ho were pacified. Thus as the land is subdued,
it will be divided. Taxation is imposed in such a manner that every
tributario must pay annually a piece of cotton cloth, which is very
abundant in these islands. It must be ten [?] varas [84] in length
and two varas wide. It is a thin cloth used by the natives for their
clothing. Moreover, there must also be given two arrobas of rice,
and one hen. It must be understood that this can be levied without
difficulty, as there is an abundance thereof, and everyone possesses
these articles. There are many people, so it is evident that there
will be some very important repartimientos, yielding good profit.

In this island, there are many gold mines, some of which have been
inspected by the Spaniards, who say that the natives work them as is
done in Nueva Spana with the mines of silver; and, as in those mines,
the vein of ore here is continuous. Assays have been made, yielding
so great wealth, that I shall not endeavor to describe them, lest I
be suspected of lying. [85] Time will prove the truth.

The natives use this gold and mix it with copper, so cleverly as to
deceive the best artisans of Espana.

Many traders have been encountered in this land; so, it is plain,
the country will have them and the best trade which has been or may
be discovered in all the Yndias.

A year ago there came to the port of this city three ships from
China, and to the neighboring islands five more. Those which came
here brought merchandise such as is used among the Chinese, and such
as they bring here ordinarily. The distance from this island to the
mainland is not great, the voyage lasting about eight days.

When those ships came in sight of the port, they sent from the sea to
ask for assurance of safety. The governor granted it, and they were
treated very well. They brought some trifles, although but a small
quantity, as the natives, with whom they come principally to trade,
commonly use, and for them are brought only large earthern jars, common
crockery, iron, copper, tin, and other things of that kind. For the
chiefs, they brought a few pieces of silks and fine porcelain; but
these goods are not especially out of the common. For the Spaniards
they brought some fine ware and other articles, which they readily
sold, since we who are here have plenty of money, and the Chinese need
it. They are so delighted that they will surely return in six or seven
months, and will bring a great abundance of ma