seventy leagues, and then only by tacking.  From time to time, when he sought towards nightfall to forestall the danger of being wrecked in the darkness on that unknown coast, and tried to draw near to land, he was beaten back.  He reports that within a distance of eight leagues he discovered three rivers of clear water, upon whose banks grew canes as thick round as a man’s leg.  The waters of these streams are full of fish and immense turtles, and everywhere were to be seen multitudes of crocodiles, drinking in the sun with huge yawning mouths.  There were plenty of other animals of which the Admiral does not give the names.  The aspect of this country presents great variety, being in some places rocky and broken up into sharp promontories and jagged rocks, while in others the fertility of the soil is unexcelled by that of any known land.  From one shore to another the names of the chiefs and principal inhabitants differ; in one place they are called caciques, as we have already said; in another quebi, farther on tiba.  The principal natives are sometimes called sacchus and sometimes jura.  A man who has distinguished himself in conflict with an enemy and whose face is scarred, is regarded as a hero and is called cupra, The people are called chyvis, and a man is home.  When they wish to say, “That’s for you, my man,” the phrase is, “Hoppa home.”

Another great river navigable for large ships was discovered, in the mouth of which lie four small islands, thickly grown with flowers and trees.  Columbus called them Quatro Tempore.  Thirteen leagues farther on, always sailing eastwards against adverse currents, he discovered twelve small islands; and as these produced a kind of fruit resembling our limes, he called them Limonares.  Twelve leagues farther, always in the same direction, he discovered a large harbour extending three leagues into the interior of the country, and into which flows an important river.  It was at this spot that Nicuesa was afterwards lost when searching for Veragua, as we have already related; and for this reason later explorers have named it Rio de los Perdidos.  Continuing his course against the ocean current, the Admiral discovered a number of mountains, valleys, rivers, and harbours; the atmosphere was laden with balmy odours.

Columbus writes that not one of his men fell ill till he reached a place the natives call Quicuri,[6] which is a point or cape where the port of Cariai lies.  The Admiral called it Mirobolan because trees of that name grew there spontaneously.  At the port of Cariai about two hundred natives appeared, each armed with three or four spears; but mild-mannered and hospitable.  As they did not know to what strange race the Spaniards belonged, they prepared to receive them and asked for a parley.  Amicable signs were exchanged and they swam out to our people, proposing to trade and enter into commercial relations.  In order to