he found very good.  The Indians were at first shy:  but on being encouraged by their countrymen in the ships, they flocked in such multitudes about the Spaniards, that the whole shore was covered with men, women, and children.  They brought victuals of various kinds, among which was good bread made of maize or Indian wheat, and gourds full of water; nor did they hide their women, as in other places, but all stood in admiration of the Spaniards, and seemed to praise God.  These people were whiter, better shaped, more good-natured and generous, than any they had seen, and the admiral took much care that no offence should be given them.  He sent six men to view their town, where they were entertained as persons who had come from heaven.  At this time there came some canoes with Indians, sent by a cacique to request the admiral would come to his town, where he waited for him, with many of his people, at a point or cape, not far distant.  He went accordingly with the boats, though the people of the place where he now was entreated him to stay.  On landing, the cacique sent provisions to the Spaniards; and, on finding these were received, he dispatched some Indians to fetch more, and some parrots.  The admiral gave them hawks-bells, glass beads, and other toys, and returned to the ships, the women and children crying out for him to remain.  He ordered meat to be given to some of the Indians that followed him in canoes, and others who swam half a league to the caravels.  Though the whole shore seemed covered with people, great numbers were seen constantly going to and from the interior country, across a great plain which was afterwards called La Vega Real, or the Royal Plain.  The admiral admired this harbour, to which he gave the name of Port St Thomas, because discovered on the day of that saint.

On Saturday the 22d, the admiral intended to have departed from this place in search of those islands where the Indians said there was much gold, but was hindered by the weather, and therefore sent the boat to catch fish.  Soon after there came a man from Guacanagari, desiring the admiral would come to his country, and he would give him all he possessed.  This person was one of the five sovereigns, or superior caciques of the island, and was lord of most of its northern side, on which the admiral then was.  Guacanagari sent to the admiral, by his messenger, a girdle which he wore instead of a purse, and a vizor or mask, having the ears, tongue, and nose all made of beaten gold.  The girdle was four fingers broad, all covered with small fish bones, curiously wrought, and resembled seed pearls.  The admiral was resolved to depart on the 23d; but in the first place, he sent the notary and six other Spaniards on shore, to gratify the natives; who treated them well, and bartered some cotton and grains of gold for toys.  About 120 canoes came off to the ships with provisions, and well made earthen pitchers painted red, filled with good water.  They likewise brought some of their spice,