Chapter XIX: Front Matter (19)

Mean while _Muteczuma_ consulted with his Sorcerers to destroy _Cortesius_ by Charms, who then was marching through _Chalco_, whereupon a considerable number of Sorcerers went thither to the top of a high Mountain, where, as they were beginning their Incantations and Charms, their Idol _Tezcalipuca_ appear’d to them; and in an angry manner told them, That _Muteczuma_ should lose his Crown and Life; and to confirm his words, he shew’d them a dreadful spectacle; for looking about, they saw the City in a light flame. This being told to _Muteczuma_, he resolv’d to make himself as secure as he could, and went to meet _Cortesius_ with costly Presents, delivering him the Crown in the presence of all his Council; to which purpose he took one _Marina_, experienc’d in the _Castilian_ Tongue, with him for his Interpreter; all things then seeming to end in Friendship. But they continu’d not long in that state; for _Cortesius_, whose whole Design was to bring _Mexico_ under the _Spaniards_ Subjection, not long after accus’d _Muteczuma_, that _Coalcopoca_ had on his Commands storm’d the new _Spanish_ City _Vera Crux_, which he could no way excuse; and notwithstanding _Muteczuma_ deliver’d him _Coalcopoca_, with fifteen of his Nobles Prisoners, who were all burnt with green Wood; yet he was committed Prisoner, to the great discontent of the _Mexicans_, who said, “That they were now come to a fine pass, to be thus fool’d by a few Strangers, who had imprison’d their King, trampled upon their ancient Images, endeavor’d to murther them all, and in despite of them brought their mortal Enemies, the _Tascaltecans_ and _Guazuzingans_, into _Mexico_.”

[Sidenote: _Cortesius_ marches against _Velasquez_’s Party.]

About this time there were certain Ships come to _Vera Crux_, which was a new Port-Town of this Countrey, that the _Spaniards_ had built since their coming thither, and had Landed near upon a thousand Men; which was an Accident that had like to have spoil’d the Design of _Cortesius_ and all his Company at _Mexico_, these Men being sent by _James Velasquez_; Governor of _Cuba_, expressly against _Cortesius_ and his Men, upon pretence that they had acted not conformably to the Commission which they had receiv’d from him, and gave him no account of their proceedings; which in a great measure was true: for it must be confess’d, that _Cortesius_ and his Men finding themselves to have fall’n upon an Adventure that was certainly rich and good, and having got such footing and interest in the Countrey already, by their Success and Victories, and chiefly by their Confederacy with so many of the Natives and People of the Countrey, revolted to them, did almost at first, by a general consent, renounce their Commission, and dependency upon _Velasquez_, and profess’d to act immediately from and for the King of _Spain_. What pretences they had for such a Resolution, seemingly at least irregular, is not so well known. Whatever they were, they proceed in it, and the whole Company (excepting onely some few, who yet went along with the rest) chuse _Cortesius_ anew for their Commander in chief, and appoint likewise by common consent, all other Officers of Justice, both Civil and Military, among themselves: and to give the better colour at Court to their Proceedings, they send _Portocorrero_ and _Monteio_, two of their Principals, into _Spain_, with a rich and noble Present to the Emperor, both to make report of the State of the Countrey, and to procure immediate Commission from his Majesty, to proceed; after which they advance towards Mexico, as hath been said. _Velasquez_, being at _Cuba_, and understanding their Proceedings, labor’d to intercept both their Messengers and Present, but could not; and therefore sent _Pamphilius Narvaez_ with eleven Ships, and about nine hundred or a thousand Men to apprehend _Cortesius_, and oppose his Proceedings. This hapned about the time that the Differences were but newly calm’d betwixt the _Spaniards_ and the People of _Mexico_; and though it oblig’d _Cortesius_ to leave the City in a wavering and unsetled condition, yet he took such order, that _Muteczuma_ still remain’d under the Guard of the _Spaniards_ as before, assisted with thousands of their Friends of _Tlascalla_, and he himself taking the rest, and some few _Spaniards_ along with him, with undaunted courage and resolution marches against _Narvaez_: and such was his good fortune, that not onely _Narvaez_ became his Prisoner without much blood-shed, but likewise all his Men joyn’d with him in his Design, through the favour of the Chancery or supream Court of _St. Domingo_, and by the procurement of the Licentiat _Vasquez de Ayllon_, a Judge of it, who was sent with _Narvaez_ to accommodate the Differences. With this Recruit _Cortesius_ marches back again to _Mexico_; but at his coming finds things in a very bad condition; for the Citizens, gather’d together under the Command of one _Quicuxtemoc_, had recourse to Arms, and for three days and three Nights vex’d the _Spaniards_ with continual Stormings, notwithstanding what-ever Commands they had to the contrary from their imprison’d King, who at last, looking out of a Window, endeavoring to appease them, was hurt with a Stone, of which he soon after died, as they say, who would not have the _Spaniards_ thought to have murder’d him, as the _Mexicans_ say they did, with divers other Noble-men, and some of his Children, the very Night they fled. However it were, not long after his Death, out of extream necessity, and chiefly for want of Victuals, the _Spaniards_ were forc’d to leave the City in the night-time, and with the loss of four hundred and fifty of their Men, who were either slain or taken Prisoners at the passing of a Draw-bridge, the rest making a heavy Retreat to their Friends at _Tlascalla_. There is standing at this day in _Mexico_, upon the place where so many of them were kill’d, a certain Hermitage, which they call _Los Martyres_, or _The Hermitage of the Martyrs_, though but improperly, if upon that occasion, as one of their own Writers confesses, though he alledges no other reason.

[Sidenote: _Mexico_ taken by the _Spaniards_.]

This Retreat of the _Spaniards_ out of _Mexico_ hapned to be upon the tenth of _July_ after mid-night, in the Year 1520. which the _Spaniards_ at _Mexico_ call _The Doleful Night_. Nevertheless the undaunted _Cortesius_ being got, though with much difficulty and trouble, by reason of the pursuit of the _Mexicans_ for a good part of the Way, to his sure Friends of _Tlascalla_, neither lost his Courage, nor gave over his Resolution of yet gaining _Mexico_, especially the way being now laid open, and sufficient occasion given by the Death of _Muteczuma_, and the provocations of the _Mexicans_ themselves, to make himself absolute and sole Lord of the Place: wherefore having sent for, and procur’d a competent Supply of fresh Soldiers from _Santo Domingo_, or _Hispaniola_, _Almeria_, _Cuba_, and other places, being in all nine hundred Foot, eight hundred Horse, and seventeen Pieces of Ordnance; he joyns himself with the Auxiliary Forces of _Tlascalla_, which were no less than a hundred thousand Men, Arm’d with Bowes and Arrows: and with this Army marches again towards _Mexico_, and Besieges it both by Land and Water, _viz._ with the help of thirteen _Brigantines_ or _Galliots_, which he had built upon the Lake, and six thousand _Canoos_, or little Boats, which his Friends and Confederates had procur’d him. By which means, and by his Army on Land, in a short time he cut off all Provision from the City, and after a Siege of full three Months or more, and a most stout and obstinate resistance made by the People within, in which they are said to have lost above a hundred thousand Men, beside those which perish’d by Famine, Sickness, or otherwise, he took it by Storm upon _Tuesday_ the thirteenth of _August 1521._ Sackt it first, and then burnt it to the Ground; yet afterwards he caus’d it to be Re-built again, far more Beautiful than at first it was; as in due place we shall further see. They speak not of above fifty _Spaniards_ slain during the whole Siege, six Horses, and not many _Tlascaltecans_.

[Sidenote: _Cortez_ advanc’d to Honors.]

In this manner, and with so little Charges to the Conqueror, there fell to the Crown of _Spain_ the richest and goodliest Kingdom (one of them) of the whole World, _viz._ the Kingdom of _Mexico_, which the Conquerors presently nam’d _New Spain_; and in reference to which name, the _Catholick King_ hath ever since stil’d himself in the plural number _Hispaniarum Rex_, or _King of both Spains_; and all by the Valor, Prudence, admirable Resolution, and happy Conduct of _Cortez_; who was at first but a private Adventurer in the _American_ Plantations and Discoveries, though otherwise a Gentleman of a good Family in _Spain_, born at _Medellin_ in the Country of _Estramedura_. The Emperor _Charles_ the Fifth, who was also then King of _Spain_, for his great Services, endow’d him deservedly with many great and rich Territories in the Provinces of _Tlascalla_, _Mechoacan_, and other parts thereabouts, made him Marquess of the Valley, _viz._ of _Guaxata_, (which is his chief Title) a rich and flourishing Province of that Countrey, Captain General, or Commander in Chief, of all the Military Forces of _New-Spain_, and General Discoverer of all the Maritime parts and Coasts of _America_ towards the South-Sea, assigning him in propriety the twelfth part of whatsoever should be discover’d, to him and his Heirs for ever; but deny’d him the Government of _Mexico_ out of reason of State, though ’tis said, he much desir’d it.

[Sidenote: The grand Haven _Acapulco_.]

Among the famous Havens which lie along the South Sea, and Northern Ocean the chiefest is _Acapulco_ before-mention’d, whither all Merchandize is sent to be transported to _China_, which is above two thousand Leagues distant from thence; in which Voyage they generally spend fourteen Months; four Sail, each of eight hundred Tun, appointed for this Trade; generally two of them set Sail to _China_ in _March_, and returning in Summer, have no sooner drop’d their Anchors, but the other two set out from _Acapulco_, from whence the way by Land to _Mexico_, is seventy two Leagues over steep Mountains, dangerous Rocks, and several Rivers; the chiefest whereof are, first, _Del Papagayo_, or _De las Balsas_, which runs exceeding strong, which the _Indians_ cross on bundles of Canes ty’d upon _Callabashes_: Next _San Francisco_, which though the biggest, yet hath many shallow places to wade over. The _Mustichoes_ are no small Plagues to those that travel this way, for their Poysonous Stings are the occasions of many Ulcerated Wounds, and oft-times Death it self.

In this way lies also the Countrey _del Valle_, from which _Ferdinand Cortesius_ receiv’d the Title of Earl.

The Mouth of the Haven _Acapulco_ gapes a full League North and South, and within exceeding large, hath a nook call’d _Boca Grande_, where the Ships Ride safe at an Anchor: More Easterly appears a Land Inlet, (by the _Spaniards_ call’d _Puerto del Marques_) secur’d against all Winds; near which is the City of _San Diego_, to which belongs a Fort, with six Bulwarks, lying on a Promontory; the main of the City is one large Street, consisting of fair and stately Houses, and leading directly to the Haven; the Church which is of an oblong square, hath a high Steeple in the middle.

[Sidenote: _Spilbergen_’s Expedition.]

A _Dutch_ Admiral, one _Joris Spilbergen_, after he had done the _Spaniards_ all the mischief he could along the South Sea, ran with five Sail under the Fort _Acapulco_, which fir’d ten Guns at him; whereupon, the _Dutch_ Admiral Manning a Boat, with a white Flag, they agreed upon a Cessation, and the _Spaniards_ went aboard of the Admiral, to whom _Pedro Alvares_, and _Francisco Menendus_, having been a considerable time in _Holland_, and speaking the Language of that Countrey very perfect, promis’d that all his Demands should be satisfi’d; yet _Spilbergen_ was suspicious that the _Spaniards_ had a design upon him, wherefore he came and lay close under the Castle with his five Sail, and made ready his Guns: But this suspicion was soon clear’d, when _Alvares_ and _Menendus_ proffer’d to stay as Hostages, till the Governor of the Town sent the Admiral thirty Oxen, fifty Sheep, some hundreds of Poultry, Coals, Oranges, Cittrons, and the like fresh Provisions; as also Wood and Water; during which time, the Prisoners being set at liberty, several Persons of Quality came to visit the Admiral, amongst whom was Captain _Castilio_, one that had serv’d twenty years in the _Low-Countrey_ Wars; and _Melchior Hernando_, Nephew to the Vice-Roy of _New-Spain_, who desirous to see the Ships that durst set twice upon _Rodrigo de Mendose_, Admiral of the King of _Spain_’s mighty Fleet, stood amaz’d that such little Frigats durst Ingage with so many great _Spanish_ Ships; and carry’d the Admiral’s Son to the Governor of the City, call’d _Georgius Perro_, who civilly entertain’d him: Eight days _Spilbergen_ spent here at _Acapulco_, admiring the courteous Entertainment of the _Spaniards_, and the more, because that having News but eight Moneths before of the _Dutch_ Fleet setting out, they had in that short time made all things ready for resistance, the Fort having seventeen Brass Guns, and four hundred Soldiers, besides many Noblemen and Reformades, whereas at other times there us’d not to be above forty Men, and four Guns in the same.

SECT. II.
Mechoacan.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Description of _Mechoacan_.]

The next Province of _New Spain_ is the Bishoprick of _Mechoacan_, which hath on the North-East, _Panuco_; on the East, _Mexicana_, properly so call’d; on the South part, _Tlascalla_; on the West, the Main Ocean, or _Mare del Zur_; and last of all, more directly Northward, _Xalisco_, which is a Province of _New Gallicia_: The Name signifieth in the _American_ Language, as much as _A Fish Countrey_; and so it is, having many fair Lakes and Rivers in it, abundantly well stor’d with Fish. The Countrey so exceedingly pleasant and healthful, that ’tis usual for sick Persons of other Provinces to come hither to recover their health, only by the benefit of a good Air. The Soil so abundantly fertile of all sorts of Grain, that of four measures of Seed, it hath been often observ’d, they have reap’d the next Harvest, more than so many hundred measures of the same Grain. Very well Wooded; and by reason of its many Rivers and fresh Springs, equally rich in good Pasture: and besides great plenty of Medicinal Herbs and Plants, it affordeth good store of Amber nigh the Sea Coasts, Mulberry-trees, and consequently Silks; much Honey, Wax, and divers other Commodities, both for necessity and pleasure. The People of the Countrey are generally tall, of a strong active Body, and a good Wit, especially in comparison of other Natives; not unskilful in divers curious Manufactures, the most excellent Feather-Pictures, afore-mention’d, being said to be found in this Province. They seem more generally inclin’d to the Humors and Customs of the _Spaniards_, than any other _Americans_; and receiv’d the Preaching of _Christian Religion_, when time was, with much willingness; so that the Countrey is now entirely _Christian_, and divided into several Parishes.

[Sidenote: Languages belonging to the _Mechoacans_.]

The Languages which are spoken in _Mechoacan_ are several, as the _Otomian_, _Chihcimian_, and the _Mexicans_, which is common through all _New Spain_, and the _Tarascan_, a neat and brief Language, which properly belongs to this Countrey.

[Sidenote: Tygers.]

The Lions and Wilde Dogs of this Countrey devour great numbers of Cattel yearly, yet the greatest mischiefs happen from the Tygers, which often fetch People out of their Houses, notwithstanding the Doors are lock’d, for they break in thorow the Walls and Roofs, with much eagerness and strength: Of the greatness whereof, _Jacob Bontius_ tells us this story, That the Governor _Peter Carpentier_ set a Trap without the Walls of _Batavia_, of great Timber, Pleited with Iron, Baiting it with a Goat; which taking effect, the Tyger that was caught therein, impatient of such close Imprisonment, rent the Timber, and getting out, left the Goat untouch’d.

_Hugo Linschot_ relates, That the Tygers in the _West-Indies_ hurt no _Spaniards_, exercising their cruelty onely on _Indians_; and that finding a _Black_ and a _White_ Man sleeping together, they devour the _Black_ and not the _White_: How far these assertions deserve to be credited, may appear by an evident contradiction of the first, for it is well known, many _Spaniards_ in the _West-Indies_ have been eaten by the Tygers.

General _Fedreman_ marching in this Countrey at the Head of his Army, was assaulted by a Tyger, which in despight of them all killing a _Spaniard_, and three _Indians_, escap’d from them; no Trees serve for a refuge against their fury, for they climb up to the top thereof, and fetch down their Prey; their Claws are so exceeding Venomous, that whoever is scratch’d with the same, is never to be cur’d; there is no Beast but they will venture upon, wherefore they lie in the Bushes, from whence they rush out upon them; but this disadvantage they have, that most other Beasts are too nimble Footed for them, for they are a very heavy Creature, whatever hath been deliver’d by the Ancients concerning the Tygers swiftness.

As to the difference which they make in Humane Flesh, it is thus far true: That they find more sweetness in Womens Breasts than other parts, and chose a _Black_ Man before a _White_: Concerning the first, _France_ gives a sufficient testimony, when two Tygers, in the time of King _Lewis_ the Twelfth, breaking loose, left a great number of Women lying Breastless in the Road. The second is confirm’d by _John Johnston_’s Relation of a strange accident that happen’d in _Bengale_, _viz._ A _Moor_ dreaming that a Tyger fetch’d him out of the Ship, hid himself the next Night between Decks, of which the Master asking the reason, was inform’d concerning his Dream, which prov’d prophetick, for about Mid-night a Tyger leapt into the Ship, and devouring the _Moor_, went away without touching any one of the _Hollanders_, of which there were thirty: But a Sea-man walking on the shore escap’d more wonderfully, for a Tyger setting upon him behind, and a Crocodile before, he leaping from betwixt them, discover’d to the Tyger the Crocodile, to whom the Tyger directly running, and ingaging with the Crocodile, spar’d the Sea-mans life: Notwithstanding the cruelty and mischief of these Tygers, the _Indians_ are led by their sottish Superstition to worship them; because, as they say, the Devil often appears to them in that shape.

[Sidenote: Squerrils.]

Besides the Tygers, the Inhabitants of _Mechaocan_ are exceedingly molested with Squerrils, which not only carry much Fruit into their Holes, but also under-mine the Houses, so that they often sink or fall on one side, the mischief being the worse, because they increase daily. Most of them bear four young at a time, which on the third day run about for Prey, and can scarce be taken, because of their exceeding swiftness, leaping a great distance from one Tree to another; their Tails serve them on divers occasions; for leaping they use it like a Wing, and at their crossing over a River, for a Sail; in tempestuous Weather, they stop their holes therewith, to keep out the Wind.

[Sidenote: Several kinds of them.]

There are six several sorts of these Squerrils; the first call’d _Tlilic_, cover themselves with their Tails; the second _Quapatchli_, is as big again, and can never be made tame; the third _Techallotl_, with a bald Tail and great Eyes; the fourth _Talmototly_, hath a thick Head, and a Tail full of black and white streaks; the fifth _Quimitchpatlan_, hath a little Head and long Legs, and leaping from one Tree to another, seems to flie; the last sort call’d _Yztactechalotl_, is whitish.

[Sidenote: Foxes.]

The Foxes do also great mischief here, their Urine smells so horribly, that forty days after, none are able to abide near the place where they have urin’d, and on whatsoever Stuff or Cloth a drop thereof chanceth to light, the stink can never be wash’d away.

[Sidenote: The Bird _Auras_.]

Here breeds also a sort of Birds, call’d _Auras_, which are not unlike Moore-Hens; they flie exceeding high in the Air, feed on nought but stinking Carrion, which they scent at a great distance; they have a hairy Head and Neck, and ugly Face: Some of the Fowls of this Countrey stay here all the year long, others go away, and return at certain times.

[Sidenote: Ingenuity of the Natives.]

The Natives, since the _Spaniards_ coming thither, have gotten their Habits and Language, learn’d all sorts of Trades; their Tables, Chests, and Cupboards made of _Brasile_-Wood, are no way inferior to the best that are made in _Europe_. Painting is also in great esteem amongst them: They make handsom Clothes, Shooes, and strange Copper Locks. They have a peculiar Art in Tilling their Ground: They teach the _Spanish_ Dogs several tricks, but not feeding them well, they cause them to run from them, and turn wilde, whence they are call’d _Cimarrones_, because they do much hurt to the Cattel.

The Inhabitants, when a Feaver or Ague is upon them at the highest, leap into cold Water: against other Sicknesses they use Herbs, whose soveraign Power Experience hath long since taught them.

Since the _Spaniards_ made _Mechoacan_ a Bishoprick, they have built ninety four Schools, fifty Churches, several Hospitals and Cloysters, inhabited by _Franciscan_ and _Augustin_ Monks.

There are said to be in this Bishoprick a hundred and fifty Towns or Burroughs (besides many scatter’d Villages) most of which have Free-Schools erected in them, for the Training up of Youth in the _Christian_ Religion, good Literature and Arts; and few of them without an Hospital for the Sick: of which Towns the principal are as followeth:

[Sidenote: Principal Towns.]

1. _Zinzoutza_, the Seat of the ancient Kings of _Mechoacan_. 2. _Pascuar_, a City forty seven Leagues distant from _Mexico_, once a Bishop’s See. 3. _Valladolid_, the Metropolis or chief City of the Province, since the Episcopal Chair was remov’d from _Pascuar_ thither. It lieth upon a great Lake, equal almost for bigness to that of _Mexico_, and is about seven Leagues distant from _Pascuar_, towards the East. 4. _St. Michaels_, a good Town, forty Leagues Westward of _Mexico_, and in the Way to the _Zacatecas_, but lying in a Road that is somewhat dangerous, being not a little infested with Salvages on both sides of it. 5. _St. Philips._ 6. _La Conception de Salaya_, seventeen Leagues distant from _Valladolid_, and a convenient Stage for Travellers, being indeed, with the two last mention’d, built chiefly for the defence and securing of the Countrey against the Salvages. 7. _Guaxanata_, a Town on the Borders of _Panuco_, where there are very rich Mynes of Silver. 8. _Leon_, another Town likewise of very rich Mynes, twenty four Leagues distant from _Valladolid_, and threescore from _Mexico_. 9. _Zamorra._ 10. _Villa de los Lagos_, and others.

Towards the Sea there is 1. _Acatlan_, but two Miles distant from the Sea-Coast, and a small Town, yet by reason of a safe and very good Harbor which it hath for Shipping, a Place of no little Trading. 2. _Natividad_, another well known and convenient Haven upon _Mare del Zur_, pertaining to this Province, and from whence they usually set Sail for the _Philippine_ Islands. 3. _St. Jago de buena Speranza_, so call’d by the _Spaniards_, perhaps from the abundance of good Pearls they found upon this Coast. 4. _Colyma._ 5. _Zacatula_, and some others.

This Province, as we said, was at first a distinct Kingdom of it self, yet subordinate and Tributary to that of _Mexico_; the King whereof nam’d _Tamgaiva_, or _Bimbicha_, (as _Laet_ reporteth) at the first coming of the _Spaniards_ thither, after the Conquest of _Mexico_, voluntarily submitted himself to them, and was Baptiz’d. Nevertheless afterwards, upon a pretence of I know not what Treason intended by him against them, and which the _Spanish_ Writers themselves professedly think to have been feigned, by command of _Nunnez de Gusman_, President of the _Chancery_ of _Mexico_, he was most inhumanely burnt alive, and his Kingdom seiz’d upon by the _Spaniards_.

SECT. III.
Tlascalla.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Tlascalla_.]

The Bishoprick of _Tlascalla_, formerly call’d _Tlascalteca_, _Tlaxcala_, and _Tlascalan_, is a Province of _New Spain_, which extendeth it self entirely from one Sea to another, _viz._ from the _Atlantick_ to _Mare del Zur_, with which it is bounded on the East and West Parts, lying otherwise, and for the most part betwixt the Provinces of _Mexicana_, last spoken of, and that of _Guaxata_, which followeth, containing in length from one Sea to the other, not much less than an hundred Leagues, and in some places fourscore in breadth; but towards the South Sea growing much narrower. It is a Countrey exceedingly plentiful both in Corn and Cattel, full of rich Pasturage, and so plentifully stor’d with _Maiz_, Wheat, and other Grain, that it is accounted as it were the Granary of _America_; besides Deer, all manner of Venison, and great store of Fowl. There is likewise Copperess, Allom, Silver-Mynes, _Manna_, _Anime_, and Liquid Amber, with a sweet smelling Gum which drops out of a Tree. The Rivers feed no Fish, because they fall with exceeding force from the Mountains; onely near _Topoyanco_, is a deep Lake of fresh Water, inhabited round about by _Indians_, enjoying the pleasure and profit of the many _Cumbeba_-Trees, which yield _Cochinele_, producing yearly above two hundred thousand Duckets worth of that Commodity. In this Lake swim black Hedge-hogs, whose Flesh is good and wholsom to eat.

[Sidenote: The ancient State of the _Tlascallans_.]

The People of this Countrey, when the _Spaniards_ came first amongst them, liv’d in the form of a Common-wealth, or Free-State, refusing to be subject to the King of _Mexico_, with whom they had almost continual War; and upon that account, as hath been said, assisted _Cortesius_ in the Conquest of the Kingdom, without whose help ’tis most certain he had never been able to do any thing. They enjoy therefore many special Priviledges and Immunities more than other _Americans_ do. They pay no Tribute, but onely a handful of Wheat yearly for every Person, by way of acknowledgment, otherwise living, under the Protection of the _Spaniards_, wholly in the Form of their ancient Government. In former times they were great Man-eaters, and not onely eat the Flesh of their Enemies, but also of one another, insomuch that Man’s-flesh hung in publick to be sold.

[Sidenote: River _Zahuatl_.]

The River _Zahuatl_, which rushes out of the Mountain _Xicoleucalt_, oftentimes overflows all the Countrey near it, and washes away divers Houses. _Zahuatl_ signifies _Scabby Water_, because all those, especially Children, that wash in the same, are sure to be Scabby. On its Banks the _Spaniards_ have built many Houses, the fashion whereof is now also imitated by the _Indians_ of this Province, who formerly built quite after another manner; for they made low Houses of Earth, Wood and Stone, with large and strange Chambers; some a Stones-cast one from another, others close together, had narrow crooked Streets that ran betwixt them.

[Sidenote: _Tlascallans_ Language.]

In this Province are two sorts of Languages spoken, _viz._ the _Mexican_, and that of the _Ottomons_, who formerly deserting _Mexico_, chose the _Tlascallans_ for their Protectors: They are a toilsom and painful People.

To the Northward of _Tlascalla_ are Mountains, which all the year long, except three Moneths, are cover’d with Mist; and the Woods on the tops of them are a great shelter to Lyons, Tygers, Wolves, and wild Dogs, call’d _Adives_, and other wild Beasts, which do much hurt to the small Cattel. Here are also many Serpents and Adders.

The whole Province is said to contain two hundred good Towns and Burroughs, and more than one thousand Villages, all of them exceedingly populous, and suppos’d to contain in the whole above a Million and half of Natives, besides _Spaniards_, who have some few Colonies in the Countrey for securing of it.

[Sidenote: Towns and Villages.]

The chief Towns of the Province are 1. _Tlascalla_ it self, which denominates the whole Countrey as the Metropolis, and where the Bishop’s See was at first, till in the Year 1550. it was remov’d to _Puebla de los Angelos_. It is a fair Town, and commodiously seated in the midst of a large and fertile Champain of threescore Miles in compass. It consisteth of four large and beautiful Streets or Quarters, and in the midst of them where they all meet, hath a _Piazza_, or Market-place, equal to that of _Mexico_, and able to receive twenty or thirty thousand Persons conveniently, to Buy and Sell in it; and whose Shambles seldom shew less than fifteen thousand Sheep, four thousand Oxen, and two thousand Hogs.

2. _Puebla de los Angelos_, or _The City of Angels_, a Town built by _Sebastian Ramirez_, a Church-man, and he that was the first President, or chief Governor of _Mexico_, under the Crown of _Castile_. It was built in the Year 1531. almost in the Road-way from _Vera Crux_ to _Mexico_, and seated in a very delicate and fertile Countrey, and of a good Air. It is a Bishop’s See, and valu’d at twenty thousand _Ducats_ of yearly Rent, the City it self suppos’d to contain about fifteen hundred Families; where there is abundance of excellent Cloth made, and for fineness not yielding to the best of _Spain_. Its chief Edifices are, the Cathedral and four stately Cloysters, belonging to the _Dominicans_, _Franciscans_, _Augustines_, and _Capuchins_; as also a Free-School for five hundred _Indian_ Children, endow’d by _Ramirez_ with a yearly Revenue.

3. _Zempoallan_, seated upon a River of the same Name.

4. _Napalaca_, in the Valley _Ocumba_, ows its original to an _Indian_ call’d _Juan_, who at first had onely one House, and a Herd of Hogs there, till upon his invitation, all the neighboring People came from the tops of the Hills; insomuch, that in a short time, the place was Peopled by thousands of Families.

5. _Guaxacingo_, all hitherto great and ancient Towns of the Natives.

6. _Segura de la Frontera_, a _Spanish_ Town, built by _Cortez_ presently upon the Conquest of _Mexico_, for the securing of the Confines, as the Name importeth.

7. _Vera Crux_, a Town built by _Cortez_ and his Companions, at their first Landing, and where afterwards, by a Stratagem, and out of a resolution either to Conquer or Die in the Countrey, he caus’d all his Ships to be burnt, that his Soldiers might not so much as think of returning back from whence they came. The Town was at first built five or six Leagues up within Land; but the place being found not to be so healthful, the Inhabitants in a short time deserted it, and seated themselves upon a Bay of the Sea, right over against _St. John D’ Ullua_.

8. _Medellin_, another _Spanish_ Town, built likewise by _Cortez_, in memory of his own Birth-place, which was _Medellin_, a small Town of _Estramadura_, a Province of _Spain_, but was afterwards destroy’d by some _Spanish_ Commanders, out of malice to _Cortez_.

Lastly, _St. John D’ Ullua_, a noted, and the most usual Port to all this Province, and likewise to the City of _Mexico_ it self, from the North Sea: but of difficult entrance, especially to such as are not well acquainted with the Passage, or want Guides, by reason of certain Rocks and Quicksands, wherewith the Mouth of the Haven is said to be bar’d; but within, the station is more safe. It hath likewise two strong Bulwarks or Forts rais’d, on either side of the Entrance one, to defend the Passage; besides a strong Castle, built since Captain _John Hawkins_ surpris’d twelve Ships richly Laden within the Haven, and thirteen others that arriv’d with a new Vice-Roy from _Spain_, valu’d at near sixty Tun of Gold, of which he might easily have made Prize, had he not trusted to the Vice-Roys Promise, to give him all satisfaction he should require, by which being deceiv’d, he lost all his Fleet but two Ships.

[Sidenote: Great increase of Crocodiles.]

Between _Tlascala_ and _Los Angelos_ are the Fountains, out of which the River hath its Original, which gliding by _Machaocan_ and _Zacatula_, falls into the South Sea: This River is so exceeding full of Crocodiles, that they have made several places which formerly were Inhabited on its Banks, utterly desolate; for the Females laying generally Eggs as big as those of a Goose, increase prodigiously; and were it not that the _Indian_ Mice, call’d _Ichneumones_, destroy’d them, they would grow still to greater numbers: But this Animal creeping in at the Crocodiles Mouth, eats his way out of the Belly again; Water-Serpents, Hawks, _Buffeloes_, and especially Tygers, are also their mortal Enemies, for they throwing the Crocodiles on their Backs, rend open their Bellies: They are more desirous of Mans flesh here than in any other place, because the River of _Tlascala_ hath but small store of Fish; in the day time they lie cover’d in the Mud, from whence they rush forth, and set upon those that happen to pass by them; they pursue the _Canoos_ in the Water, and strike down the Rowers with their Tails.

[Sidenote: Burning Mountain _Popatepeck_.]

Eight Leagues beyond _Tlascala_, appears the Mountain _Popatepeck_, which for ten years ceas’d smoaking, till _Anno 1540._ it broke forth in such a manner, that the Countrey all about was terrifi’d therewith; for it vomited not onely a black Smoak, but also horrible Flames, which sometimes being blow’d downward, burnt the Corn in the Fields, and the Ashes thereof flying as far as _Guaxocingo_ and _Chulula_, burnt a great deal of the Town to the Ground; every one endeavor’d by flight to secure themselves, with intention never to return thither again; but the Flame and Smoak abating, Captain _Diego de Ordas_ went up to view the place, whence the Fire was cast forth; which curiosity and presumption of his, had like to have cost him his Life, for the sulphury Smoak breaking forth on a sudden, had almost stifled him.

[Sidenote: Rivers of _Mexicana_.]

Moreover, the Bishoprick of _Tlascala_, is on the North Coast wash’d by the River _Papoloava_, since call’d _Alvarado_, from a _Spanish_ Commander, who first Steer’d his Course thither: The next Stream nam’d _Banderas_, is so call’d, because the Natives held white Clothes on Poles, to invite the _Spaniards_ ashore. The third is _Almeria_, on which, _Cortesius_, a year after the taking of _Mexico_, built the Town _Medellin_, as aforemention’d.

Along the _Tlascallan_ shore, wash’d by the Northern Ocean, lie the Isles _Blanca_, _Verde_, and _Sacrificios_: The first receiv’d its denomination from _White Land_, the other from _Green Trees_; and the third, because _Joan de Greyalve_, who first Discover’d _New Spain_, Landing on this Island, found a Bloody Altar there, with Sacrific’d People with open’d Brests, chopt off Arms and Legs.

The River _Almeria_ falling into the Ocean opposite to the _Sacrificios_, the _Spanish_ Ships came often to an Anchor there; but in these latter times, they have forsaken the same, because the Northern Winds us’d to blow very hard against the shore, and spoil’d many Vessels: But _Henry Hawks_ gives this reason, That a dreadful apparition of Spirits frighted the _Spaniards_ from thence.

[Sidenote: The Province _Tepeaca_.]

In the Bishoprick _Tlascala_, is also compriz’d the Province _Tepeaca_, whose Metropolis was built by _Cortez_, when with great Loss he was sent from _Almeria_. The Soil thereabouts is barren and stony; the Water which they have in the City, is brought in Pipes from a River which flows out of the Mountains into the Market place. The plain Countrey hath many good Pastures. The Inhabitants thereof speak four sorts of Languages; of which, the commonest is the _Mexican_; others use the _Popolucan_ or _Otoman_ Tongues.

[Sidenote: _Alyoxuan_.]

The Village _Alyoxucan_ appears afar off on a high Mountain, on whose top is a Lake of a hundred and fifty Fathom in circumference; the Water whereof is very cold, and of a bluish Colour, and neither Ebbs nor Flows, to which the Villagers climb along a narrow Path.

Not far from thence, in the Plain, are two other very deep Lakes: The first call’d _Tlacae_, is a League in circumference, and breeds delicate white Fish, not above a Fingers length: The second nam’d _Alchichican_, about the same bigness, which in stormy Weather is very turbulent.

[Sidenote: Strange sort of Bird.]

Amongst the Fowls of this Countrey, the most noted is a little Summer Bird, with a long crooked Tail, speckled Feathers; feeds on nothing but Flowers and the Dew; about Harvest time, when the Rain ceases, it hangs fast with its Bill on a Tree, and as soon as the first Rain falls, it revives again.

In this Countrey _Tepeaca_ are five Villages, in each of which is a _Franciscan_ Cloyster and convenient Hospital.

In this Countrey they gather the Water in the time of the Rainy Moneths, in a digg’d Pool, which every Morning produces little Toads with long Tails, which in few days fall off; but these little ones growing to be great, make a most dreadful noise in the Night: From _October_ till _March_, not one drop of Rain falls in this Countrey; during which time, the Northern Winds make a dry and wholsome Air, yet oftentimes a tempestuous Sea, to the loss of many Ships.

Farther up into the Countrey, between _Vera Crux_ and _Los Angelos_, lies the Village _Rinconanda_; and also _Xalapa_ and _Perota_ built of Straw Houses in the middle of a Wood of Cedar and Pine-Trees, inhabited by the _Spaniards_, for the accommodating of Travellers: To which purpose there are likewise Inns built near the Spring _Fuente de Otzumba_, which gushes out of a high Rock.

Not far from hence is the Populous Village _Chetula_, where a small number of _Spaniards_ dwell amongst thousands of _Indians_, who chiefly make use of Mules to carry their Loads.

SECT. IV.
Guaxata.

[Sidenote: Situation and Description of _Guaxata_.]

Between _Los Angelos_ and _Guatemala_, lies the Bishoprick of _Antiquera_ or _Guaxata_ largely taken; it hath on the North, the Bay of _Mexico_; on the South, _Mare del Zur_; on the East, _Jucatan_ and _Chiapa_ which is one of the Provinces of _Guatimala_; on the West, _Tlascalla_.

[Sidenote: Division.]

The Countrey extendeth it self upon the South Sea about an hundred Leagues in length, but from the Sea to the Borders of _Tlascalla_, one hundred and twenty; Eastward not above half so much; having a good Air, and a Soil no less fruitful, especially in Mulberry-Trees, and abundance of Silks, which the Countrey affordeth, more than any other Province of _America_ besides; nor is it less rich in Mines of Gold and Silver, there being scarce a River in the whole Countrey, but the Sands of it are said to be Tinctur’d more or less with that yellow Metal; also Crystal and Copperess. It yieldeth likewise great plenty of _Cassia_ and _Cochinele_, two rich Commodities; and the People generally, if they would take pains, might be the wealthiest, ’tis thought, of any other in _America_: But whether it be through any voluntary contempt of Riches, or through any natural sloathfulness, as yet they seem to Pine in the midst of plenty, living, for the most part of them, little better than from Hand to Mouth; nevertheless, exceeding liberal of what they have, especially to such as bear the Habit of Religion, and attend the service of their Souls; maintaining in a plentiful and good manner, as ’tis said, no less than one hundred and twenty Convents of Religious Men, of several Orders, in this onely Province; besides Hospitals, Schools for the training up of Youth, and other places of publick Charity; it is said also to have three hundred and fifty Villages, and near as many brave Countrey Houses. It is subdivided into many particular Provinces; which, because they are many and but small, in comparison of some other, we may call _Wapentakes_, or Hundreds, rather than Provinces: The principal whereof are these that follow, _viz._ 1. _Misteca._ 2. _Tutepecque._ 3. _Zapoteca._ 4. _Guazacoalco._ 5. _Gueztaxatla_: and 6. the _Valley of Guaxata_, from whence _Cortez_, after the Conquest of _Mexico_, had his Title given him by the Emperor, _Marquess of the Valley_. It is the richest and most pleasant part of the whole Province, extended in a continu’d Tract together, full sixteen Leagues or more, lying about fourscore Southward of _Mexico_, and wanting neither Mines of Gold and Silver, nor any other of the prime and best Commodities of the _New-World_.

[Sidenote: Languages.]

In this Countrey they speak thirteen sorts of Languages, of which the _Mexican_ is most us’d.

[Sidenote: Poisonous Herb.]

Amongst the Plants which grow here, is an exceeding Poysonous Herb, which kills those whosoe’re pluck it, though a long time after, that is to say, if it be of a Years growth, it kills not before the Years end; if a Moneth old, at the Moneths end; if a Day, on the same.

This Countrey formerly suffer’d also many inconveniencies by Earthquakes, but of late they are somewhat abated, which the _Spaniards_ ascribe to _Martialis_, Protector of the Cathedral at _Antequera_.

_Misteca_ is divided into _Alta_ and _Baxa_, both of which have Rivers and Brooks that afford Gold, whither the _Indian_ Women taking Provisions, go for several days, and gather Gold in Troughs, which they exchange at the _Spanish_ Markets for Provisions.

[Sidenote: Strange Cave.]

Not far from the Village _Cuertlavaca_, lies a high Mountain, remarkable for a strange Cave, whose Entrance is very narrow, at the end whereof appears a square Place of fifty Foot; upon one side whereof stand Pits with Steps; near which begins a crooked Way of a League long; at the end of which is a spacious Place with a Fountain of good Water; from the Foot of which flows a small Brook: But because none have made any farther discovery of this Cave, the other parts of it remain yet unknown.

On the top of _St. Antonio_, the _Indians_ live with their Families in Caves between the Rocks.

Not far from hence appear two Mountains, whose tops, though they lie at a great distance from one another, at the bottom they are so near, that a Man may step from one to the other.

The six Rocks _Pennoles_, formerly Garrison’d by the Kings of _Mexico_, have Gold, Lead-Mynes, and a Root which is us’d in stead of Soap.

In the Village _Totomachiapo_, is a Cave of half a Mile long, at the end whereof the Water prevents a farther discovery.

The Rocky Countrey _Zapotecas_ formerly bred very salvage Inhabitants, Mantled in Furrs, but now Civiliz’d, clad after the common manner.

[Sidenote: _Americans_, whether Extracted from the ten Tribes of
_Israel_.]

The People spread over _Guaxacualco_, _Yluta_, and _Cueztxatla_, observe Circumcision, according to an ancient Custom; from whence some have in vain sought for a testimony, that these _Americans_ should be originally extracted from the scatter’d Tribes of _Israel_; but the _Tartars_ more immediately, who at last crossing the _Straits_ of _Anian_, furnish’d the desolate Countrey of _America_ with Inhabitants: But this Opinion is without any probability of truth; for it will never follow from their Circumcision, that the _Tartars_, the greatest People on Earth, must owe their original to a few _Israelites_, Prisoners, since that Ceremony was never thought on by them till they embrac’d the _Mahumetan_ Religion. And though they had been Circumcis’d before _Mahomet_’s time, this would be no testimony that they were extracted from the _Israelites_: for how many People embrac’d Circumcision, which were never extracted from _Abraham_’s Seed? It is affirm’d by _Diodorus Siculus_, that the _Cholchians_; by _Philo Judæus_, the _Egyptians_; by _Herodotus_, the _Moors_; by _Strabo_, the _Troglodytes_; by _Cyprian_, the _Phœnicians_ and _Arabians_ Circumcis’d themselves from all Antiquity, which is to this day observ’d by some of them. It also plainly appears by the Prophet _Jeremiah_, that the _Egyptians_, _Edomites_, _Ammonites_, _Moabites_, and _Ishmaelites_, had the same Custom anciently amongst them.

[Sidenote: Towns and chief Villages of _Guaxaca_.]

The Towns of principal note inhabited by the _Spaniards_ in this Province, are 1. _Antequera_, in the Valley aforesaid, a stately City, and beautifi’d with a fair Cathedral Church, built with Pillars of the finest Marble, of great heighth and bigness. The River which glides by the Walls, springing out of the Ground, runs to the Mountain _Coatlan_. Not far from thence lies the Village _Herrera_, which boasts four hundred _Spanish_ Families, though some say that the greatest part of them are _Indians_, who pay the _Spaniards_ Cotton Cloaks and Nuts for Tribute.

2. _Illephonso de los Zapotecas_, lies on a Mountain belonging to the _Mixes_, anciently a salvage, strong, and long-bearded People, who speak a gross Language, and in former times went naked, onely a white Deer-skin, Tann’d in Man’s Brains, about their Middle. They maintain’d continual War against the _Zapoteca_’s, and could never have been subdu’d by the _Spaniards_, had it not been for their Dogs, which kept them in such awe, that thirty _Spanish_ Soldiers ventur’d to live in _Illephonso_ amongst thirty thousand _Mixes_, who now drive a Trade in Cotton, _Maize_, and Gold.

3. _San Jago de Nexapa_ appears at a great distance on a high Mountain, where also twenty Soldiers with their Dogs were wont to awe the cruel Natives.

4. The last Place, built by _Gonzales de Sandovall_, _Anno 1522._ is _Villa del Espiritu Santo_, Commands fifty _Indian_ Villages, which with great difficulty were brought to submit to the _Spaniards_.

The River _Aquivicolco_ affords a convenient Harbor, the Mouth thereof being a hundred and ninety Paces broad.

Upon the Southern Ocean is the Haven _Guatulco_, where the Ships that Sail to _Honduras_ and _Peru_ take in their Lading. The Custom-house belonging to this Place was first plunder’d by Sir _Francis Drake_, and nine years after burnt by _Candish_.

The River _Ometipu_, which springing out of the Mountain _Cacatepec_, falls into _Tepoanteque_, abounds with divers sorts of good Fish, especially Cra-Fish. There are also reckon’d of the Natives of this Province, no less than fifteen thousand Persons that pay Tribute to the _Spaniards_, besides Women and Children, and also a great number of _Spaniards_.

SECT. V.
Panuco.

[Sidenote: Bounds and Description of _Panuco_.]

_Panuco_ is the most Northerly Province of _New Spain_, by some call’d _Guasteca_, bounded on the East with the Gulf of _Mexico_; on the West with _Uxitipa_, a Countrey of _New Gallicia_; on the North with some undiscover’d Countreys of _Florida_, from which it is divided by the _River of Palms_; on the South with _Mechoacan_ and _Mexicana_. It is call’d _Panuco_, from a River of that Name, which turning from the Mountains _Tepecsuan_ in _New Gallicia_, and dividing _New Biscay_ from the Province of _Zacatecas_, passeth through the midst of this Countrey also, and at last empties it self into the Gulf.

This Countrey is reckon’d to be about fifty Leagues in length, and not much less in breadth; of a fruitful Soil, having some Mynes of Gold in it, and once very populous till the _Spaniards_, about the Year 1522. dispeopled it by their insatiable cruelty.

[Sidenote: Conquest of it difficult.]

Before _Ferdinand Cortesius_, _Francis de Garay_ attempted to Conquer this Province, but after much pains to no purpose, he return’d with but a small remnant of those he carried with him; and though _Cortesius_ subdu’d the Countreys _Ayotetextetlatan_ and _Chila_, yet it was not without many considerable Losses; for the Inhabitants being valiant and cruel, not fearing the _Spanish_ Bullets, ran in amongst them, and made great slaughter, and (according to an old Custom in _New Spain_) drank their Blood.

[Sidenote: Barbarous Customs of the People.]

These People, on their Festival Days call’d _Raeaxipo Veliztli_, which signifies _A Flaying of Slaves_, us’d to pull off the Skins of a certain number of Slaves, with which they walkt about begging Alms from Hut to Hut, and whosoever deny’d them, was sure of a Blow in the Face with the bloody Skin; of which so long as there was but one Lappet remaining, they went a Begging; and whatsoever they got, was employ’d in Uses and Necessaries belonging to their Idolatry. On the foremention’d Days they also us’d other barbarous Customs, amongst which this was one: The Priest challenging the Slave which was to be Offer’d, to Fight for his Life, he had one of his Feet ty’d to a great round Stone, and having a Sword to offend, and a Shield to defend himself, Encountred with the Priest, who was Arm’d after the same manner, whom if he conquer’d, he not onely preferv’d his Life, but gain’d the Name of a valiant Man.

[Sidenote: Strange usage of Prisoners.]

They also dealt strangely with Persons that were yearly to be Offer’d to their Idols: for after having wash’d them, they put on them the Clothes of the Idol, and gave them the same Name, every one honouring them as a God; were permitted to walk up and down, but guarded by twelve Men, that they might not escape; for then the chiefest of the Guard was to supply the others place: Moreover, they resided in the chiefest Apartments of the Temple, eat of the best, were serv’d like Princes, and attended through the Towns by Persons of the greatest Quality, who led them through the Streets; where they no sooner play’d on a little Pipe, but all People came running to them, fell at their Feet and worship’d them: In the Night they lock’d them up in a Cage, secur’d with Iron Bars, and at the appointed time flay’d them alive.

[Sidenote: Towns and Villages.]

The chief Towns now remaining, and inhabited by the _Spaniards_, are 1. _St. Lewis de Tampice_, a Colony of _Spaniards_ situate on the Northern Bank of the River _Panuco_, at the very Mouth of it; where it hath a very large Haven, but so barr’d with Sands, that no Ship of any great Burden can enter or abide in it with safety; and yet the River otherwise so deep, that Vessels of five hundred Tun, might Sail up threescore Leagues at least within Land, and thereby visit the rich Mynes of _Zatatecas_ on the one side of it, and of _New Biscay_ on the other, at pleasure, and without fear of much opposition.

2. _St. Stevan del Puerto_, on the South side of the same River, eight Leagues distant from the Sea, or Gulf of _Mexico_, at present the Metropolis or chief Town of the Province, built by _Cortesius_ in the place where stood old _Panuco_, which was likewise the Metropolis, or Head Town of the Natives, before the _Spaniards_ burnt and destroy’d it.

3. _St. Jago de las Valles_, which is a Fronteer Place, and enjoyeth certain special Immunities, and some fair Possessions also for defence of the Countrey against the Salvages. It is twenty five Leagues distant from _St. Stevan del Puerto_, lying in an open or Champain Countrey, and is fenc’d about with a Wall of Earth.

[Sidenote: _Miles Philips_ his Voyage.]

_Miles Philips_, an _Englishman_, put ashore by Captain _John Hawkins_, in the Bay of _New Spain_, _Anno 1568._, suffer’d great hardship before he came to _Panuco_, from whence returning, he made mention of a City lying along a River of the same denomination, (which is there not above two Bowe shoots-broad,) in a pleasant Countrey, containing two hundred _Spanish_ Families, beside the antient Inhabitants and _Negro_’s, which all drive a great Trade in Salt, which is made in Pans Westward from the River: _Philips_ travelling from _Panuco_ to _Mexico_, saw by the way the Villages _Nohete_, by the _Spaniards_ call’d _Santa Maria_, and a Cloyster of white _Monks_: Next he view’d _Mestitlan_, where some grey _Monks_ had a House, and the Town _Puchuen_.

[Sidenote: _Chilton_’s Journal.]

Another account of this Province is taken from a Journal kept by _John Chilton_, four years after _Philips_’s Voyage; he having a _Spaniard_ for his Convoy, left _Mexico_ to find out _Panuco_; in three days time they reach’d the City _Mestitlan_, where he observ’d, that twelve _Spanish_ Families liv’d amongst thirty thousand _Indians_. The City built on a high Mountain, full of Woods, is surrounded with Villages, through which run many brave Springs; and the Air about them is no less wholsom than the Ground fruitful; the High-ways are shaded with all sorts of Fruit-Trees.

The Village _Clanchinoltepec_, four times more Populous than _Mestitlan_, belongs to a _Spanish_ Nobleman, who built a Cloyster there for nine _Augustin_ Monks, of which Order there also reside twelve in the City _Guaxutla_.