for and learn farming as practiced here; and so that the
Spaniards may have those who can supply them with people and other
necessities. You shall see that these Indians are intelligent and know
how to keep their contracts with the farmers, especially if they are
peaceful, as above stated.

25. The said islands, as I am told, need stallions, mares, cows,
and other domestic animals. In order that they may be bred there
in numbers, I am writing to the viceroy of Nueva Espana to send
to the said islands twelve mares, two stallions, twenty-four cows,
and two bulls. You shall ask him for these as you pass there, and
shall take them with you in your vessels as you go upon your voyage;
and whatever you think needful for the animals can be brought from
China and Japon. You shall order those farmers who are about to go
to the said islands, and the chiefs, to tame and breed buffaloes,
so that with all these animals there may be a sufficiency to carry
on the farming, and for other needful services.

26. It was also petitioned in behalf of the said islands that,
now and henceforth, the encomiendas be given under the obligation
and condition that the encomendero shall work a patch of ground,
and assist the farmers and Indians, so that they also may work and
cultivate the soil. You shall strive to begin this, and shall give
lands and homesteads, farms and horses, for breeding and farming,
to the settlers and farmers, without any prejudice to the Indians.

27. Upon your arrival at the said islands, you shall find out how
and where, and with what endowment, a convent of secluded girls may
be established, so that both those who go from here, and those born
there may stay in it, and live respectably and well instructed, and
go out therefrom to be married and bear children. By this method
and by the naturalization of persons in the land, its population
will increase continually. You shall endeavor to find some good plan
or method for doing this without encroaching on my royal treasury,
or so that it may be relieved as much as possible. You shall advise
me of it on the first opportunity, as well as of the method that can
be employed in endowing the said poor girls; and how and from what
source other smaller dowries may be established, in order that the
Indian women may marry poor Spanish soldiers and sailors.

28. In regard to what is petitioned by the said islands about
appointing citizens of the islands to the posts therein, and n