WHOLE VOL. THE WEST INDIES VAZQUEZ DE ESPINOSA 643 



histories of that period ; he executed some and acquitted others. 

 It is 12 leagues from this Pocona Valley to Cochabamba, all lined 

 with farms, vineyards, cattle ranches, wheat and corn fields ; this is 

 the Cliza Valley, which divides the jurisdictions of the Corregimientos 

 of Misque and Cochabamba, and the Archdiocese of the Charcas 

 from the Diocese of Santa Fe de la Sierra. 



1683. Nineteen leagues from the city of Chuquisaca or La Plata, 

 and 6 leagues before reaching Misque, is the Ayquile Valley, to the 

 E. ; this is where the road branches to go to Santa Fe de la Sierra. 

 This valley is very fertile and prolific ; they raise quantities of wheat, 

 corn, wine, and other products, which are taken to Potosi and the 

 Charcas ; it has an excellent climate and delicious water. From here 

 it is 3 leagues to the Laibato Valley, equally temperate and fertile 

 and with the same products, but short of Indians, for which reason 

 the fields and vineyards are cultivated by Yanacona Indians and 

 Negroes. Going E., one travels 4 leagues to the Omereque Valley, 

 which is prolific and lovely, with fresh breezes, excellent water, 

 and bright skies. They produce more than 100,000 jugs of wine and 

 quantities of wheat, com, and other cereals. Many Spaniards live 

 in this valley on their farms and ranches ; it is thickly settled because 

 of its excellent climate, mild air, and soft water, and since the soil 

 is fertile, it is a bit of Paradise. 



1684. From here it is 7 leagues to the Chilon Valley, far more 

 fertile and prolific than the last mentioned, and with marvelous 

 climate and water. It contains large plantations with vineyards, 

 sugarcane, and sugar mills [with a large output] ; they make quan- 

 tities of wine, and harvest abundance of wheat, corn, and other 

 Spanish and native cereals ; they likewise grow wonderful fruit, 

 from which they put up excellent preserves ; abundance of potatoes 

 and other root crops and vegetables ; and this splendid valley has 

 large cattle, sheep, and llama ranches. All these products and those 

 of the other valleys are shipped out to Potosi, Charcas and other 

 adjoining provinces. 



Chapter XIX 



Continuing the Description of the Diocese of Santa Cruz and of 

 the Splendid Valleys Contained in Its District. 



1685. Traveling E. from this famous valley on a straight line for 

 the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, one covers 7 more leagues to 

 the valley of Santa Maria de la Guardia, which is much larger than 

 those just mentioned. In this valley in the year 161 5, Capt. Don 



