the weather.  In the general fire in this city four years ago, the powder and ammunition were burned, and the artillery was destroyed.  Although I have had the pieces refounded, and have used up the metal remaining, still there are only twenty-six large and twenty small pieces; and this supply is very small, considering the need of artillery in this country for its defense, as well as for the expeditions that have been made and for which occasion arises.  Near these islands, in one called Lumban, twenty leagues from this city, and in others near by, I have discovered a quantity of copper, which on being tested by smelting it, gives one arroba of metal to the quintal of ore.  I have not found anyone who understands the smelting of it; for those who tested it are Indians, who do not smelt it in bulk. [58] I beseech your Majesty to please have some founders and workmen sent to make artillery, for what we have here is of iron, and quite old and useless.

In the city of Macan, China, where the Portuguese have settled, and in the city of Sian, there is an abundance of saltpeter.  If your Majesty were pleased to have it brought from there—­for it is quite near by, and an easy voyage thither—­the great expenses annually incurred by your Majesty by having it brought from Mexico would be contracted; for there is sulphur in this country, [59] and the Chinese bring it to sell, while excellent charcoal is made here.  Your Majesty will order such provision to be made as suits the royal pleasure.

Many vessels have come to these islands from China this year, and especially to this city—­more than thirty of considerable burden, laden with a quantity of merchandise, horses, cows, and more than three thousand men.  I have treated them hospitably and given them a kind reception.  They are very anxious for our trade on this account, and because of the large gains that they make—­although, in our opinion, they sell so cheaply that we can but think that either products are raised in their country without any labor, or that they find them without money.  They bring many rare articles, and every product of Spana, so that there is usually but little lack of those supplies here, both in clothing and food; while they bring many things not found in that country.  It is a land of great abundance, and has an infinite number of people, all workers, and each one master of many trades.  Two vessels have also come to this city from the Portuguese of the city of Macan, laden with curious merchandise, whence they have drawn great gain.  The Chinese, on this account, have been very envious, and jealous, and fearful lest the Portuguese should work them an injury.  Certain captains and leading men among them asked me why, since the Portuguese had settled in Macan, near the province of Canton, China, and held their trade there, we do not do the same likewise in the province of Chincheo, whence they bring so much wealth to this land.  They say that, if there were Spaniards