380 T>t Hodgkin on (he 



and raised themselves to a par with men by their strength and 

 bravery. It is worthy of remark, that the women of this and 

 some other islands, were unable to suckle their children, and 

 had recourse to goat's milk and artificial means. 



The Haouarythes of Palma were large and robust. There 

 was nothing unpleasant in their countenances, and their fea- 

 tures were regular. Their Prince Mayantigo, was called 

 " portion of heaven," on account of his beautiful countenance. 



Galindo has described the gymnastic exercises most in vogue 

 amongst the people of Fortaventura. Two men held a long 

 spear by its extremities, raising it as high as possible over 

 their heads, whilst their companions had to leap over it. The 

 islanders were so active at this game, that they could take 

 three successive leaps over as many lances, placed parallel to 

 each other, at different distances. 



The Guayres or Councillors of the Canaries were chosen 

 from amongst the most noble and brave. The names of some 

 of these have been preserved, and their actions recorded. Of 

 one of them, Adorgama, it is said, " This Canarian Herculea 

 brought down, with a single throw of a stone, a palm-branch, 

 which he had taken for his aim, on one of the loftiest date 

 trees. It is well known, that their strong large leaves are 

 capable of resisting the stroke of an axe. He could wrestle for 

 two hours together without taking rest ; and no one was found 

 able, with both hands, to prevent him from carrying a vessel 

 filled with water to his lips, without spilling a drop, or cause 

 his hands to shake whilst he was drinking. In a single com- 

 bat with one of the most valorous warriors of Telde, he hap- 

 pened to fall under his antagonist ; but he, at the same time, 

 compressed him so forcibly in his arms, that his bones broke, 

 and he was obliged to beg for quarter. This powerful athlete 

 was taken prisoner, after having his thigh run through with a 

 spear, by the General Juan Rejon. He was sent to Seville 

 with other prisoners, where his extraordinary strength was the 

 admiration of the Spaniards." 



Mummies. 



The Guanchees had the art of embalming, and their mum- 

 mies were prepared in a manner somewhat similar to that of 



