WHOLE VOL. THE WEST INDIES — VAZQUEZ DE ESPINOSA IIQ 



336. The island has large ranches of mares and horses, which were 

 much exported in the early days of the exploration and conquest of 

 all the Spanish Main and New Spain, both for breeding purposes 

 and for the settlement of the country, as well as for personal use 

 and their value in the conquests ; the same with cows. This island 

 furnished sustenance for all the new discoveries, being the comfort 

 and support of all the pioneers. There are ranches of mules, which 

 are largely exported to the Province of Yucatan. Thus Jamaica has 

 always demonstrated its fertility and abundance in all things ; hence 

 it would be very important and fitting to have a garrison there, since 

 the island is like a keystone and a convenient stopping place for all 

 the others, and many of our enemies come to it, both to fit out their 

 ships and to get provisions from its abundant store ; in fact, it could 

 of itself maintain 12,000 men with its great fertility and abundance. 



