presence, which for the Spanish sovereigns is regarded as a proof of the greatest friendship and the highest mark of gratitude.  They commanded that henceforward Columbus should be called “Praefectus Marinus,” or, in the Spanish tongue, Amiral.  His brother Bartholomew, likewise very proficient in the art of navigation, was honoured by them with the title of Prefect of the Island of Hispaniola, which is in the vulgar tongue called Adelantado.[14] To make my meaning clear I shall henceforth employ these usual words of Admiral and Adelantado as well as the terms which are now commonly used in navigation.  But let us return to our narrative.

[Note 13:  The historian Oviedo, who was present, describes the reception of Columbus at Barcelona. Hist.  Nat. de las Indias, tom. ii., p. 7.]

[Note 14:  This statement is premature; Bartholomew’s appointment was made considerably later.]

It was thought, as Columbus had moreover declared in the beginning, that in these islands would be found riches such as all struggle to obtain.  There were two motives which determined the royal pair to plan a second expedition, for which they ordered seventeen ships to be equipped; three of these were vessels with covered decks, twelve were of the kind called caravels by the Spaniards, which had none, and two were larger caravels, of which the height of the masts made it possible to adapt decks.  The equipment of this fleet was confided to Juan de Fonseca, Dean of Seville, a man of illustrious birth, of genius and initiative.[15] In obedience to his orders more than twelve hundred foot-soldiers, amongst whom were all sorts of labourers and numerous artisans, were commanded to embark.  Some noblemen were found amongst the company.  The Admiral took on board mares, sheep, cows and the corresponding males for the propagation of their species; nor did he forget vegetables, grain, barley, and similar seeds, not only for provisions but also for sowing; vines and young plants such as were wanting in that country were carefully taken.  In fact the Spaniards have not found any tree in that island which was known to them except pines and palms; and even the palms were extraordinarily high, very hard, slender, and straight, owing, no doubt, to the fertility of the soil.  Even the fruits they produce in abundance were unknown.

[Note 15:  The evil that has been attributed to Juan Fonseca, Bishop of Burgos, may exceed his dues, but the praise here and elsewhere given him by Peter Martyr is excessive and all but unique.  That he cordially hated Columbus and after him Cortes, Las Casas and most of the men of action in the New World, is undeniable.]