanes are here never known.* 1.167 This Isle in most parts (especially the North) is of a Fertil and rich soil, and liberally answers the Cultivators cost and pains for what is planted: The chief Commodities that it produceth are Sugars, which are so good that they out sell those of the Barbados 5 s. per cent; Cocao the richest Commodity of the Island. Indico, Cotton, Tobacco but indifferent, Hides, Copper, great variety of Woods for Dyers, also Cedar, Brasilletto, Lignum vitae, Ebony, &c. Tortoises in exceeding great plenty, whose flesh is excellent good and nourishing, but those that are troubled with the French man it is dangerous to eat; Salt, Salt-Peter, Ginger, Cod-pepper, Piemente being an excellent Aromatick spice, of a curious gusto, having the mixt tast of divers Spices; Cocheneil, divers excellent Druggs, Gumms, and Balsoms, many of which are not yet known by their names. Here are greater abundance of Cattle, than in most of the English Plantations, as Horses, Cows, Hoggs, Sheep, Goats, Asnegroes Mules,* 1.168 which came from the breed of those put into the Woods by the Spaniards when they were first Masters of the Island, which for want of Masters became wild; but since the English have had to do here they are much wasted to what they were. The Bays, Rivers, Roads and Creeks,* 1.169 are well stored with excellent Fish of sundry sorts appropriate to the Indies. Likewise great store of Fowl both tame and wild, the chief of which are Ducks, Teal, Wigeon, Geese, Turkyes, Pigeons, Hens, Plovers, &c. Here are great plenty of excellent Fruits, as Oranges,* 1.170Cocarnuts, Pomegranates, Limes, Guavers, Mammes, Alumee-Supotas, Avocatas, Cashues, Prickle-Apples, Prickle Pears, Grapes, Sower sops, Custard-Apples, Dildoes, Plantains, Pines, &c. And Herbs, Roots,* 1.171 and Flowers common to England grow here very well. Here are very noxious Beasts or Insects found, those most dangerous are the Alegators,* 1.172 some of which are fifteen and twenty foot long; here is also Manchonele which is a kind of Crab, likewise Snakes and Guianas, but not poysonous; as also Muskettoes, and Merrywings, a sort of stinging Flies found very troublesome to the Inhabitants. The Diseases that Strangers are most incident unto are Dropsies (occasioned by ill Dyet, Drunkenness,* 1.173 and Sloathfulness) Calentures too frequently the product of Surfeits, also Fevers, and Agues; but it is experimentally sound that if a good Dyet and moderate Exercises are used, without excess of Drinking, they may enjoy a competent measure of health; and the reason of the great mortality of the Army at their arrival, was the want of Provisions, together with an unwillingness to labouror exercise, joyned with discontent. This Island is divided into Fourteen Precincts, Divisions or Parishes,* 1.174 many of which are well Inhabited, especially the Southern part, so far as the ridge of Mountains, which runneth in the midst, nor are its Southern parts (especially near the Sea) without Plantations, though not so thick as about St. Jago; and of late years the Island is much increased in its Inhabitants and Plantations, being likely to prove the Potentest Colony the English are Masters of in America, being able to bring into the Field upon occasion about eight or ten thousand men. This Isle abounds with goods Bays, Roads, and Harbours, the chief amongst which are Port, Royal formerly Cagway,* 1.175 seated on the extream end of that long point of Land which makes the Harbour, which is exceeding commodious for Shipping, and secured by a strong Castle, and land lock't by a point of land that runs twelve miles South-East, from the main of the Island, having the great River that runs by los Angelos and St. Jago, falling into it, where Ships do commonly water, and conveniently wood. The Harbour is two or three Leagues broad in most places, with good Anchorage, and so deep, that a Ship of one thousand Tun may lay her sides to the Shoar of the point, and load and unload with Planks afloat, which commodiousness doth make it much resorted unto, and as well Inhabited by the Merchants, Store-house-keepers, and other Inhabitants, this being the only noted place in the Isle for Traffick and resort, being said to contain about 12 or 1500 well built houses, which are as dear rented as if they stood in well traded streets in London; yet its scituation is very unpleasant and uncommodious, having neither Earth, Wood, or fresh water, but only made up of a hot loose sand, which renders it more unhealthful than up in the Country, and Provisions are very dear, about 12 miles up in the Land from this Town is St. Jago,* 1.176 or St. Jago de la vega, which when the Spaniards were Masters of it was large, containing about 2000 houses, which were destroyed and reduced to about 500, when the English first seized the Isle, and here the Governour resideth, and where the chief Courts of Judicature are held, which makes it to be well resorted and inhabited, where they live in great pleasure, recreating themselves in their Coaches and on Horseback in the evenings in the Savana near adjoyning, as the Gentry do here in Hide-Park. The present Governour is his Excellency Charles Earl of Carslile, Viscount Howard of Acorpeth, Lord Dacres of Gilsland, one of the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, a person for prudence and noble qualifications every way be•itting such a place. Six miles Southward of this Town is seated Passage at the mouth of the River,* 1.177 which at six miles course falleth into the Harbour of Port Royal; it contains about twenty houses only serving for the conveniency of passage from Port Royal to St. Jago. Its other places are Port Morant in the Eastern point,* 1.178 a very capacious and secure Harbour, and hereabout is a Potent Colony of the English seated. Old Harbour a good Bay for Ships to ride in.* 1.179Port Negril in the extream Western point, very commodious and secure to windward, in which Men of War do often ply when they look for the Spanish Ships; not far from which place was seated the old Town of Melilla, founded by Columbus. Port Antonio, seated on the North,* 1.180 a very safe Land lock't Harbour, at the mouth of which lyeth a small Isle wholly taken up by the said Earl of Carlisle; with divers other good Bays and Harbours along the Coast. Its other chief places are Sevilla, seated in the North part of the Isle,* 1.181 once beautified with a Collegiate Church, whose Chief bore the title of Abbot, amongst whom was Peter Martyr, who described the History of the West Indies by Decades.* 1.182 And Mellilla, seated on the North East, where Columbus mended his Ships at his return from Veragua.

This Island was of considerable importance to the Spaniards, by reason that all his Plate-Fleet which comes from Carthagina, steer directly for St. Domingo in Hispaniola, and from thence must pass by one of the ends of this Isle to recover Havana, which is the common Rendezvous of this whole Armado, before it returns home through the Gulph of Florida; nor is there any other way, whereby to miss this Island, because he cannot in any reasonable time turn it up to the windward of Hispaniola; which though with great difficulty it might be performed, yet by this means he would lose the security of his said united Fleet, which meet at Havana, from all the parts of the Bay of Mexico, Nombre de Dios, and elsewhere, accompanying each other home.

• 1.183BORIQƲEM, is little less either in Circuit, or Fruitfulness than Jamaica. St. Juan del Puerto Rico is the Residence of a Bishop, and a Governor: It hath an excellent Port, which sometimes communicates its name to the Island: El Arricibo, and Guadianilla or St. Germain, are the other Cities; all the Isle hath few Ports, it is traversed by a Chain of Mountains, which cut it from West to East; here is sound a white Gum, which they use instead of Pitch, to caulk their Ships; and instead of Tallow, to make Candles; and for want of other Medicaments, for Wounds and Sores, besides its Gold, Sugars, and Gayac; it hath many Salt-Marches. These four Isles are the greatest, and chiefest of the Antilles; the rest are numerous, and ought to be considered under the names of the Lucays, and Caribes. The Lucays are North of Cuba, and Hispaniola; of which, Lucayon is the chief, the greatest, and the most Northernly of all; Bahama gives its name to the Channel, which is between the Isles and Florida; a Channel so rapid, that, in despite of the Winds, it carries Ships from South to North, or rather from South-West, to North-East. Guanahani is the first Land which Columbus discovered near America, and named in St. Salvador, because he had been in danger to have been cast into the Sea by his own men, in the fear they had, that they should find no Land.

The CARIBE ISLES.

THE CARIBES or CANIBALS ISLANDS, are so called from its Native Inhabitants, who were Canibals or Men eaters, and these are a great Body of Isles forming a Demy-Circle towards America Meridionalis, the chief of which are set down in the Geographical Table, and which I shall take notice of, and first with Barbados.

BARBADOS, the most considerable Colony the English are Masters of amongst all the Caribe Isles.* 1.184 Its scituation is in the North Latitude of 13 degrees 20 minutes; and although but of a small Circuit, not exceeding eight Leagues in length, and 5 in breadth where broadest, yet it is a Potent Colony, and able on occasion to Arm about 10000 Fighting men,* 1.185 which with the natural strength of the Isle, is able to give resistance to the powerfullest Foe. It is exceeding fertil, bearing Crops all the year long,* 1.186 and the trees always cloathed in their Summer livery, but the two seasons for Planting is in May and November, but the Sugar Canes are Planted all the year round. And here are found to grow in great plenty excellent Fruits, as Oranges both sweet and sower,* 1.187Pomgranates, Citrons, Lemmons, Limes, Macows, Grapes, Juniper Apples, Momins, Acosous, Papayers, Monbains, Icacos, Raysins, Cherries, Cocos, Indian Figgs, Plantins, Bonauves, Guavers, Castard Apples, prickle Pears, and Apples, Millons, both land and water, and Pine Apples, the rarest Fruit in the Indies. They have great plenty of Fish and Fowl,* 1.188 common with Jamaica and other places in the Indies, and have also a competent stock of English Cattle, and Horses, but something dear, by reason they imploy their Grounds better than to breed upon; and most roots, herbs, and seeds, and flowers common with us in England are found to thrive, and grow very well. The Commodities that this Isle produceth are Sugars, Indico, Cotton, Wool,* 1.189Ginger, Fustick, and Logwood, but especially, Sugar, Indico, Cotton, and Ginger; lading yearly therewith 200 sail of Ships both great and small, to the great enrichment of the Inhabitants, and profit of England. This Isle lying so near the Equinoctial Line, cannot but be hot, yet not so but that travel and labour is sufferable, and that occasioned by the cool breezes of wind which riseth with the Sun, and bloweth fresher as the Sun mounteth up. And the Air is found very moist, so that all Iron-tools are much subject to rust. This Isle is not over plentifully watered with Rivers, or fresh Springs, there being but one that may appropriate that name, or rather a Lake which runneth not far into the Land, notwithstanding which defect the Inhabitants have no want of water, for the Land lying low, and even, there are several Ponds, and most houses have Wells or Cisterns, which holds the rain water. And here is a River called Tuigh-River, remarkable for that on the top of the water is gathered an Oyl which is made use of to burn in Lamps.* 1.190 Amongst the Trees here growing, (which for the most part are appropriate to the rest of the Caribe Isles) those of most note are the Cedar, Redwood, Mastick, Locust, the Iron wood tree, also the Cassia Fistula, Coloquintida, Tamarind, Cassavie, of which is made their Bread, the Poyson tree, and the Physick Nut, also the Calibash, the Shell of whose Fruit serveth like Goards to carry liquid things in; the Mangrass tree, the Roucou, of whose Bark is made Ropes, as also Flax which being spun is imployed to several uses; the Lignum Vitae, and the Palmeto. Here are several Insects and Animals,* 1.191 as Scorpions as big as Rats, but no waies hurtful, Lizards so harmless that they frequent the houses, and love the company of men; Land Crabs in great abundance which are good to eat. Also Muskettoes, Cockroches, and Merrywings, which are very troublesom in the night in stinging.

• 1.192This Isle is severed into Eleven Precincts or Parishes, in which are fourteen Churches and Chapels; besides many places which may not improperly be called Towns, as composed of a long and spacious street, and beautified with fair houses, and of late years the whole Isle is so taken▪up, that there is no such thing as any wast ground. Its chief Towns are 1. St. Michaels, formerly called the Bridge Town, or Indian Bridge, seated at the bottom of Carlisle Bay which is very deep, capacious, and secure, fit to give Harbour for about 500 Vessels at one time. The Town is large and long, containing several Streets, and graced with above 500 well built Houses. It is very populous, being the Residence of the Governours, the place of Judicature, and the scale of trade, where most of the Merchants and Factors in the Isle have their store-houses for the negotiation of their affairs, in the supplying the Inhabitants with such Commodities as they have occasion of, in exchange of theirs the product of the Isle. For the security of the Ships here are two strong Forts opposite to each other, with a Platform in the midst which commands the Road, all Fortified with great Guns, &c. 2. Little Bristol formerly Sprights Bay, hath a commodious Road for Ships, which is secured by two powerful Forts, and is a place well resorted unto. 3. St. James hath the conveniency of a good Road for Ships, which is well secured by a large Platform and Fortified Breast-works; It is a Town of a good trade, well Inhabited, and the more, as being the place where the Monthly Courts for the Precinct is kept. And 4. Charles Town, seated on Oyster Bay, well secured by two strong Forts with a Platform in the midst; this Town having the accommodation of a weekly Market, and being the place where the Monthly Courts are kept for the Precinct, makes it to be well Inhabited, and frequented. This Isle is of a great strength as well by Nature as Art,* 1.193 being sheltered with Rocks and Shoals, and where it is not thus defended by nature it is fortified with Trenches and Rampiers, with Pallisadoes, Curtains, and Counterscarfs, and for its further Defence hath three Forts, one for a Magazine, and the other two for Retreats; they have also a standing Militia, consisting of two Regiments of Horse, and five of Foot; which are alwaies to be ready at beat of Drum,* 1.194 or sound of Trumpet. The Inhabitants of this Isle may be ranged under three sorts, viz. Masters, Christian Servants, and Negro-slaves, which are very numerous. The Masters for the most part live at the height of pleasure. The Servants after the expiration of five years are Freemen of the Isle, and employ their times according to their abilities, and capacities; and the Negro-slaves are never out of Bondage, and the Children they get are likewise perpetual Slaves. These poor creatures, although they have such extream hard usage for Dyet, Apparel, or Lodging, and are held to such hard labour, and so ill treated by their Masters or Overseers, yet are well enough contented with their conditions, and where they meet with kind Masters think nothing too much to do for them, so that it is great inhumanity and pity to wrong them. Every Sunday, (which is the only day of rest to them, and should be set apart for the Service of God) they employ either in getting of the Bark of Trees, and making of Ropes with it, which they truck away for Shirts, Drawers, or other conveniencies, or else spend the day in dancing, wrestling,* 1.195 or other meriments.

St. CHRISTOPHERS, so called from Christopher Columbus the first discover thereof, seated in the Latitude of 17 degrees 25 minutes. In Circuit about 75 miles; the soil is light and sandy, and very apt to produce several sorts of Fruits, Provisions, and Commodities, as Sugar, Tobacco, Cotton, Ginger, &c. This Isle by reason of its several great and steep Mountains (in the midst from which spring the Rivers which plentifully water the Land, many of which are hot and sulphurous) with horrid Precipices, and thick Woods, renders it impassable through the midst. On the Sea side is a Salt pit, not far from which is a small Isthmus of Land, which reacheth within a mile and a half of the Isle of Neivis. This Isle is very delightful, and of a most delectable Prospect, for if the Eye be directed downwards from the top, it hath a prospect of curious Gardens, which gently descend to the Sea side; and in regard of the continual ascent of the Isle, the lower stage or story doth not debar the eye of the pleasant prospect of that which lyeth at a remoter distance; which is terminated by those high Mountains; and that which makes the prospect the more delectable in the several Plantations, are the fair houses covered with glazed Slate. This Isle is divided into four Cantons or Quarters, two of which are possessed by the English, and two by the French, which parts are not so well watered as those of the English, but better for Tillage and not so hilly. The English have two fortified places, one commanding the great Haven, and the other a descent not far from Point de sable; and the French have four strong Forts, the chief of which Commands the Haven and is called Basse Terre. And for the better security of each other, constant guard at their Forts are kept. In the parts belonging to the English, are five Churches for Divine Worship. The chief place belonging to the French is at Basse-Terre, being a Town of a good bigness, and garnished with well built houses, where the Merchants have their store-houses, and is well Inhabited, here is a large and fair Church, also a publick Hall for the Administration of Justice, a fair Hospital for sick people, and a stately Castle, which is the residence of the Governor, of a most pleasant scituation on the foot of a high Mountain not far from the Sea, having spacious Courts, delightful walks, and Gardens.

• 1.196NIEVES, or MEVIS not far from St. Christophers as before noted; of a small extent not exceeding 18 miles in Circuit; In the midst of the Isle is a Mountain of a great height, but of an easie access, and well clothed with wood, and about this Mountain are the Plantations which reach to the Sea-shoar. Here are divers springs of fresh water, and one of a hot and Mineral quality, not far from whose Spring head are Baths made, which are much resorted unto. It is indifferent fertil, and hath store of Deer and other Game for Hunting, and is found to produce the same Commodities as the rest of the Caribe Isles. It is a well Governed Colony of the English, and its Inhabitants which are esteemed about 3 or 4000 live a good quiet and contented life, and free from want of Food, or Rayment; for Divine Worship here are three Churches, and for its security hath a Fort and a publick Store-house. This Isle (as the rest of the Caribe's) is troubled with Muscheto's, Chigos, Murigoins, and other stinging Flies, which are found troublesom to the Inhabitants.

ANTEGO, an Isle about 6 or 7 Leagues in length,* 1.197 and as much in breadth in many places; it is seated in the Latitude of 16 deg. 11 minutes, it hath some few Springs of fresh water, but hath many Cisterns and Ponds for the preserving of Rain water; It is encompassed with Rocks which makes its access difficult and dangerous. Here are plenty of wild Fowl, and Fish, nor is there any want of tame Cattle. It is in the Possession of the English, but thinly Inhabited, not exceeding 8 or 900.

St. VINCENT, seated in the Latitude of 16 deg. about 20 miles in length,* 1.198 and 15 in breadth of a fertil soil, yielding abundance of Sugar Canes, which grow naturally without planting; It affords many safe Roads and convenient Bays for Shipping, is well watered, but the English who are Masters of it, have made as yet no great settlement.

DOMINICA,* 1.199 seated in the Latitude of 15^•1 deg. about 12 Leagues in length, and 8 in breadth; It is very Mountainous, but hath fertil Valleys affording good Tobacco, which is the chief Commodity. It is a Colony of the English, but not considerable.

MONTSERAT,* 1.200 In the Latitude of 17 deg. a small Isle of about 10 miles in length, and less in breadth, very Mountainous, but interlaced with fertil Valleys. It is much Inhabited by the Irish, who have a Church.

ANGƲILLA,* 1.201 in the Latitude of 18 deg. 21 min. about 10 Leagues in length, and 3 in breadth: It is a poor beggarly Isle, Possessed by about 2 or 300 English, but said not worth the keeping.

BARBADA,* 1.202 in the Lat. 17 ½ degree, an Isle of no great extent, not exceeding 15 miles in length; of a fertil soil, yet of no account to the English who are Possessors thereof.

• 1.203SANCTACRƲX, Inhabited by the French, the Isle is woody and mountainous, and not well provided with fresh waters, and of no considerable note.

GƲADALOƲPE,* 1.204 about three Leagues in length, possessed by the French, of good Anchorage in most parts of the adjoyning Sea, and of some note for its fresh water, which it furnisheth Ships with in their necessity, to finish their Voyages.

GRENADO,* 1.205 but a small Isle (being not above six miles in length) in form of a Cressent, the two horns being not above a mile asunder, it is possessed by the French, said to be of a fertil soil, and well clothed with Woods, and hath a commodious Haven.

And now I shall be bold to say that Hispaniola, Cuba, and the Neighbouring Isles, answer to the Hesperides of the Antients. All agree that the Hesperides were 40 daies sail from the Gorgades, and the Gorgades only two from the Coast of Africa. The Isles of Cape Verde answer to the Gorgades, as we have made appear in Africa. From these Isles to those of Hispaniola, and Cuba, is at present 25 or 30 daies sail, which may well be 40 of the Antients; and moreover there is no Isles in the Atlantick Ocean beyond these. And when the Antients place these Hesperides in one Gulph alone, as Capella doth, or in more, as Solinus doth, they seem to mean the Gulph of Mexico, which contains many other lesser. And if Pliny seems to make account but of two Hesperides, and others of many more, Pliny understands Hispaniola and Cuba alone, in regard of which the rest are little considerable; Solinus and Capella intend in general the body of these Islands. But let us proceed to America Meridionalis.