Notes on the So-called ‘‘ Post Office Stone.” 201 
from the branches of trees with an admirable skill. Such is the 
population and the land of the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding 
country. It is there that the shipwrecked crew lived. They erected 
a sort of church where holy mass was said (the very sacred Sacra- 
ment of the altar was performed) ; sermons to deliver them from vice 
and to cheer up their mind they did not lack, because among them 
were the following priests and friars: Francisco de los Santos, cus- 
todian of the Province of the Mother of God of the Capucins in 
India, who has written a diary of this journey ; Joseph de Mendoca, 
Francisco de Gouvea, Juan Capistrano, and also the Chaplain of the 
vessel. | 
18. The first mass was said on St. Lawrence day. As soon as it 
was over a swarm of bees entered through the door and settled on 
the canopy of the altar. They were captured and set in a cask 
alongside of the holy table (@ommunion table). They were pleased 
with their new abode, and set to build their sweet combs, so much 
in the service of the Holy Ghost that they never stung the officiating 
priest, over whose head they flew during the eight months that they 
were there. Thus they taught that some animals are more grateful 
towards the Creator than many men, because those who see the 
Sovereign Host do not acknowledge him, while these bees having 
felt his presence, flew at once to acknowledge him and serve 
him. 
The building of the ships being completed, they used instead of 
tar the fragrant (benjamin), and also much frankincense, which had 
been part of the cargo of the ship. There was no oil to melt this 
material with, but they found a remedy, because, remembering that 
this material could be replaced by the fat of seals, which were found 
in quantity on a small island opposite, they killed with clubs such a 
quantity of them that they had a sufficient provision for their 
purpose. 
When ready for departure they placed a cross upon the top of a 
mountain with an inscription relating their misfortune. 
They launched the two boats, and shipped the goods and the men 
in two parties, one wishing to return to India, the other to sail for 
the Kingdom. 
This latter, not sufficiently acquainted with nautical knowledge, 
found themselves after some days in the same place from which 
they had set out, when they sighted the vessel of Antonio de Sousa 
y Carvallo, who took them up, which fared as was said before, ‘.<., 
afterwards perished upon the bar of Lisbon. 
