Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. IIII. Of Metals in the Indies and especially of the Gold and Siluer, and Quick-siluer.

[ 50]

MEtals are (as Plants) hidden and buried in the bowels of the Earth, which haue some conformitie in themselues, in the forme and manner of their production;* 1.1 for that we see and discouer euen in them, branches, and as it were a bodie, from whence they grow and proceede, which are the greater veines and the lesse, so as they haue a knitting in themselues: and it seemes properly that these Minerals grow like vnto Plants, not that they haue any inward vegetatiue life, being onely proper to Plants: but they are engendered in the bowels of the earth, by the vertue and force of the Sunne and other Planets, and in long conti∣nuance of time, they increase and multiply after the manner of Plants. And euen as metals bee plants hidden in the earth, so wee may say, that plants bee liuing Creatures fixed in one place, [ 60] whose life is maintayned by the nourishment which Nature furnisheth from their first begin∣ning. But liuing Creatures surpasse Plants, in that they haue a more perfect being;* 1.2 and therefore haue neede of a more perfect foode and nourishment; for the search whereof, Nature hath giuen them a moouing and feeling to discouer and discerne it. So as the rough and barren earth is as a substance and nutriment for metals; and that which is fertile and better seasoned a nourishment

for Plants. The same plants serue as a nourishment for liuing creatures, and the plants and liuing creatures together as a nourishment for men, the inferiour nature alwayes seruing for the mainte∣nance and sustentation of the superiour, and the lesse perfect yeelding vnto the more perfect: whereby wee may see how much it wants, that gold and siluer and other things which men so much esteeme by their couetousnesse, should bee the happinesse of man, whereunto hee should tend, seeing they bee so many degrees in qualitie inferior to man, who hath beene created and made onely to be a subiect to serue the vniuersall Creator of all things, as his proper end and per∣fect rest; and to which man, all other things in this world, were not propounded or left, but to gaine this last end.

The diuersitie of metals, which the Creator hath shut vp in the closets and concauities of the earth, is such, and so great, that man drawes profit and commoditie from euery one of them. [ 10] Some serue for curing of diseases, others for armes and for defence against the enemies, some are for ornament and beautifying of our persons and houses, and others are fit to make vessels and I∣ron-workes, with diuers fashions of instruments, which the industrie of man hath found out and put in practice. But aboue all the vses of metals, which be simple and naturall, the commu∣nication and commerce of men hath found out one, which is the vse of money, the which (as the Philosopher saith) is the measure of all things.* 1.3 And although naturally, and of it selfe, it bee but one onely thing, yet in value and estimation we may say, that it is all things. Money is vnto vs as it were, meate, clothing, house, horse, and generally whatsoeuer man hath need of. By this meanes all obeyes to money,* 1.4 and as the Wiseman saith, to finde an inuention that one thing should be all. Men guided or thrust forward by a naturall instinct, choose the thing most durable [ 20] and most maniable, which is metall, and amongst metals, gaue them the preheminence in this inuention of money, which of their nature were most durable and incorruptible, which is siluer and gold. A Wiseman said, that what a father doth to marry his daughter well, is to giue her a great portion in marriage; the like hath God done for this Land so rough and laboursome, gi∣uing it great riches in mynes, that by this meanes it might be the more sought after. At the west Indies then there are great store of mynes of all sorts of metals, as Copper, Iron, Lead, Tinne, Quick-siluer, Siluer, and Gold: and amongst all the Regions and Parts of the Indies, the Realmes or Peru abound most in these metals, especially with Gold, Siluer, Quick-siluer, or Mercurie, whereof they haue found great store, and daily discouer new mynes. And without doubt, ac∣cording [ 30] to the qualitie of the earth, those which are to discouer, are without comparison, farre more in number then those which are yet discouered: yea, it seemes that all the Land is sowed with these metals, more then any other in the world that is yet known vnto vs, or that ancient Writers haue made mention of.

* 1.5The reason why there is so great abundance of metals at the Indies (especially at the west of Peru, as I haue said) is the will of the Creator, who hath imparted his gifts as it pleased him. But comming to a naturall and philosophicall reason, it is very true, which Philon a wise man writes, saying, that gold, siluer, and metals, grow naturally in land that is most barren and vn∣fruitfull. And wee see, that in Lands of good temperature, the which are fertile with grasse and fruits, there are seldome found any mynes; for that Nature is contented to giue them vigour to bring forth fruits more necessarie for the preseruation and maintenance of the life of beasts and [ 40] men. And contrariwise to lands that are very rough, drie, and barren (as in the highest Moun∣taines and inaccessible Rocks of a rough temper) they finde mynes of siluer, of quick-siluer, and of gold, and all those riches (which are come into Spaine since the West Indies were discouered) haue beene drawne out of such places which are rough and full, bare and fruitlesse: yet the taste of this money, makes these places pleasing and agreeable, yea, well inhabited with numbers of people. And although there be, as I haue said, many mynes of all kindes of metals as at the In∣dies, yet they vse none but those of gold and siluer, and as much quick-siluer as is necessarie to re∣fine their gold and siluer. They carry Iron thither from Spaine and China. As for Copper, the Indians haue drawne of it, and vsed it for their armes, the which were not vsually of Iron, but [ 50] of Copper. Since the Spaniards possessed the Indies, they haue drawne very little, neither doe they take the paines to seeke out these mynes, although there bee many busying themselues in the search of richer and more precious metals, wherein they spend their time and labour. They vse no other metals, as Copper, and Iron, but onely that which is sent them from Spaine, or that which remaines of the refining of gold and siluer. Wee finde not that the Indians in former times vsed gold, siluer, or any other metall for money, and for the price of things, but onely for orna∣ment,* 1.6 as hath beene said, whereof there was great quantitie in their Temples, Palaces, and Tombes, with a thousand kindes of vessels of gold and siluer, which they had. They vsed no gold nor siluer to trafficke or buy withall, but did change and trucke one thing for another, as Homer and Plinie report of the Ancients.* 1.7 They had some other things of greater esteeme, which went currant amongst them for price, and in stead of coine: and vnto this day this custome con∣tinues [ 60] amongst the Indians, as in the Prouinces of Mexico, in stead of money they vse Cacao, (which is a small fruit) and therewith buy what they will. In Peru they vse Coca, to the same end (the which is a leafe the Indians esteeme much) as in Paraguay, they haue stamps of Iron for

coine, and cotton wouen in Saint Croix, of the Sierre. Finally, the manner of the Indians traf∣ficke, and their buying and selling, was to exchange, and giue things for things: and although there were great Marts and famous Faires, yet had they no neede of money, nor of Brokers, for that euery one had learned what he was to giue in exchange for euery kinde of merchandise. Since the Spaniards entred, the Indians haue vsed gold and siluer to buy withall: and in the be∣ginning there was no coine, but siluer by weight was their price and money, as they report of the ancient Romans. Since, for a greater benefit, they haue forged coine in Mexico and Peru,* 1.8 yet vnto this day they haue not in the West Indies coyned any money of Copper or other metall, but onely of siluer and gold: for the richnesse of that Countrie hath not admitted nor receiued [ 10] such money as they call bullion, nor other kindes of alloy, which they vse in Italie, and in other Prouinces of Europe; Although in some Ilands of the Indies, as Saint Dominique, and Port Ricco, they vse coine of leather, which is square, the which are currant onely in those Ilands, hauing little siluer or gold. I say little, although there be much, for that no man digges it and refines it.* 1.9 But for that the riches of the Indies, and their manner to labour in the mynes, consists of gold, sil∣uer, and quick-siluer, I will speake something of these three metals, leauing the rest for this time.

Gold amongst other metals hath beene alwayes held the most excellent; and with reason, being the most durable and incorruptible of all others;* 1.10 for fire which consumes and diminisheth the rest, amends it, and brings it to perfection. Gold which hath often passed through the fire, keepes his colour, and is most fine and pure; which properly is called (as Plinie saith) Obris••, [ 20] whereof the Scripture makes so often mention and v••e, which consumeth all other metals (as the same Plinie saith) doth not any thing waste gold, nor yet hurt it, neither is it eaten, nor grow∣eth old. And although his substance and body bee firme and solid;* 1.11 yet doth it yeeld and bow wonderfully; the Beaters and Drawers of gold know well the force it hath to bee drawne out without breaking. All which things well considered, with other excellent properties, will giue men of iudgement to vnderstand, wherefore the holy Scripture doth compare Charitie to gold. To conclude, there is little neede to relate the excellencies thereof to make it more desirable.* 1.12 For the greatest excellencie it hath, is to be knowne (as it is) amongst men, for the supreme power and greatnesse of the World. Comming therefore to our subiect; at the Indies there is great a∣bundance of this metall, and it is well knowne by approued Histories, that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Peru did [ 30] not content themselues with great and small vessels of gold, as Pots, Cups, Goblets, and Fla∣gons; yea with Kowles or great Vessels, but they had Chaires also, and Litters of massie gold: and in their Temples they had set vp mayne Images of pure gold, whereof they finde some yet at Mexico, but not such store as when the first Conquerors came into the one and the other King∣dome, who found great treasure, and without doubt there was much more hidden in the earth by the Indians. It would seeme ridiculous to report that they haue made their horse shooes of siluer for want of Iron, and that they haue paid three hundred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for a bottle of wine, and other strange things; and yet in truth this hath come to passe, yea and greater matters. They draw gold in those parts after three sorts: or at the least; I haue seene all three vsed.* 1.13 For ei∣ther they finde gold in graines, in powlder, or in stone.

[ 40] The most famous gold is that of Caranaua in Peru, and of Valdinia in Chille, for that is riseth with his alloy and perfection, which is twentie three Carrats and a halfe, and sometimes more. They make account likewise of the gold of Veragua to bee very fine. They bring much gold to Mexico from the Philippines, and China, but commonly it is weake and of base alloy. Gold 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commonly found mixt with Siluer or with Copper; but that which is mixed with siluer is commonly of fewer Carrats then that which is mixed with copper. If there be a fift part of sil∣uer, Plinie saith, it is then properly called Electrum,* 1.14 which hath the propertie to shine more at the light of the fire, then fine gold or fine siluer. That which is incorporate with copper, is com∣monly of a higher value. They refine powldred gold in basons, washing it in many waters, vn∣till the Sand falls from it, and the gold as most heauie remayneth in the bottome. They refine it [ 50] likewise with quick-siluer and strong water, for that the allum whereof they make this water hath the vertue to separate gold from drosse, or from other metals. After it is purified and mol∣ten, they make Bricks or small Barres to carry it vnto Spaine; for being in powlder, they cannot transport it from the Indies, for they can neither custome it, marke it, nor take say, vntill it bee molten. In the fleet where I came, which was in the yeere 1585. the declaration of the firme Land was of twelue Cassons or Chests of gold, euery Casson at the least weighed foure Arobes, that is a hundred weight; and a thousand fiftie and sixe Mates from new Spaine, which was for the King onely, besides that which came for Merchants and priuate men being registred; and much that came vnregistred. This may suffice touching the gold of the Indies, and now wee will speake of Siluer.

[ 60] Now we will shew how they discouer the mynes of Siluer, their veines, rootes, and begin∣nings whereof Iob speakes. And first I will say,* 1.15 that the reason why they giue siluer the second place among all other metals, is, for that it approcheth neerer to gold then any other, being more durable and lesse indamaged by the fire, and more mallable then any other: yea it passeth gold in brightnesse, beautie, and sound, the which is cleere, and agreeable, for the colour is more confor∣mable

and resembling the light, and the sound more piercing▪ more liuely, and more delicate. The mynes of siluer are commonly found in Mountaines and high Rocks very desart, although they haue sometimes beene found in Playnes and Champaines. There are two different kindes, the one they call stragling, the other fixed and setled. The stragling, are pieces of metall found in cer∣taine places, the which drawne a way, there is no more found. But the fixed veines, are those which haue a continuance in depth and length, like to great branches and armes of Trees; and when they finde any one of them, they commonly finde many in the same place. The manner to purge and refine siluer which the Indians haue vsed, was by melting, in dissoluing this masse of me∣tall by fire, which casts the earthly drosse apart, and by his force separates Siluer from Lead, Tin from Copper, and other metals mixt. To this end they did build small Furnaces in places where as the winde did commonly blow, and with Wood and Cole made their refining, the which Fur∣naces [ 10] in Peru they call Guayras. Since the Spaniards entred, besides this manner of refining which they vse to this day, they likewise refine siluer with quick-siluer, and draw more by this meanes then in refining it by fire. For there is some kind of siluer metall found which can by no meanes be purged and refined by fire, but onely with quick-siluer. But this kinde of metall is common∣ly poore and weake, the which vsually they finde in greatest abundance. They call that poore which yeelds least siluer, and great quantitie of other metall, and that rich which yeelds most sil∣uer. It is strange to see, not onely the difference betwixt the refining of metall by fire, and with∣out it by quick-siluer, but also that some of these metals, which are refined by the fire, cannot well be molten with any artificiall winde,* 1.16 as with bellowes; but when it is kindled and blowne with the naturall aire, or naturall winde. The metall of the mynes of Porco is easily refined with [ 20] bellowes, and that of the mynes of Potozi cannot bee molten with bellowes, but onely by the breath of their Guayras, which are small Furnaces vpon the sides of the Mountaines, built ex∣presly where the winde lies, within the which they melt this metall; and though it be hard to yeeld a reason for this difference, yet is it most certaine and approued by long experience: so as the greedie desire of this metall so much valued amongst men, hath made them seeke out a thou∣sand gentle inuentions and deuices, whereof we will hereafter make mention. The chiefe places of the Indies from whence they draw siluer, are new Spaine and Peru; but the mynes of Peru farre surpasse the rest; and amongst all others of the World, those of Potozi.

* 1.17The Mountaine or Hill of Potozi so famous, is situate in the Prouince of Charcas, in the King∣dome of Peru, distant from the Equinoctiall towards the South, or Pole Antartike, one and [ 30] twentie degrees and two thirds: so as it falls vnder the Tropicke, bordering vpon the burning Zone, and yet this Region is extremely cold, yea, more then old Castile in the Kingdome of Spaine, and more then Flanders it selfe, although by reason it should be hot or temperate, in re∣gard of the height and eleuation of the Pole where it is seated. The reason of this so cold a tem∣perature, is the height of the Mountaine, whereas cold and intemperate winds continually blow, especially that which they call Thoma••aui, which is boistrous and most cold. It raines most commonly in Iune, Iuly, and August. The ground and soile of this Mountaine is drie, cold, and very vnpleasant, yea altogether barren, which neither engenders nor brings forth any fruit, grasse, nor graine; it is naturally vnhabitable, for the intemperature of the Heauen, and the barrennesse of the Earth. But the force of siluer, which drawes vnto it the desire of all things, hath peopled [ 40] this Mountaine more then any other place in all these Kingdomes, making it so fruitfull of all kindes of meates, as there wants nothing that can be desired, yea, in great abundance; and al∣though there be nothing but what is brought by carriage, yet euery place abounds so with Fruit, Conserues, exquisite Wines, Silkes, and all other delicates, as it is not inferiour to any other part. This Mountaine is of colour darke red, and is in forme pleasing at the first sight, resembling per∣fectly the fashion of a Pauilion, or of a Sugar-loafe. It exceeds all other Hills and Mountaines a∣bout it in height. The way whereby they ascend, is very rough and vneuen, and yet they goe vp on horse-back. It is round at the top, and at the foot it hath a league in circuit. It containes from the top to the bottom 1680. common yards, the which reduced to the measure of Spanish leagues, makes a quarter of a league. At the foot of this Mountaine there is another small Hill that riseth [ 50] out of it, in the which there hath beene somtimes mynes of metall dispersed, which were found as it were in purses, and not in fixed or continued veines; yet were they very rich, though few in number. This small Rock was called by the Indians, Guayna Potozi, which is yong Potozi; at the foot wherof begins the dwellings of the Spaniards and Indians, which are come to the riches and worke of Potozi, which dwelling may containe some two leagues in circuit, and the greatest traf∣fick and cōmerce of all Peru is in this place. The mynes of this Mountaine were not digged nor discouered in the time of their Inguas, which were the Lords of Peru, before the Spaniards entred, although they had digged and opened the mynes of Porco, neer to Potozi, distant only six leagues.

An Indian called Gualpa, of the Nation of Chumbibilca, which is a Prouince of Cusco, going [ 60] one day to hunt for Venison, passing towards the West whither the beast was fled, hee began to runne vp against the Rocke, which at that time was couered and planted with certaine Trees they call Quinua, and with thicke bushes, and as he striued to get vp a way which was somewhat rough and vneasie, hee was forced to lay hold vpon a branch, which issued from a veine of a

siluer myne (which since they haue called Rich) which hee pulled vp, perceiuing in the hole or roote thereof, metall, the which he knew to be very good, by the experience hee had of the mynes of Porco: and after finding vpon the ground certaine pieces of metall, which lay broken and dispersed neere to this veine, being scarse well able to iudge thereof, for that the colour was spoyled and changed by the Sunne and raine; he carried it to Porco to trie by the Guayras (which is the triall of metall by fire) and hauing thereby found the great riches and his happy fortune, he secretly digged and drew metall out of this veine, not imparting it to any man, vntill that an Indian called Guanca, of the Valley of Xaura, which is vpon the borders of the Citie of Kings, who remayning at Porco neere vnto Gualpa of Chumbibilca, perceiued one day that hee made a refining, and that his Wedges and Bricks were greater then such as were vsually made in those [ 10] places: and also increasing in his expence of apparell, hauing till then liued but basely. For this reason, and for that the metall his Neighbour refined was different from that of Porco, hee thought to discouer this secret, and wrought so, that although the other kept it as secret as hee could, yet through importunitie hee was forced to carry him vnto the Rocke of Potozi, hauing enioyed this rich treasure full two moneths. And then Gualpa the Indian willed Guanca for his part to take a veine, which he had discouered neere to the rich veine, which at this day is cal∣led the veine of Diego Centeno, that was not lesse rich, but more hard to digge and to draw forth; and so by agreement they diuided betweene them the richest Rocke in the world. It chanced after, the Indian Guanca finding some difficultie to digge and draw forth his metall, being most hard, and the other Gualpa refusing to impart any of his myne vnto him, they fell [ 20] at debate; so as Guanca of Xaura grieued therewith, and with some other discontents, dis∣couered this secret vnto his Master called Villaroel a Spaniard, who then remayned at Porco. This Villaroel desirous to vnderstand the truth, went to Potozi, and finding the riches his Ya∣nacona or seruant had discouered vnto him, caused the Indian Guanca to be inrolled, vnderta∣king with him the said veine, which was called Centeno, they call it Vndertaking, that is as much as to note and marke the myne, and so much ground in circuit for him, which the Law graunts vnto those that discouer any myne, or vnto those that digge them: by meanes where∣of, hauing discouered them to the Iustice, they remayned Lords of the myne, to digge and draw forth the siluer, as being their owne, paying onely their duties vnto the King, which is [ 30] a fift part. So as the first discouerie and inregistring of the mynes of Potozi, was the one and twentieth of Aprill, in the yeere of our Lord 1545. in the Territorie of Porco, by the said Vil∣laroel a Spaniard, and Guanca an Indian. Presently after they discouered another veine, which they called the Veine of Tinne, the which is very rich, although it be rough and very painfull to worke in, the metall being as hard as flint. Since the thirtie day of August in the same yeere 1545. the veine called Mendi••ta was inrolled, and these are the foure principall veines of Po∣tozi. They say of the rich veine▪ the first that was discouered, that the metall lay aboue the ground the height of a Lance, like vnto Rocks, raysing the superficies of the Earth, like vnto a crest of three hundred foot long, and thirteene foot broad, and that this remayned bare and vncouered by the deluge, this veine hauing resisted the violence and force of the water, as the hardest part. The metall was so rich as it was halfe siluer, and this veine continued in his [ 40] bountie fiftie or threescore Stades (which is the height of a man) and then it sayled. Present∣ly after that the discouerie of Potozi was knowne in Peru; many Spaniards, and the most part of the Bourgeois of the Siluer Citie, which is eighteene leagues from Potozi, came thither to take mynes: yea, there came many Indians from diuers Prouinces, especially the Guayzadores of Porco, so as within a short space it was the best peopled habitation of all the Kingdome.

When as the Licenciate Pollo gouerned that Prouince, the which was many yeeres after the discouerie of this Mountaine, they did euery Saturday enter a hundred and fiftie and two hun∣dred thousand pieces, whereof the Kings fift amounted to thirtie and fortie thousand pieces; and for euery yeere a million and a halfe, or little lesse. So as according to that computation they did draw euery day from this myne thirtie thousand pieces,* 1.18 whereof there came to the King for [ 50] his fift, sixe thousand pieces a day.

There is yet another thing to bee spoken of, to shew the riches of Potozi, that the account which hath beene made, was onely of siluer that was marked and customed. And it is well knowne in Peru, that they haue long vsed siluer in these Realmes, which they call Currant, which was neither marked nor customed. And they hold it for certaine which know these mynes, that in these dayes, the greatest part of siluer drawne at Potozi, was not customed, and this had course amongst the Indians, and much amongst the Spaniards, as I haue seene continued to my time; so as it may appeare, the third part of the riches of Potozi, yea the one halfe came not to light, neither was it customed. There is yet a more notable consideration, in that which [ 60] Plinie saith, they had digged a fifteene hundred pases in the myne of Bebello;* 1.19 and that continu∣ally they found water, which is the greatest hinderance they haue to draw forth their metall. But in this of Potozi, although they haue digged two hundred stades or heights of a man in depth; yet did they neuer finde any water, which is the greatest happinesse of this Mountaine. But the mynes of Porco, whose metall is good and very rich, are at this day left for the discom∣moditie

of water, which they haue found in their worke; for they are two insupportable la∣bours in searching of the metall; first, to digge and breake the Rocks, and then to draw out the water all together. The first of them, that is, to cut through the Rocks, is paine enough; yea very hard and excessiue. Finally, at this day the King receiues for his fift yeerly, from the mynes of Potozi, a million of siluer, besides the wealth that growes by quick-siluer, and other Royall prerogatiues, which is a great treasure. Some men of iudgement hauing cast vp the accounts, say, that what hath beene brought into the custome House of Potozi, vnto the yeere of our Lord 1585. amounteth vnto a hundred thousand millions of pieces of Essay, whereof euery piece is worth thirteene Rials and a fourth part, not reckoning the siluer which hath beene carried away without custome, or that hath beene entred in other Royall custome houses, or the siluer that [ 10] hath beene wrought in the Countrie, which is not entred, the which is innumerable, although the first Registers of Entries are not so exactly kept as at this day; for that in the beginning and first discoueries, they made their receit by Romans, so great was their abundance.

But by the instructions and remembrances of Don Francisco de Toledo the Vice-roy, in the yeere of our Sauiour Christ 1574. they finde seuentie and sixe millions to that yeere: and from that yeere to eightie fiue inclusiue, it appeares by the Royall Registers, there were thirtie fiue millions more entred. They sent this accompt to the Vice-roy from Potozi, in the yeere I haue mentioned,* 1.20 being then in Peru; and since the wealth that hath come from Peru by ship, hath amounted to much more. In that fleet where I came in the yeere 1587. there were ele∣uen millions transported in the two fleetes of Peru and Mexico, whereof two thirds were in that of Peru, and almost the one halfe for the King. [ 20]

This Rocke of Potozi, containes as I haue said, foure principall veines, that is, the Rich veine,* 1.21 that of Centeno, that of Tinne, and that of Mendi••ta. All these veines are of the East part of the Mountaine, as looking to the Sunne rising, for on the West part there is not any. The foresaid veines runne from North to South, which is from Pole to Pole. In the largest place they haue sixe foot, and in the narrowest a span breadth. There are others of diuers fashions that runne out of the said veines; like as out of the great armes of Trees, there commonly sprout forth lesse. Euery veine hath diuers mynes which are parts and portions of the same, distinct and diuided betwixt diuers Masters, by whose names they are commonly called. The great myne containes fourscore yards, neither may it be more by the Law, and the least containes [ 30] foure. All these mynes are at this day very deepe. In the Rich myne they reckon seuentie eight mynes, which are eightie yards deepe, or a hundred stades or height of a man, and in some pla∣ces two hundred. In the veine of Centeno are foure and twentie mynes, whereof some are se∣uentie or eightie stades deepe, and so of the other veines of this Mountaine. For a remedie to this great profunditie, they haue inuented mynes, which they call Soccabones, which are caues or vents made at the foote of the Mountaine, the which goe crossing till they incounter with the veines: for we must vnderstand, that although the veines runne North to South, as hath beene said, yet is it in declining from the top to the foote of the Mountaine, which may be as they beleeue by coniecture, aboue twelue hundred stades. And by this account, although the mynes extend in such a profunditie, yet there remaines sixe times as much space vnto the bot∣tome [ 40] or roote, the which they say, are most rich and aboundant, as the body and spring of all veines. Although vnto this day we haue seene the contrarie by experience, for the higher the veine is to the superficies of the earth, the more rich they finde it: and the deeper it goes, the poorer it is, and of the baser aloy. They then inuented the Soccabons, by which they enter to worke in the mynes very easily, with lesse charge, paine, and danger. They haue eight foot in breadth, and a stade in height, the which they shut with doores. By them they drawe forth their metall very easily, paying to the proprietarie of the Soccabon, the fift part of all the metall they draw forth.* 1.22 There are nine alreadie made, and others are begun. They were nine and twentie yeeres in making of one Soccabon, as they call it, of the venome that flowes from the rich veine. It was begun in the yeere 1550. the eleuenth yeere of the discouerie, and [ 50] was ended in the yeere 1585. the eleuenth of August. This Soccabon crossed the rich veine thirtie fiue stades from the roote or spring, and from thence where it met to the mouth of the myne, were a hundred thirtie fiue stades. So as they must descend all this depth to labour in the myne. This Soccabon containes from his mouth vnto the veine of Crusero as they call it, two hundred and fiftie yards,* 1.23 in which worke were spent nine and twentie yeeres, whereby wee may see what great paines men take to draw siluer out of the bowels of the earth. They labour in these mynes in continuall darknesse and obscuritie, without knowledge of day or night. And foras∣much as those places are neuer visited with the Sunne; there is not only continuall darknesse, but also an extreme cold, with so grosse an aire contrarie to the disposition of man, so as, such as newly enter, are sicke as they at Sea. The which happened to me in one of these mynes, where I felt a paine at the heart, and beating of the stomacke. Those that labour therein, vse candles [ 60] to light them, diuiding their worke in such sort, as they that worke in the day, rest by the night, and so they change. The metall is commonly hard, and therefore they breake it with ham∣mers, splitting and hewing it by force, as if they were fl••nts. After they carry vp this metall

vpon their shoulders, by Ladders of three branches, made of Neats leather twisted like pieces of wood, which are crossed with staues of wood; so as by euery one of these Ladders they mount and descend together. They are ten stades long a piece: and at the end of one beginnes another of the same length, euery Ladder beginning and ending at plat-formes of wood, where there are seates to rest them, like vnto galleries, for that there are many of these Ladders to mount by one at the end of another. A man carries ordinarily the weight of two Arrobes of metall vpon his shoulders, tied together in a cloth in manner of a skip,* 1.24 and so mount they three and three. He that goes before carries a candle tied to his thumbe: for (as it is said) they haue no light from Heauen, and so goe they vp the Ladder holding it with both their hands, to mount so great a height, which commonly is aboue a hundred and fiftie stades: a fearfull thing, [ 10] and which breedes an amazement to thinke vpon it, so great is the desire of Siluer, that for the gaine thereof, men endure any paines. And truly, it is not without reason, that Plinie treating of this subiect, exclaimes and sayes thus, Wee enter euen into the bowels of the Earth, and goe hunting after riches, euen to the place of the damned.* 1.25 And after in the same Booke hee saith: Those ihat seeke for metals, performe workes more then Giants, making holes and caues in the depth of the Earth, piercing Mountaynes so deepe by the light of Candles, whereas the day and the night are alike, and in many moneths they see no day. So as often the walls of their mynes fall, smo∣thering many of them that labour therein. And afterwards hee addes, They pierce the hard Rocke with hammers of Iron waighing one hundred and fiftie pounds, and draw out the metall vpon their shoulders, labouring day and night, one deliuering his charge to another, and all in darknesse, onely the [ 20] last sees the light: with Wedges and Hammers they breake the Flints, how hard and strong soeuer, for the hunger of gold is yet more sharpe and strong.

The veines as I haue said, where they finde siluer, runne betwixt two Rocks,* 1.26 which they call The Chase, whereof the one is commonly as hard as flint, and the other soft and easie to breake. This metall is not alwayes equall, and of the same bountie, for you shall find in one and the same veine, one sort of metall very rich, which they call Cacilla, or Tacana, from which they draw much siluer; and another is poore, from whence they draw little. The most rich metall of this Mountaine, is of the colour of Amber, and the next is that which inclines to blacke. There is o∣ther somewhat red, and other of the colour of ashes▪ finally, of diuers and sundrie colours, which seeme to such as know them not, to bee sinnes of no value. But the myners doe presently know [ 30] his qualitie and perfection, by certaine signes and small veines they finde in them. They carry all this metall they draw out of these mynes, vpon Indian sheepe, which serue them as Asses to carry it to the Mills; the richest metall is refined by melting in those small Furnaces, which they call Guayras, for that is most leadie; by reason whereof, it is most subiect to melt, and for the better melting thereof, the Indians cast in a matter, they call Soroche, which is a metall full of Lead. The metall being in these Furnaces, the filth and earthie drosse, through the force of the fire, remaines in the bottome, and the Siluer and Lead melt; so as the Siluer swimmes vpon the Lead, vntill it bee purified; then after they refine the siluer many times, after this manner of melting. They haue vsually drawne out of one Quintall of metall, thirtie, fortie, and fiftie pieces [ 40] of siluer, and yet I haue seene some most excellent that haue beene shewne me, where they haue drawne in the melting two hundred, yea two hundred and fiftie pieces of siluer of a Quintall of metall; a rare wealth, and almost incredible, if we had not seene the triall thereof by fire, but such metals are very rare. The poorest metall is that which yeelds two, three, fiue, or sixe pieces, or little more. This metall hath commonly little Lead, but is drie, and therefore they cannot refine it with fire. And for this reason in Potozi, there was great store of these poore metals, whereof they made no great account, but were reiected like straw, and as the skum of the good metall, vntill they found meanes to refine it by quick-siluer, whereby the skum they called O∣quiache was of great profit, for the quick-siluer by a strange and wonderfull propertie, purifies the siluer, and is apt for these metals which are drie and poore, wherein they consume lesse quick-sil∣uer [ 50] then in the richer: for the richer they are, the more need of quick-siluer they haue. At this day the most vsuall manner of refining in Potozi, is by quick-siluer, as also in the mynes of Caca∣tecas, and others of new Spaine. There were in old time vpon the sides and tops of Potozi, aboue sixe thousand Guayras, which are small Furnaces where they melt their metall, the which were placed like lights (a pleasant sight to behold by night) casting a light afarre off like a flame of fire. But at this day there are not aboue two thousand, for that (as I haue said) they vse little melting, but refine it by quick-siluer, the which is the greatest profit. And for that the proper∣ties of quick-siluer are admirable; and that this manner of refining of siluer is remarkable, I will discourse of Quick-siluer, of the Mynes and Worke, and what is requisite for that subiect.

Quick-siluer, so called by the Latines, for that it runnes and slides suddenly from place to place, [ 60] amongst all other metals hath great and wonderfull vertues. The first is, although it bee a true metall, yet is it not hard, neither hath it any certaine forme nor subsistance like to other metals, but is liquid, not like vnto gold and siluer molten, but of his owne proper nature; and although it be a liquor, yet is it more heauie then any other metall: and therefore all others swim aboue and sinke not to the bottome, being more light. I haue seene two pounds of Iron put into a

barrell of quick-siluer, the which did swimme about like vnto Wood or Corke vpon the Wa∣ter.* 1.27 Plinie giues an exception hereunto, saying, That gold alone doth sinke and not swimme aboue it. I haue not seene the experience; but it may bee this growes, by reason that quick-siluer by nature doth inuiron gold, and couers it, which is one of the most important proper∣ties it hath;* 1.28 for it ioynes with gold in a strange manner, it seekes it where it lyes, and inui∣rons it in such sort, as it doth distinguish and separate it from any other body or metall where∣with it is mixt: for this reason such take gold as will preserue themselues from the dangers and discommodities of quick-siluer. They haue vsed a remedie to those (in whose eares they had put quick-siluer, to cause them to die secretly) to put little plates of gold into their eares (for that Gold hath the vertue to draw out Mercurie) and after they drew out these plates all white with the quick-siluer, it did sticke vnto them. Being one day at Madril, I went to see the [ 10] exquisite workes which Iacomo de Treco. (a rare worke-man of Millan) made for Saint Lau∣rence the Royall, it was my hap to be there one day, when as they gilded certaine pieces of a countertable of brasse, which is done with quick-siluer; and for that the fume of Mercurie is mortall, he told me that the worke-men preserued themselues from this venome, by swallow∣ing a double Duckat of gold rolled vp; the which being in the stomacke, drawes vnto it all the quick-siluer that enters in fume by the Eares, Eyes, Nostrils, and Mouth, and by this meanes freed themselues from the danger of quick-siluer, which the gold gathered in the sto∣macke, and after cast out by the excrements: a thing truly worthy of admiration. After the quick-siluer hath purified and purged gold from all other metals and mixtures, hee is likewise separated from the gold his friend by the heate of the fire, the which purifies it from all quick-siluer.* 1.29 [ 20] Plinie sayes, that by a certaine arte and inuention they did separate gold from quick-siluer. It seemes to me the Ancients had no knowledge to refine siluer by quick-siluer, which at this day is the greatest vse, and chiefe profit of quick-siluer; for that he sayes plainly, that quick-siluer ioynes with no other metall but with gold; and when hee makes mention of refi∣ning of siluer, hee speakes onely but of the manner of melting; whereby wee may inferre that the Ancients had no knowledge of this secret. In truth, though there be a league and simpathy betwixt gold and quick-siluer, yet where as the Mercurie findes no gold, it ioynes with sil∣uer, though not in the like manner as with gold; but in the end, it doth clense and purge it from Earth, Copper, and Lead, amongst the which the siluer growes, without any neede of fire to melt it: yet must they vse fire to separate it from the siluer, as I will shew hereafter. [ 30] Quick-siluer holds no account of other metals, but of Gold and Siluer; but contrariwise, it doth corrupt them, force and consume them, and flyeth from them as much as may bee. The which is likewise admirable, and for this cause they put it in earthen vessels, or in beasts skins. For if it bee put in vessels of Copper, of Iron, or other metall, it presently pierceth and cor∣rupts them. And therefore Plinie calleth it the poyson of all things, for that it consumes and spoiles all. Wee finde quick-siluer in the graues of dead men, which after it hath consumed the bodies, comes forth pure and whole. There hath beene likewise found in the bones and mar∣row of Men and Beasts, who hauing receiued it in fume by the mouth and nostrils, congeales within them and pierceth euen vnto the bones. Therefore it is a dangerous thing to frequent so perillous and mortall a creature. It hath another propertie, which is, to runne and make a hun∣dred [ 40] thousand small drops, whereof not one is lost, bee they neuer so little, but they returne euery way to their liquor. It is almost incorruptible, hauing nothing in a manner that may consume it. And therefore Plinie calls it the eternall sweat. It hath yet another propertie, that although it doth separate Gold from Copper, and all other metals, yet they that will gild Cop∣per, Brasse, or Siluer, vse quick-siluer as the meanes of this vnion; for with the helpe thereof they gild metals. Amongst all the wonders of this strange liquor that seemes to mee most wor∣thy obseruation, that although it bee the weightiest thing in the world, yet is it conuerted in∣to the lightest of the world, which is smoake, and suddenly the same smoake which is so light a thing, turnes againe into so heauie a substance, as is the proper liquor of quick-siluer, where∣into it is dissolued; for this smoake encountring the metall on high, being a solid body, or [ 50] comming into a cold Region, suddenly it thickens and is conuerted into quick-siluer, and if you set him once againe to the fire, he doth likewise returne into smoake, to be resolued againe in∣to quick-siluer.

Quick-siluer is found in a kinde of stone, which doth likewise yeeld Vermillion, which the Ancients called Minium,* 1.30 and at this day they call the Images of crystall Miniades, which are painted with quick-siluer. The Ancients made great account of this Minium or Vermillion, holding it for a sacred colour, as Plinie reports, saying, That the Romans were accustomed to paint the face of Iupiter, and the bodies of those that triumphed in Ethiopia: yea, their Idols and their Gouernours likewise had their faces coloured with this Minium. And this Vermillion was [ 60] so esteemed at Rome (which they brought onely from Spaine, where they had many pits and mynes of quick-siluer, which continue there to this day) that the Romans suffered it not to be re∣fined in Spaine, lest they should steale some of it, but they carried it to Rome, sealed vp in a masse as they drew it out of the myne, and after refined it. They did yeerly bring from Spaine, especially

from Andalusie, about ten thousand pound weight, which the Romans valued as an infinite treasure, I haue reported all this out of that Author, to the end that those which doe see what passeth at this day in Peru, may haue the content to know what chanced in former ages, among the migh∣tiest Lords of the world. I speake for the Inguas Kings of Peru, and for the naturall Indians thereof, which haue laboured and digged long in these Mines of Quick-siluer, not knowing what Quick-siluer was, seeking onely for Cinabrium or Vermillion, which they call Limpi, the which they esteeme much, for that same effect that Plinie reports of the Romans and Ethiopians, that is, to paint the face and bodies of themselues and their Idols: the like hath beene much practised by the Indians, especially when they went to the warres, and vse it at this day in their feasts and dancing, which they call slubbering, supposing that their faces and visages so slubbered, [ 10] did much terrifie, and at this day they hold it for an ornament and beautifying; for this cause there were strange workes of Mines in the Mountaines of Guancauilca, which are in Peru, neere to the Citie of Guamangua, out of the which they drew this Mettall: it is of such a manner,* 1.31 that if at this day they enter by the caues or Soccabones, which the Indians made in those dayes, they loose themselues, finding no passage out: but they regarded not Quick-siluer, which natural∣ly is in the same substance or mettall of Vermillion, neither had they knowledge of any such matter.

The Indians were not alone for so long a time without the knowledge of this treasure, but likewise the Spaniards, who vntill the yeare 1566. and 1567. (at such time as the licentiate Ca∣stro gouerned in Peru) discouered not the Mines of Quick-siluer, which happened in this manner. [ 20] A man of iudgement called Henrique Guarces, a Portugall borne,* 1.32 hauing a piece of this coloured Mettall, as I haue said, which the Indians call Limpi, with which they paint their faces, as he beheld it well, found it to be the same which they call Vermillion in Castile: and for that hee knew well that Vermillion was drawne out of the same mettall that Quick-siluer was, he con∣iectured these Mines to be of Quick-siluer, went to the place whence they drew this Mettall, to make triall thereof. The which he found true, and in this sort the Mines of Palcas in the territorie of Guamangua, being discouered, great numbers of men went thither to draw out Quick-siluer, and so to carry it to Mexico, where they refine Siluer by the meanes of Quick-sil∣uer, wherewith many are inriched. This Countrie of Mines which they call Guancauilca, was then peopled with Spaniards and Indians that came thither, and come still to worke in these [ 30] Mines of Quick-siluer, which are in great numbers, and very plentifull: but of all these Mines, that which they call d' Amador de Cabrera, or of Saints, is goodly and notable. It is a Rocke of most hard Stone, interlaced all with Quick-siluer, and of that greatnesse, that it extends aboue fourescore Vares or yards in length, and fortie in breadth: in which Mine they haue many pits, and ditches, of threescore and tenne stades deepe, so as three hundred men may well worke to∣gether; such is the capacitie thereof. This Mine was discouered by an Indian of Amador of Ca∣brera, called Nauincopa of the Village of Acoria, the which Amador of Cabrera caused to be registred in his name. He was in suite against the Procurer fiscall, but the vsufruite was adiudg∣ed to him by sentence as the discouerer. Since he sold his interest to another, for two hundred and fiftie thousand Ducates; and afterwards thinking he had bin deceiued in the sale, he com∣menced [ 40] an action against the buyer, being worth, as they say, aboue fiue hundred thou∣sand Ducates; yea, some hold it to be worth a Million of Gold: a rare thing to see a Mine of that wealth.

When as Don Francisco of Toledo gouerned in Peru, there was one which had bin in Mexico, and obserued how they refined Siluer with Mercury, called Pero Fernandes de Valesco, who offred to refine Siluer at Potozi, with Mercury: and hauing made triall thereof in the yeare 1571. per∣formed it with credit; then began they to refine Siluer at Potozi with Quick-siluer, which they transported from Guancauelicqua, which was a goodly helpe for the Mines; for by the meanes of Quick-siluer they drew an infinite quantitie of mettall from these Mines, whereof they made no accompt, the which they called Scrapings. For as it hath beene said, the Quick-siluer purifies [ 50] the Siluer, although it be drie, poore, and of base alloy, which cannot be done by melting in the fire. The Catholike King drawes from it Quick-siluer mines, without any charge or hazard, al∣most foure hundred thousand pieces of a Mine, the which are foureteene rials a peec••, or little lesse, besides the rights that rise in Potozi, where it is imployed, the which is a great riches. They doe yearely, one with another, draw from these Mines of Guancauilca, eight thousand quintals of Quick-siluer, yea and more.

Let vs now speake how they draw out Quick-siluer, and how they refine Siluer therewith.* 1.33 They take the stone or mettall where they finde the Quick-siluer, the which they put into the fire in pots of earth well luted, being well beaten, so as this mettall or stone comming to melt [ 60] by the heate of the fire, the Quick-siluer separates it selfe, and goes forth in exhalation, and sometimes euen with the smoake of the fire, vntill it incounters some body where it staies and congeales, and if it passe vp higher, without meeting of any hard substance, it mounts vp vntill it be cold, and then congealed, it fals downe againe. When the melting is finished, they vn∣stop the pots and draw forth the mettall, sometimes staying vntill it be very cold, for if there

remained any fume or vapour, which should incounter them that should vnstop the pots, they were in danger of death, or to be benummed of their limbes, or at the least to loose their teeth. And for that they spend an infinitie quantitie of wood, in the melting of these mettals, a Miller called Rodrigo de Tores found out a profitable inuention, which was, to gather certaine straw which growes throughout all those Mountaines of Peru, the which they call Ycho, it is like vn∣to a hard reede wherewith they make their fire. It is a strange thing to see the force which this straw hath to melt and dissolue these mettals, the which fals out, as Plinie saies, that there is gold which melts more easily with the flame of straw, then with hot burning coales. They put the Quick-siluer thus molten into skinnes, for that it keepes best in leather, and in this sort they lay it into the Kings store-house, foom whence they carrie it by Sea to Ariqua, and so to Potozi [ 10] by Land vpon their sheepe. There is yeerely spent in Potozi for the refining of Mettals, about six or seuen thousand quintals of Quick-siluer,* 1.34 besides that they draw from the Plates (which is the earth or drosse of the first washings of these Mettals, which are made in caldrons.) The which plates they burne in their furnaces, to draw out the Quick-siluer which remaines in them: and there are a••oue fiftie of these Furnaces in the Citie of Potozi, and in ••arpaya. The quantitie of mettals which they refine, (as some men of experience haue made the account) doth amount yearely to aboue three hundred thousand quintals, from the earth and drosse whereof being molt and refined, they may draw yearely aboue two thousand quintals of Quick-siluer. We must vnderstand there are diuers sorts of mettals, for some yeelde much Siluer, and waste little Quick-siluer: others consume much Quick-siluer, and yeelde little Siluer: and there are others which consume much Quick-siluer, and yeeldes much Siluer; and others that consume little [ 20] Quick-siluer, and also yeelde little Siluer: and as men incounter in these mettals, so they grow rich or poore in their trafficke. Although commonly the rich mettall yeeldes much Siluer, and consumes much Quick-siluer; and likewise that which is poore, yeeldes little Siluer, and con∣sumes as little Mercurie.* 1.35 They first beate and grinde the mettall very small, with hammers and other instruments, which beate this Stone like vnto tanne Mils, and being well beaten, they fearce it in a copper fearce, making the poulder as small and fine, as if it were horse haire: these fearces being well fitted, doe fift thirtie quintals in a day and a night; then they put the poulder of the mettall into the vessels vpon furnaces, whereas they anoint it and mortifie it with brine, putting to euery fiftie quintals of poulder, fiue quintals of Salt. And this they doe for that the [ 30] Salt seperates the earth and filth, to the end the Quick-siluer may the more easily draw the Sil∣uer vnto it. After they put Quick-siluer into a peece of Holland and presse it out vpon the met∣tall, which goes forth like a dewe, alwaies turning and stirring the mettall, to the end it may be well incorporate.

Before the inuention of these furnaces of fire, they did often mingle their mettall with Quick-siluer, in great troughes, letting it settle some daies, and did then mixe it, and stir it againe, vn∣till they thought all the Quick-siluer were well incorporate with the Siluer, the which conti∣nued twentie daies and more, and at the least nine daies. Since they discouered (as the desire to get is diligent,) that to shorten the time fire did much helpe: to incorporate Siluer the sooner with Quick-siluer, they inuented these furnaces, whereon they set vessels to put in their mettall, [ 40] with Salt and Quick-siluer, and vnderneath they put fire by little and little, in furnaces made for the nonce vnderneath; so as in fiue or six daies the Quick-siluer is incorporate with the Sil∣uer. And when they finde that the Mercurie hath done his part, and assembled all the Siluer, lea∣uing nothing behinde, but is well imbrued as a Spunge doth water, diuiding it from the Earth, Lead, and Copper, with the which it is engendered. Then after they seperate it likewise from the Quick-siluer, the which they doe in this sort; they put the Mettall in Caldrons, and vessels full of water, where with certaine wheeles they turne the mettall round about, as if they should make Mustard, and so the earth and drosse goes from the Mettall with the water that runnes away: The Siluer and Quick-siluer as most ponderous remaining in the bottome; the Mettall which remaines, is like vnto Sand: then they take it out and wash it againe in great platters of [ 50] wood, or keelers full of water, still drawing the earth from it, vntill they leaue the Siluer and Quick-siluer well clensed. There slippes away also some small portion of Siluer and Quick-sil∣uer with the earth and drosse, which they call washings, the which they after wash againe and draw out the remainder. When the Siluer and Quick-siluer are clensed and begin to shine, and that there remaines no earth, they put all the Mettall into a cloth, which they straine out very forcibly, so as all the Quick-siluer passeth out, being not incorporate with the Siluer, and the rest remaines as a loafe of Siluer, like to a marke of Almonds pressed to draw oyle. And being thus pressed, the remainder containes but the sixt part in Siluer, and fiue in Mercurie. So as if there remaines a marke of threescore pounds, ten are of Siluer, and fiftie of Mercurie. Of these markes they make pinnes (as they call them) like pine apples, or sugar loaues, hollow within, the which they commonly make of a hundred pound weight; then to separate the Siluer from the Quick-siluer, [ 60] they put it into a violent fire, which they couer with an earthen vessell, like to the mold of a Sugar-loafe, or vnto a capuchon or hood, the which they couer with coales, and set fire vn∣to it; whereby the Quick-siluer exhals in smoake, the which striking against the capuchon of

earth, it thickens and distils, like vnto the smoake of a pot couered; and by a pipe like vnto a limbecke, they receiue the Quick-siluer which distils, the Siluer remaining without changing the forme, but in weight it is diminished fiue parts of that it was, and is spungious, the which is worthy the obseruation. Of two of these loaues they make one barre of Siluer, in weight sixtie fiue or sixtie six markes: and in this sort they carrie it to the touch, custome, and marke. Siluer drawne with Mercurie, is so fine,* 1.36 that it neuer abates of two thousand three hundred and foure∣score of alloy, and it is so excellent, that the worke-men are enforced to alay it, putting some mixture to it, as they doe likewise in their Mints, whereas their monie is stampt. Siluer indures all these martyrdomes (if we may so call it) to be refined, the which if we consider well, it is a [ 10] body framed where they grinde, fift, kneade, lay the leuen, and bake the Siluer: besides all this, they wash it and wash it againe; they bake it and bake it againe, induring the pestels, ••iues, troughes, furnaces, caldrons, presses: and finally, by the water and fire. I speake this, for that seeing this art in Potozi, I did consider what the Scripture speakes of the iust,* 1.37 Colabit ••os & pur∣gabit quasi argentum: And that which they speake in another part. Sicut argentum purgatum terra, purgatum septuplum. So as to purifie Siluer, to refine and clense it from the earth and stone where it engenders, they purge and purifie it seuen times: for in effect it passeth their hands se∣uen times, yea oftner, vntill it remaines pure and fine; so is it in the word of God, where the soules must be purified, that shall inioy the heauenly perfection.

To conclude this subiect of Siluer and of Mettals, there remaines yet two things to speake of,* 1.38 [ 20] the one is of their Engins and Mils, the other of their essay or triall: I haue said before, how they grinde their Mettall: for the receiuing of the Quick-siluer, which is done with diuers in∣struments and Engins, some with Horses like vnto hand-mil••, others like Water-mils; of which two sorts there are great numbers. But for that the water they doe vse commonly, is but of raine, whereof they haue not sufficient but three months in the yeare, December, Ianuary, and February: for this reason they haue made Lakes and standing Pooles, which containe in circuite about a thousand and six hundred rods, and in depth three stades; there are seuen with their sluces: so as when they haue neede of any water, they raise vp a sluce, from whence runnes a little streame of water, the which they stop vpon holy-dayes. And when the Lakes and Pooles doe fill, and that the yeare abounds with raine, their grinding doth then continue six or seuen [ 30] moneths; so as euen for Siluer sake men desire a good yeare of raine in Potozi, as they doe in other places for bread. There are some other Engins in Tarapaya, which is a valley three or foure leagues distant from Potozi, whereas there runnes a Riuer as in other parts. The difference of these Engins is, that some goe with six pestels, some with twelue, and others with foureteene. They grinde and beate the Mettall in Morters, labouring day and night; and from thence they carry it to be sifted, vpon the bankes of the brooke of Potozi. There are fortie eight Water-mils, of eight, ten, and twelue pestels, and foure on the other side, which they call Tanacogu••gno; in the Citie of Tarapaya, there are two and twentie Engins all vpon the water; besides there are thirtie goe with Horses in Potozi, and many others in diuers parts, so great the desire of man is to get Siluer, which is tried by deputies appointed by the King.

[ 40] To giue the alloy to euerie piece, they carrie the bars of Siluer vnto the Assay Master, who giue to euery one his number, for that they carrie many at once, hee cuts a small peece of euerie one, the which he weighs iustly, and puts them into a Cruset, which is a small vessell made of burnt bones beaten; after he placeth euery crusible in his order in the furnace, giuing them a violent fire, then the Mettall melteth, and that which is lead, goes into smoake, and the cop∣per and tinne dissolues, the Siluer remaining most fine, of the colour of fire. It is a strange thing, that being thus refined, although it be liquid and molten, yet it neuer spils, were the mouth of the crusible turned downewards; but it remaineth fixed, without the losse of a droppe. The Assay Master knoweth by the colour and other signes, when it is refined, then doth he draw the crusibles from the fire, and weighes euery peece curiously, obseruing what euery one wants of [ 50] his weight; for that which is of high alloy, wastes but little, and that which is baser, dimi∣nisheth much; and according to the waste, he sees what alloy he beares, according to the which he markes euery bar punctually. Their ballance and weights are so delicate, and their graines so small, as they cannot take them vp with the hand, but with a small paire of pincers: and this triall they make by candle-light, that no ayre might mooue the ballance. For of this little the price of the whole barre dependeth. In trueth it is a very delicate thing, and requires a great dexteritie.

[ 60]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Metals grow as plants.
• * 1.2

  Animalia.
• * 1.3

  Arist. 5. Ethic. cap. 5.
• * 1.4

  Eccles. 10.
• * 1.5

  Of the qualitie and nature of the earth wher the metals are found, and that all these metals are not im∣ployed at the Indies, and how the Indians v∣sed them. l. 4. Chap. 3.

  Plin. lib. 5. de Genes. mund. Euseb. lib. 8. de praepar. euang. cap. 9.
• * 1.6

  No money of gold, but of fruits, &c.
• * 1.7

  Plin. lib. 33. c. 3.
• * 1.8

  Plin. lib. 33. c. 4.
• * 1.9

  Coine of lea∣ther.
• * 1.10

  Of gold which they digge and refine at the Indies. Chap. 4.
• * 1.11

  Plin. lib. 33. c. 3.
• * 1.12

  Apoc. 3. & 21. Cant. 3. Psal. 67. 3. Reg. 6.
• * 1.13

  See before in I. dos Santos, and in Herrera.
• * 1.14

  Plin. lib. 3. cap. 4.
• * 1.15

  Of the Siluer at the Indies. Chap. 5.
• * 1.16

  Note.
• * 1.17

  Of the Moun∣taine or Hill of Potozi, and the discouery thereof. Chap. 6.
• * 1.18

  Euery piece is worth thir∣teene Rials and a fourth part.
• * 1.19

  Plin. lib. 33. c. 6.
• * 1.20

  Huge summes of siluer.
• * 1.21

  E••••aim.
• * 1.22

  Preciosa pericu∣la, Speciosa supplicia.
• * 1.23

  Intolerable paines and darknesse in the Mynes, and if in the Mindes farre more intole∣rable remay∣ning.
• * 1.24

  Euery Arobe is 25. pound.
• * 1.25

  Plin. in proem. lib. 33. cap. 6.
• * 1.26

  How they re∣fine the metall of siluer. Chap. 9.
• * 1.27

  Plin. l. 33. c. 6.
• * 1.28

  Sympathie with gold.
• * 1.29

  Plin. l. 33. c. 6▪
• * 1.30

  Of the place where they finde quick-siluer, and how they discoue∣red these rich mynes in Gu∣ancavilca. Chap. 11.
• * 1.31

  Labirinths.
• * 1.32

  Mines of Quick-siluer found.
• * 1.33

  The manner how to draw out Quick sil∣uer, and how they refine Silu••r. Chap. 12.
• * 1.34

  Dangers by Quick-siluer. Force of Straw Pl••n. l. 33. c. 4. Abundance of Mettals.
• * 1.35

  Manner of working.
• * 1.36

  Fine Siluer for worke must be alloyed.
• * 1.37

  Mat. 3. Eccles. 2. Psal. 11.
• * 1.38

  Of their En∣gins to gr••nde the Mettall, and of their triall of Siluer. Chap. 13.