WHOLE VOL. THE WEST INDIES VAZQUEZ DE ESPINOSA 237 



676. From lOO loads of this jiquilite plant, each load consisting 

 of three bundles, they usually get lOO pounds, i.e., a quintal, more 

 or less according. In this country one of every 20 quintals is paid 

 as a tithe. As soon as the water from the steeping basin has run off 

 into the wheel basin, they take out the plants or zacate, from which 

 the water has withdrawn the virtue, and the harvesters come and 

 fill it up again ; they make two or three trips a day, according to the 

 quantity of zacate or jiquilite needed. This is the method of manu- 

 facturing indigo. 



677. In this Province of Guatemala they gather quantities of fine 

 grain or cochineal ; this specialty has made, and is making, great 

 progress, for the country is highly suited to it, as the prickly pear, 

 on which the insect is raised, grows very well here. 



678. In the district of this Diocese of Guatemala there is abundance 

 of contrahierba, which grows underground, like galangal root. It 

 has leaves like bindweed, but smaller and slenderer. It is good for 

 all sorts of troubles ; its virtues are well known for colds, convulsions, 

 and all sorts of poisoning, as its name and virtues indicate, and has 

 been demonstrated on many occasions. 



Chapter XIX 



Of Other Trees and Plants Unique in the World, and of the 

 Method of Preparing and Manufacturing Annatto. 



679. In these provinces there is a tree called pataste, which 

 resembles the cacao tree but is taller, straighter, and more cuplike 

 in form ; its leaf is smaller than the cacao leaf, and rounded. It 

 likewise bears large pods which look like small melons, with an outer 

 husk which is tough, scribbled over, as it were, and pockmarked ; 

 the fruit is inside, much like sweet almonds with an excellent flavor 

 when they get dry, and then they put them in chocolate ; but when 

 they are green they have an unpleasant smell. 



680. In the jurisdiction of this Diocese, along the coast in the hot 

 country, there are tall trees which bear fruit looking like medium- 

 sized melons, which they call lacandon. The outer skin is a yellowish 

 green ; the flesh is yellow ; it produces a flower which is grayish and 

 very fragrant. The leaves of this tree are broad and rounded, very 

 green and smooth ; but the fruit is not wholesome. 



681. There is another tree called sunsapote which is tall and has 

 thick foliage. It bears fruit resembling medium-sized melons, with 

 grayish-white outer skin ; the flesh is yellow and well-flavored ; the 

 stone is full of threads. It has excellent medicinal properties for 



