ish years.

The custom has everywhere been introduced of singing throughout
the year, in honor of the Virgin Mother of God, the anthem _Salve
Regina_; and on Saturdays in Lent of performing the discipline in
church. So when some Indians were bathing in the river, as is the
custom in hot countries, and heard the bell give the call for _Salve_
and the discipline, they put on their clothes and set out. Only one
remained, and laughing at his companions said in their language:
"_Acoi ouian_!"--that is, "Bring back something for me," which is
their expression of ridicule. When the others had gone away, he who
was alone was attacked and killed by a crocodile--a fierce animal of
these regions, which is very fond of human flesh--and that before
they could render him any assistance, spiritual or temporal. This
event was indeed the occasion of no little wonder, for this beast
is very voracious, and swallows men whole, or piece by piece, or at
least tears off hand or foot; but this man he left whole and untorn,
which the Indians attribute to the virtue of the _Salve_ that they
sang and the discipline that they performed.

Residence of Zebu

This residence is in the province called Pintados, in which the
greater part of Ours have lived and are working for the salvation
of the Indians, although ordinarily not more than three priests and
four brothers labor there. The situation is extremely convenient,
because all the other residences carry on their work from it as a
center. The ministry of the Society is exercised with great profit to
the city. A boys' school has been opened, and the Latin language is
taught. Last year the most reverend bishop, the officials, and other
leading men, in letters sent to his Catholic Majesty, made a full
statement of the great spiritual harvest with which Ours in these
regions exercise their ministry, among both Spaniards and Indians;
and they also earnestly entreated that he would be pleased to render
that residence permanent by some annual provision, in order that they
might be able to continue to enjoy the labors of our fathers.

The excellent bishop walked on foot, although a man sixty years old,
throughout the whole of his diocese; [37] and, turning aside into
our houses, he there dwelt with us in such humility and familiarity
that he seemed to be one of our members. After he had finished the
visitation of the diocese, he was accustomed to say that he had
greatly admired the modesty and