overed some canoes fishing. The men on
board them were dark, but not very black, being almost naked, with the
exception of a kilt of leaves round their middles. Without the
slightest hesitation they entered the boat, and several canoes followed
her as she returned to the ship, while some of the natives ran back to
take the news to their villages.

The people came on board without showing the slightest fear, and on
biscuits, with slices of bread and marmalade, being given them, they did
not seem to understand that the food was to be eaten until they saw the
Portuguese eat, when they devoured it eagerly. Meantime, a number of
other canoes came alongside. The people were so numerous that the
Captain-Major would not allow more than a dozen or so to come on board
at a time. The first who had been entertained went down the side very
unwillingly. They brought some birds resembling hens, and a yellow
fruit, which had the appearance of walnuts. The latter the Portuguese
would not touch until they saw the natives eat them, when, following
their example, they were much pleased with the taste. Biscuits and wine
were then offered to the savages, but they would not touch the latter
until they saw the Portuguese drink.

The Captain-Major then gave them a looking-glass. When they saw it they
were much amused, and as they gazed into the mirror, they laughed
heartily and made jokes, telling their companions in the canoes. On
being allowed to carry it away, they were highly delighted, and left six
of the birds and much of the fruit.

In the afternoon they returned, bringing a quantity of the birds, which
they willingly exchanged for pieces of shirts, which the seamen cut up
to give them, or for any trifles.

The birds, when killed and dried in the sun, kept well. A mass of stone
being found at the entrance of the river, a hole was made in it, into
which a marble pillar was fixed, six of which having been brought out
for the purpose of being thus erected. On the base of each pillar were
two escutcheons, one the arms of Portugal, and on the opposite side a
representation of the globe, together with an inscription, "Of the
Lordship of Portugal, Kingdom of Christians."

Vasco da Gama, pleased with the diligence shown by his officers and men,
called them together, entreating them to be of good courage, and not to
allow the thoughts of treason--so hateful to God--to enter their hearts;
and, being aware that it was from faint-he