BALSAM. 259 



libertie to use creame of balsam at the Indies in the LlB - IV - 

 sacrament of confirmation and other ceremonies which they 

 vse. They bring balsam to Spaine from Isew Spaine, from 

 the Province of Guatimalla, from Chiapa, and other places 

 where it aboundes most, although the most esteemed be 

 that which comes from the Hand of Tolu, which is in Tierra 

 Firme, not farre from Carthagena. This balsam is white, and 

 commonly they hold the white to bee more perfect then the 

 red, although Plinie gives the first place to the vermilion, ^J 11 ^ ^ 

 the second to the white, the third to greene, and the last to 

 blacke ; but it seemes that Strabo esteemed more the white strab.,iibr. 

 balsams, as we do. Monardes discourseth at large of the Geo ra P- 

 Indian balsam in the first and second part, especially of 

 that of Carthagena and Tolu, which is all one. I have not 

 found that the Indians in olde time did much esteeme 

 balsam, nor yet imploy it in any important vse, although 

 Monardes saieth, that the Indians cured their woundes 

 therewith, and from thence the Spaniardes learned it. 



CHAP. xxix. Of Amber, and oilier Oyles, Gums; and Drugges, 

 which they bring from the Indies. 



.Next to balsam, liquidambar holdes the second place : it is 

 another liquor which is likewise sweete and medicinall ; but 

 more thicke, and turnes into a paste of a hote complexion, 

 and a good perfume, the which they apply to woundes, 

 bruises, and other necessities ; wherein I will referre my 

 selfe to the Physicians, especially to Doctor Monardes, who 

 in his first Part hath written of this liquor, and many others 

 that are medicinal, which come from the Indies. This liquid 

 ambar comes from New Spaine, which hath that advantage 

 above other Provinces in goomes, liquors, and iuyce of trees, 

 whereby they have such aboundance of matter, for perfume 

 and phisicke, as is the Anime, whereof there comes great 



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