their water, came from this
tree. The merchants in the ship testified that throughout the entire
island of Maldivia, whence they had come, no other food was gathered,
nor is there any other food there, except that furnished by this
tree. Houses with their roofs are made also from it. The fruit yields
a very palatable and wholesome kernel, whose taste resembles green
hazelnuts. By cutting the branch where the cocoa-nut grows--this nut is
the principal fruit, and each one contains, as a rule, one cuartillo of
the sweetest and most delicious water--all that substance flows down
into the trunk of the tree. This is tapped with an auger, and all the
liquid is collected from the hole. A great quantity is obtained, which,
mixed with other ingredients, makes an excellent wine. This wine is
drunk throughout the islands, and in the kingdom of China. From the
water alone, vinegar is made, and from the kernel, as I have said,
a very healing oil, and a milk resembling that of almonds, and very
palatable honey and sugar. The palm possesses the above qualities,
together with many other virtues. I have told them in part, because
it is so remarkable a thing, and a cause of wonder to all who go to
those districts. I leave the rest unsaid, not to be prolix.

Near the city of Manila, on the other side of the river, is a town
of baptized Chinese who have taken up residence there to enjoy the
liberty of the gospel. There are many mechanics among them, such as
cobblers, tailors, silversmiths, blacksmiths, and other artisans,
besides a number of merchants.

[The remaining chapters (XIV-XXVII) of the "Itinerary" treat of the
departure from Cavite for China of seven descalced Franciscans,
three other Spaniards and six natives, on June 21, 1582; their
reception in China; their journeys in that land; their imprisonment,
the passing of the death sentence upon them, and their deliverance
through the agency of a Portuguese. A further description of China
follows, including observations on "the famous wall of the kingdom of
China, which is five hundred leagues long," counting in the mountain
between China proper and Tartary. "The sea-coast of this kingdom is the
longest and best in the world." Its fauna, land products, and means of
defense and offense receive attention. Certain rites and ceremonies,
social and economic conditions, and characteristics of the people,
are mentioned briefly. The islands of Japan are also described,
and the origin of