from the right or the left; this can only be ascertained when they return to the entrance.  Three large ships can enter abreast.  The surrounding hills form the coasts, and afford shelter from the winds.  In the middle of the harbour there rises a promontory covered with forests, which are full of parrots and many other birds which there build their nests and fill the air with sweet melodies.  Two considerable rivers empty into this harbour.

In the course of their explorations of this country the Spaniards perceived in the distance a large house, which they approached, persuaded that it was the retreat of Guaccanarillo.  They were met by a man with a wrinkled forehead and frowning brows, who was escorted by about a hundred warriors armed with bows and arrows, pointed lances and clubs.  He advanced menacingly towards them. “Tainos,” the natives cried, that is to say, good men and not cannibals.  In response to our amicable signs, they dropped their arms and modified their ferocious attitude.  To each one was presented a hawk’s bell, and they became so friendly that they fearlessly went on board the ships, sliding down the steep banks of the river, and overwhelmed our compatriots with gifts.  Upon measuring the large house which was of spherical form, it was found to have a diameter of thirty-five long paces; surrounding it were thirty other ordinary houses.  The ceilings were decked with branches of various colours most artfully plaited together.  In reply to our inquiries about Guaccanarillo, the natives responded,—­as far as could be understood,—­that they were not subjects of his, but of a chief who was there present; they likewise declared they understood that Guaccanarillo had left the coast to take refuge in the mountains.  After concluding a treaty of friendship with that cacique, such being the name given to their kings, the Spaniards returned to report what they had learned to the Admiral.

Columbus had meanwhile sent some officers with an escort of men to effect a reconnaissance farther in the interior; two of the most conspicuous of these were Hojeda and Corvalano, both young and courageous noblemen.  One of them discovered three rivers, the other four, all of which had their sources in these same mountains.  In the sands of these rivers gold was found, which the Indians, who acted as their escort, proceeded in their presence to collect in the following manner:  they dug a hole in the sand about the depth of an arm, merely scooping the sand out of this trough with the right and left hands.  They extracted the grains of gold, which they afterwards presented to the Spaniards.  Some declared they saw grains as big as peas.  I have seen with my own eyes a shapeless ingot similar to a round river stone, which was found by Hojeda, and was afterwards brought to Spain; it weighed nine ounces.  Satisfied with this first examination they returned to report to the Admiral.