246 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 102 



there are large swellings; they slash these, the liquid runs out and 

 from each they get a small jugful of liquidambar, a fluid ruddy as 

 gold ; its efficacy and virtues in the cure of diseases, are very well 

 known. 



706. In the woods they collect much wax and honey from bee 

 trees ; there are other medicinal fruits, roots, and extracts, and the 

 guaiacum tree, whose virtues are so well known. There is plenty 

 of game, both feathered, such as turkeys, paujies, pheasants, pigeons, 

 turtledoves, etc., and four-footed, viz, deer and much else, with 

 various kinds of monkeys, squirrels, and many other small creatures. 



Chapter XXIV 



Concluding the Description of the Diocese of Honduras. 



707. In the district of this diocese there are other settlements and 

 provinces, but as they are not of much importance, I give no descrip- 

 tion of them. The rivers and valleys are among the best in the Indies. 

 The Rio de Ulua has over 20 leagues of attractive borders lined on 

 both sides with many farms, gardens, and cacao plantations ; they 

 raise abundance of corn and other cereals and vegetables, with 

 quantities of fruit of both native and Spanish varieties. Within the 

 limits of this Diocese, along the Nicaraguan boundary, there are 

 over 50 leagues of thick pine forests where they make all the pitch 

 exported to the Kingdoms of Peru for their ships and for use in 

 the jars and jugs in which they keep the wine produced in all the 

 vineyards of the Peruvian plains and valleys. 



708. These Provinces of Honduras were originally governed by 

 Gov. Francisco de Montejo, gentleman of Salamanca ; he accom- 

 plished much that was noteworthy here in the service of His Majesty, 

 as is related in detail by the historians of the Indies. Some years 

 later they were administered by Don Juan Vazquez de Coronado, 

 likewise a gentleman of Salamanca ; he distinguished himself above 

 others in bringing under control many Indians who had rebelled, 

 and by his excellent government. 



709. Between this Diocese of Honduras and that of Nicaragua, 

 which is 100 leagues off to the E. along the Atlantic coast, from the 

 city and port of Trujillo to a point near Puerto Bello, a distance of 

 over 300 leagues in length and over 40 leagues inland, counting to 

 the valley of Olancho and the mining region of Tegucigalpa and the 

 Nicaraguan boundary, there are large provinces and settlements of 

 heathen Indians who wear clothing, are well behaved and well gov- 

 erned ; this territory is rich in gold and other valuable commodities, 



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