baptism, and by living thereafter in conformity to the commandments of Christ.  For this purpose he declared and asserted to them that, as soon as he had died, angels had carried him to glory, where only delight and happiness reigned, which arose solely from the sight of God.  No one entered, or could enter that place, unless he were baptized according to the preaching of the Castilians.  Of these latter, and of others like them, there was an infinite number there.  Therefore, if they wished to share in the enjoyment of those blessings and delights, they must be baptized first, and afterward observe the commandments preached by the fathers among the Castilians.  Thereupon he vanished instantly, and they began to discuss what they had heard.  On account of it, some were baptized immediately, but others delayed, saying that because there were Castilian soldiers in glory, they did not care to go there, for they did not wish their company.  All this injury can arise from one impious man, who presents one bad example.  Such a man, wheresoever he might be, and especially in those islands, should be reprimanded and punished severely by good people.

When first discovered, these islands were reported as unhealthful, but later experience has shown the contrary.  The land is exceedingly fertile, producing rice and grain in abundance, and goats, fowls, deer, buffaloes, and cows, with many swine, whose flesh is as good and savory as is the mutton of Espana.  There are many civet-cats.  An infinite number of fruits are found, all very good and well flavored; and honey and fish in abundance.  Everything is sold so cheaply, that it is all but given away.  The islands yield much cinnamon; and although there is no olive oil but that brought from Nueva Espana, much oil is made from ajonjoli [Sesamum orientale] and flaxseed which is commonly used in that country, so that the olive oil is not missed.  Saffron, cloves, pepper, nutmegs, and many drugs are produced, besides abundance of cotton and silk of all colors, great quantities of which are carried thither annually by Chinese merchants.  More than twenty ships arrive in those ports, laden with the above-mentioned cloths of various colors; with earthenware, powder, saltpeter, iron, steel, quantities of quicksilver, bronze, and copper; wheat-flour, nuts, chestnuts, biscuits, and dates; linen cloth; escritoires worked in many colors, head-dresses, and thin cloths for veils [buratos, espumillas]; water-jugs, made of tin; lace edging, silk fringe, and gold thread, drawn in a manner never seen in Christendom; and many other rare articles—­and all, as I have said, very cheap.  The products of the islands themselves are sold also quite cheaply; for four arrobas of palm wine—­which, in the absence of grape wine, is found to be of excellent quality—­can be obtained for four reals; twelve fanegas of rice for eight reals; three hens for one; one whole hog for eight; one buffalo for four; one deer for two, but it must be very fat and large; four arrobas of sugar for six; one jar of ajonjoli oil for three; two baskets of saffron for two; six libras of pepper or of cloves for one; two hundred nutmegs for one; one arroba of cinnamon for six; one quintal of iron or steel for ten; thirty fine porcelain dishes for four; and everything else may be bought at like prices.