WHOLE VOL. THE WEST INDIES VAZQUEZ DE ESPINOSA 2$l 



but these local timbers are so good and strong that for that reason 

 or because they are bitter, not much harm is done. In these ships they 

 load the native products referred to, and the most important export is 

 pitch, because it is so essential for ships and for the Peruvian vine- 

 yards. In this the dealers make extravagant profits, for a quintal 

 of pitch brought down (as has been described) from Nueva Segovia, 

 is usually priced at the port of Realejo at 20 reals, and it sells at 

 Callao, the port of Lima, for at least 12 pesos and upward, and a 

 quintal usually gets to be worth 30 reals of 8 and more. Of course 

 it is true that there is much expense for freight and duties ; never- 

 theless with the low original cost and the extensive consumption 

 of it in Peru, the trade is very profitable, for it has made many 

 men rich. 



723. This town is abundantly supplied with delicious fish, both 

 from the sea nearby and much that is caught in the inlet, of all sorts. 

 They sell excellent poultry cheap, at i real each. They serve excellent 

 veal and fat and well-flavored beef and pork. Nearby is a sugar 

 mill and they import it also from Peru, with other luxuries like wine, 

 olives, patas, and other sweets ; and it is well provided with everything 

 else, but they have to import the flour for their bread, the climate 

 being too hot and stimulating for wheat. The Royal Officials of this 

 Province of Nicaragua have a representative here to clear the ships 

 entering and leaving the port, and collect the royal impost for port 

 dues. 



Chapter XXVII 



Continuing the Description of the District of This Corregimiento 

 of the Port of Realejo, and in Especial, of the Village and Province 

 of El Viejo. 



724. The Province and Indian village of El Viejo is 3 leagues 

 WNW. of Realejo ; this is all groves and forests, and among them 

 some brooks and rivers of sweet and crystal-clear water, and many 

 different kinds of birds and animals ; it is all level country, with cool 

 and shady groves. Three-fourths of a league before reaching the 

 village of El Viejo, one passes the village of Chinandega to the right ; 

 this is abundantly supplied with corn and all sorts of native fruit so 

 that it seems a bit of Paradise. Franciscan friars have charge of 

 religious instruction and rites in this village ; the Indians are well 

 taught and good Christians, and deeply devoted to the ceremonies 

 of divine service. So their church is very painstakingly and success- 



