wore about their necks and arms, collars and bracelets of gold and ornaments of Indian pearls, which seemed just as common amongst them as glass jewelry amongst our women.  When questioned as to whence came the pearls, they answered by pointing with their fingers to a neighbouring coast; by grimaces and gestures they seemed to indicate that if the Spaniards would stop with them they would give them basketfuls of pearls.  The provisions which the Admiral destined for the colony at Hispaniola were beginning to spoil, so he resolved to defer this commercial operation till a more convenient opportunity.  Nevertheless he despatched two boats loaded with soldiers, to barter with the people on land for some strings of pearls and, at the same time, to discover whatever they could about the place and its people.  The natives received these men with enthusiasm and pleasure, and great numbers surrounded them, as though they were inspecting something marvellous.  The first who came forward were two distinguished persons, for they were followed by the rest of the crowd.  The first of these men was aged and the second younger, so that it was supposed they were the father and his son and future successor.  After exchanging salutations the Spaniards were conducted to a round house near a large square.  Numerous seats of very black wood decorated with astonishing skill were brought, and when the principal Spaniards and natives were seated, some attendants served food and others, drink.  These people eat only fruits, of which they have a great variety, and very different from ours.  The beverages they offered were white and red wine, not made from grapes but from various kinds of crushed fruits, which were not at all disagreeable.

This repast concluded, in company with the elder chief, the younger one conducted the Spaniards to his own house, men and women crowding about in great numbers, but always in separate groups from one another.

The natives of both sexes have bodies as white as ours, save those perhaps who pass their time in the sun.  They were amiable, hospitable, and wore no clothes, save waist-cloths of various coloured cotton stuffs.  All of them wore either collars or bracelets of gold or pearls, and some wore both, just as our peasants wear glass jewelry.  When they were asked whence the gold came, they indicated with the finger that it was from a mountainous country, appearing at the same time to dissuade our men from going there, for they made them understand by gestures and signs that the inhabitants of that country were cannibals.  It was not, however, entirely clear whether they meant cannibals or savage beasts.  They were much vexed to perceive that the Spaniards did not understand them, and that they possessed no means of making themselves intelligible to one another.  At three o’clock in the afternoon the men who had been sent on shore returned, bringing several strings of pearls, and the Admiral, who could not prolong his stay, because of his cargo of provisions, raised anchor and sailed.  He intends, however, after putting the affairs of Hispaniola in order, shortly to return.  It was another than he who profited by this important discovery.