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.

§. VI. Of Beasts and Fowles in the Indies.

* 1.1I Finde there are three kindes of beasts at the Indies, whereof some haue beene carried from Spaine; others are of the same kinde we haue in Europe, and yet not carried by the Spaniards; and others are proper to the Indies, whereof there are none in Spaine. [ 20] Of the first kinde are Sheepe, Kine, Goats, Swine, Horses, Asses, Dogs, Cats, and o∣ther such beasts, for there are of all these kindes at the Indies. The smaller Cattell haue greatly multiplyed,* 1.2 and if they could make profit of their woolls by sending them into Europe, it were one of the greatest riches the Indies had, for there the flocks of sheepe haue great pastuers, where as their feeding failes not. In Peru there is such store of pastures and feedings, as no man hath any proper to himselfe,* 1.3 but euery man feedes his troups where he pleaseth. For this reason there is commonly great store of flesh, and very good cheape, and all other things that come from sheepe, as Milke, and Cheese. For a time they lost their woolls, vntill that some began to hus∣band it, and to make cloth and couerings, which hath beene a great helpe for the poorer sort of [ 30] the Countrie, for that the cloth of Castile is very deare there. There are many Clothiers in Peru, but more in new Spaine, yet the cloth that comes from Spaine is farre better, whether the wooll bee more fine, or the workmen more expert. In former times there were men that did possesse threescore and ten, yea a hundred thousand sheepe, and at this day they haue not many lesse. If this were in Europe, it were a very great substance, but in that Countrie it is but a meane wealth. In many parts of the Indies, and I thinke in the greatest part, small Cattell doe not increase and profit well, by reason that the grasse is high, and the soile so vicious, that they cannot feede so well as great Cattell.

And therefore there is an infinite number of Kine, whereof there are two kindes. Some are tame and goe in troups,* 1.4 as in the land of Charca, and other Prouinces of Peru, as also in all new Spaine: from these tame Kine they draw such profit as they doe in Spaine, that is, the Flesh, But∣ter, [ 40] Calues, and Oxen to till the ground. The other kinde is wilde, which liue in the Mountains and Forests, and therefore they tame them not, neither haue they any master to whom they are proper, both for the roughnesse and thicknesse of the Forest, as also for the great multitude there is,* 1.5 and he that first kills them is the master, as of any wilde beast. These wilde Kine haue so mul∣tiplyed in Saint Dominique, and thereabouts, that they troupe together in the fields and woods by thousands, hauing no master to whom they appertaine. They hunt these beasts onely for their hides, they goe to the field on horse-backe with their weapons to hough them, coursing the Kine: and when they haue strucken any and stayed them, they are their owne, they slay them and car∣ry the hides home,* 1.6 leauing the flesh, which euery one neglects for the abundance there is, so as [ 50] some haue testified in this Iland, that in some places the aire hath beene corrupted with the a∣bundance of these stinking carkasses. The hides they bring into Spaine, is one of the best reuenues of the Ilands, and of new Spaine. In the fleet the yeere 1587. there came from Saint Dominique 35444. hides,* 1.7 and from new Spaine 64350. which they value at 96532. pieces, so as when they discharge one of these fleets, it is admirable to behold the Riuer of Seuile, and in the Arcenall (where they vnlade) so many hides, and so much merchandize. There are also great numbers of Goats, whose chiefe profit is their tallow, besides their Kid-milke and other commodities, for that both rich and poore vse this tallow for lights. For as ••••ere is a great quantitie, so doe they make very good account of it; yea, more then of oile, but all the tallow they vse is onely of the Males. They vse their skins for shooes, yet I hold them not so good, as those which are car∣ried from Castile. [ 60]

* 1.8Horses haue multiplyed there, and are very excellent in many places; yea in many parts there are Races found as good as the best in Spaine, as well for passing of a Carrier, and for pompe, as also for trauell: and therefore they vse Horses most commonly, although there bee no want of

Moyles, whereof there are many▪ especially where they make their carriages by land. There is no great numbers of Asses, hauing no great vse for them, neither for trauell nor seruice.* 1.9 There are some few Camels; I haue seene some in Peru, that were brought from the Canar••es, and haue multiplyed there a little. In Saint Dominique, Dogs haue so multiplyed in number and bignesse, as at this day it is the scourge and affliction of that Iland: for they eate the Sheepe, and goe in troupes through the fields. Such that kill them are rewarded like to them that kill Wolues in Spaine. At the first there were no Dogs at the Indies but some beasts like vnto little Dogs, the which the Indians call Al••o, and therefore they call all Dogs that goe from Spaine, by the same name, by reason of the resemblance that is betwixt them. The Indians doe so loue these llitle [ 10] Dogs, that they will spare their meat to feed them, so as when they trauell in the Country,* 1.10 they carry them with them vpon their shoulders, or in their bosoms, and when they are sicke, they keepe them with them, without any vse, but onely for companie.

It is certaine that they haue carried from Spaine all these beasts whereof I haue spoken, of which kindes there were none at the Indies▪* 1.11 when they were first discouered about a hundred yeeres since; for besides that it may be well approued by witnesses at this day liuing; It is also a sufficient argument to see that the Indians in their tongue, haue no proper wordes to signifie these beasts, but they vse the same Spanish names, although they be corrupted: for being ignorant of the thing, they tooke the word common to those places from whence they came. I haue found this a good rule, to discerne what things the Indians had before the Spaniards came there, and what [ 20] they had not: for they gaue names to those they had and knew before, and haue giuen new names to these that are newly come vnto them which commonly are the same Spanish names, although they pronounce them after their manner, as for a Horse, Wine, and Wheat. They found of some sorts of beasts that are in Europe, and were not carried thither by the Spaniards. There are Lions, Tigres, Beares, Boares, Foxes, and other fierce and wilde beasts, whereof we haue treated in the first Booke, so as it was not likely they should passe to the Indies by Sea, being impossible to swim the Ocean: and it were a folly to imagine that men had imbarked them with them. It followes therefore that this world ioynes with * 1.12 the new in some part: by which these beasts might passe, and so by little and little multiplyed this world. The Lions which I haue seene, are not red, nei∣ther haue they such haire as they vsually paint them with. They are grey, and not so furious as [ 30] they seeme in pictures. The Indians assemble in troupes to hunt the Lion, and make as it were a circle, which they doe call Chaco, wherewith they inuiron them, and after they kill them with stones, staues, and other weapons. These Lions vse to climbe trees, where being mounted, the Indians kill them with Lances and Crosse-bowes, but more easily with Harquebuzes. The Tigres are more fierce and cruell, and are more dangerous to meet, because they breake forth and assaile men in treason: They are spotted, as the Historiographers describe them. I haue heard some re∣port that these Tigres were very fierce against the Indians, yet would they not aduenture a•• all vpon the Spaniards, or very little; and that they would choose an Indian in the middest of ma∣ny Spaniards, and carry him away.

The Beares which in Cusco they call Otoioncos, be of the same kinde that ours are▪ and keepe in the ground. There are few swarmes of Bees, for that their hony-combs are found in Trees,* 1.13 or [ 40] vnder the ground, and not in Hiues as in Castile. The hony-combs which I haue seene in the Prouince of Charcas, which they call Chiguanas, are of a grey colour, hauing little juyce, and are more like vnto sweet straw, then to hony-combs. They say the Bees are little, like vnto Flies; and that they swarme vnder the earth. The hony is sharpe and blacke, yet in some places there is better, and the combs better fashioned, as in the Prouince of Tucuman in Chille, and in Cartha∣gene. I haue not seene nor heard speake of wilde Boares, but of Foxes and other wilde beasts that eate their Cattell and Fowle, there are more then their Shepherds would willingly haue.* 1.14 Be∣sides these beasts that are furious and hurtfull, there are others that are profitable, and haue not beene transported by the Spaniards, as Stags and Deere, whereof there is great abundance in all the Forests. But the greatest part is a kinde of Deere without hornes, at the least, I haue neuer [ 50] seene nor heard speake of other, and all are without hornes like vnto Corcos.* 1.15 It seemes not hard to beleeue, but is almost certaine, that all these beasts for their lightnesse, and being naturally wilde, haue passed from one World to another, by some parts where they ioyne, seeing that in the great Ilands farre from the mayne land I haue not heard that there are any, though I haue made diligent inquirie.

We may more easily beleeue the same of birds, and that there are of the same kindes that wee haue, as Partridges, Turtles, Pidgeons, Stock-doues, Quailes, and many sorts of Falcons,* 1.16 which they send from new Spaine and Peru, to the Noblemen of Spaine, for they make great account of them. There are also Herons and Eagles of diuers kindes; and there is no doubt but these birds [ 60] and such like, haue sooner passed thither then Lions, Tigres, and Stags. There are likewise at the Indies great numbers of Parrots, especially vpon the Andes of Peru, and in the Ilands of Port Ricco, and Saint Dominique, where they flie by flocks, as Pidgeons doe here. To conclude, birds with their wings may goe where they will; and truly, many kindes might well passe the Gulfe, seeing it is certaine, as Plinie affirmeth, that there are many that passe the Sea,* 1.17 and goe into

strange Regions, although I haue not read that any Fowle hath passed by flight so great a Gulfe, as is the Indian Ocean, yet hold I it not altogether impossible, seeing the common opinion of Mariners, that you shall finde them two hundred leagues and more from the Land. And as Ari∣stotle doth teach, that birds endure the water easily, hauing little respiration, as wee see in Sea fowle, which diue and remayne long vnder the water. Euen so wee may say, that the Fowle which be at this present vpon the mayne land, and in the Ilands at the Indies, might passe the Sea, resting themselues in some small Ilands, or vpon some land which they discouered by a na∣turall instinct (as Plinie reporteth of some) or peraduenture falling into the water,* 1.18 when they were wearie of flying, and after began their flight anew when they had a little rested. As for the Fowles which wee see in the Ilands, where there are no beasts, I beleeue certainly that they pas∣sed [ 10] by one of the foresaid meanes. But for other birds which we finde vpon the mayne land, e∣specially those whose flight is short, it is more credible that they came thither as the beasts did, which are of the same kindes that we haue in Europe. For at the Indies there are great birds, very heauie,* 1.19 as Estridges, whereof there are many in Peru; which doe vse sometimes to terrifie the Indian sheepe as they doe goe with their burthens.

But leauing these birds that gouerne themselues without the care of man, but onely for haw∣king,* 1.20 let vs now speake of tame Fowle. I wondred at Hennes, seeing there were some at the Indies before the Spaniards came there, the which is well approued, for they haue a proper name of the Countrie, and they call a Hen Gualpa, and the Egge Ponto, and they vse the same prouerbe we doe, to call a Coward, a Hen. Those that were at the discouerie of the Ilands of Soloman, doe [ 20] report that they haue seene Hennes there like vnto ours: wee may conceiue that the Hen being so tame a Fowle, and so profitable, men might carry them with them when they passed from one place to another, as we see at this day the Indians in their trauell carry their Hen with them, or chicken vpon the burthen they haue on their shoulders: and likewise they carry them easily in their Cages of reedes or wood. Finally, there be at the Indies many kindes of beasts and birds, such as wee haue in Europe, as I haue specified, and other sorts which I leaue to others to dis∣course of.

* 1.21It were a matter more difficult, to shew, and proue, what beginning many and sundrie sorts of beasts had, which are found at the Indies, of whose kindes we haue none in this Continent. For if the Creator hath made them there, we may not then alleadge nor flie to Noahs Arke, neither [ 30] was it then necessarie to saue all sorts of birds and beasts, if others were to bee created anew. Moreouer, we could not affirme, that the creation of the World was made and finished in sixe dayes, if there were yet other new kindes to make, and specially perfit beasts, and no lesse excel∣lent then those that are knowne vnto vs: If we say then that all these kindes of Creatures were preserued in the Arke by Noah, it followes, that those beasts, of whose kindes wee finde not any but at the Indies, haue passed thither from this Continent, as wee haue said of other beasts that are knowne vnto vs. This supposed, I demand how it is possible that none of their kinde should remayne here? and how they are found there, being as it were Trauellers and Strangers? Truly it is a question that hath long held me in suspence. I say for example, if the sheepe of Peru, and those which they call Pacos and Guanacos, are not found in any other Regions of the world, [ 40] who hath carried them thither? or how came they there, seeing there is no shew nor remaynder of them in al this world? If they haue not passed from some other Region, how were they formed and brought forth there? It may bee God hath made a new creation of beasts! That which I speak of these Pacos and Guanacos may be said of a thousand diffe∣rent kinds of birds and beasts of the Forest, which haue neuer beene known, neither in shape nor name; and whereof there is no mention made, neither a∣mong [ 50] the Latines, nor Greekes, nor any other Nations of the world. Wee must then say, that though all beasts came out of the * 1.22 Arke, yet by a naturall in∣stinct, and the prouidence of Heauen, diuers kinds dispersed themselues into diuers Regions, where they found themselues so well, as they would not part; or if they departed, they did not preserue themselues, but in processe of time perished wholly, as we doe see it chance in many things. For if wee shall looke precisely into it, we shall finde that it is not proper and peculiar alone to the Indies, but ge∣nerall [ 60] to many other Nations and Prouinces of A∣sia, Europe, and Affrike, where they say there are certaine kindes of Creatures, that are not found in

other Regions, at the least if they be any where else, they are knowne to be carried from thence. Seeing then these Creatures came out of the Arke, as for example, the Elephant which wee finde onely in the East Indies, and from thence haue beene imparted to other Regions, wee may say as much of these Creatures of Peru, and of others of the Indies, which are not found in any other part of the World.

We may likewise consider well vpon this subiect, whether these beasts differ in kinde, and essentially from all others, or if this difference be accidentall, which might grow by diuers acci∣dents, as wee see in the linages of men, some are white, others blacke, some Giants, others Dwarfes: and in Apes, some haue no taile, others haue: and in Sheepe, some are bare, others haue fleeces; some great and strong with a long necke, as those of Peru; others weake and little, [ 10] hauing a short necke, as those of Castile. But to speake directly, who so would by this Discourse, shewing onely these accidentall differences, preserue the propagation of beasts at the Indies, and reduce them to those of Europe, hee shall vndertake a charge hee will hardly discharge with his honour. For if wee shall iudge the kindes of beasts by their properties, those of the Indies are so diuers, as it is to call an Egge a Chesnut, to seeke to reduce them to the knowne kindes of Europe.

Of Fowles that are proper to the Indies, and Venison.

THere are many kindes of notable Fowles at the Indies, either of the same sort that ours be, or [ 20] of different. They bring certaine birds from China, that haue no feete,* 1.23 and all their bodies are almost feathers. They sit not vpon the ground, but hang vpon boughs, by strings or feathers which they haue, and so rest themselues like Flies or ayrie things. In Peru there are birds which they call Tomineios, so small, that often-times I haue doubted seeing them flie,* 1.24 whether they were Bees or Butter-flies; but in truth they are birds. Contrariwise, those which they call Condores, be of an exceeding greatnesse, and of such a force,* 1.25 that not only they will open a sheep and eate it, but also a whole calfe. Those which they call Auras, and others Poullaze•• (which in my opinion are of the kinde of Rauens) are of a strange lightnesse, and haue a very quicke sight,* 1.26 being very fit to clense Cities, for that they leaue no Carrion nor dead thing. They passe the [ 30] night on Trees or vpon Rocks, and in the morning they come to the Cities and Townes, sitting on the tops of the highest buildings, where they attend their prey. Their yong haue white fea∣thers, as they report of Rauens, and so change into blacke.

The Guacamayac be birds bigger then Parrets, and resemble them something; they are estee∣med for the varietie of their feathers, which be very faire and pleasing. In new Spaine there are abundance of birds with excellent feathers, so as there bee not any found in Europe that comes neere them, as wee may see by the Images of feathers they bring from thence, the which are (with great reason) much valued and esteemed, giuing cause of admiration, that with the fea∣thers of birds, they should make so excellent a worke, and so perfectly equall,* 1.27 as they seeme properly to be the true colours of a Painter, and haue so liuely and pleasing a regard, as the Pain∣ter [ 40] cannot exceede it with his pencill and colours. Some Indians which are good and expert workmen in this Art, will represent perfectly in feathers, whatsoeuer they see drawne with the pencill, so as the Painters of Spaine, haue in this point, no aduantage ouer them. Don Philip the Prince of Spaine his Schoole-master, did giue vnto him three figures or portraitures made of fea∣thers, as it were to put in a Breuiarie. His Highnesse did shew them to King Philip his father, the which his Maiestie beholding attentiuely, said, that he had neuer seene in so small a worke, a thing of so great excellency and perfection. One day as they presented to Pope Sixtus Quin∣tus, another square bigger then it, wherein was the figure of Saint Francis, and that they had told him it was made of feathers by the Indians, he desired to make triall thereof, touching the table with his fingers, to see if it were of feathers; for that it seemed strange, to see them so properly [ 50] fitted, that the eye could not iudge nor discerne whether they were naturall colours of feathers, or artificiall done with the pencill. It is a goodly thing to see the ••ustre which a greene, an orange tawnie like gold, and other fine colours doe cast, and beholding them another way they seeme dead colours. They make the best and goodliest figures of feathers in the Prouince of Me∣chouacan▪ and in the village of Pascaro. The manner is with small delicate Pinsors they pull the feathers from the dead fowles, and with a fine paste they cunningly ioyne them together. They take the small and delicate feathers of those birds, which in Peru they call Tomineyos, or others like vnto them, which haue the most perfect colours in their feathers. The Indians (besides these Images) did vse feathers in many other most excellent workes, especially for the ornament of Kings and Noblemen, their Temples and Idols.

[ 60] There are also other great birds, which haue excellent and fine feathers, whereof they make plumes of sundrie colours, especially when they goe to warre, inriching them with gold and sil∣uer very artificially, which was a matter of great price. They haue the same birds still, but they are not so curious, neither doe they make so many gentill deuices as they were wont. There are other birds at the Indies, contrarie to these of so rich feathers, the which (besides that they are

ill-fauoured) serue to no other vse but for dung, and yet perchance they are of no lesse profit. I haue considered this, wondering at the prouidence of the Creator, who hath so appointed, that all Creatures should serue Man. In some Ilands or Phares, which are ioyning to the coast of Pe∣ru,* 1.28 we see the tops of the Mountaines all white, and to sight, you would take it for Snow, or for some white Land, but they are heapes of dung of Sea fowle which goe continually thither: and there is so great abundance, as it riseth many Elles, yea, many Lances in height, which seemes but a fable. They goe with boates to these Ilands, onely for the dung, for there is no other profit in them. And this dung is so commodious and profitable, as it makes the earth yeeld great a∣bundance of fruit. They call this dung Guano, whereof the Valley hath taken the name, which they call Limaguana, in the valleys of Peru, where they vse this dung, and it is the most ferrile [ 10] of all that Country. The Quinces, Pomegranets, and other fruits there, exceed all other in boun∣tie and greatnesse; and they say, the reason is, for that the water wherewith they water it, pas∣seth by a Land compassed with this dung.

* 1.29Besides the Beasts of Chase, whereof wee haue spoken, There are beasts called Sainos, made like small Hogs, which haue this singular to themselues, to haue their Nauill vpon the ridge of their backs: these goe by troupes through the Woods, they are cruell and nothing fearfull, but contrariwise they assaile, and haue their tallents sharpe as Rasors, wherewith they make dan∣gerous wounds and incisions, if such as hunt them put not themselues in safetie. Such as hunt them (for the more safer killing of them) climbe vp into Trees, whither the Sainos or Hogs come presently in troupes, biting the Tree when they cannot hurt the man, and then with their Lances they kill what they will. They are very good to eate, but they must of necessitie [ 20] cut off the round piece where the Nauill growes vpon the backe; for otherwise, within a day they corrupt. There is another kinde of little beast like to sucking Pigges, and they call them Guadatinaias. I am in doubt whether there were any Swine at the Indies, before the Spaniards came thither, like to these in Spaine, for that in the discouerie of the Ilands of Soloman, it is said, they found * 1.30 Hennes and Swine of Spaine. But howsoeuer it be, it is most certaine, that this Cattell hath greatly multiplyed at the Indies. They eate the flesh fresh, and hold it to bee as wholesome and as good, as if it were of Mutton; as in Carthagene in some parts, they are become wilde and cruell, the which they hunt like wilde Boares, as wee see in Saint Domi∣nique, and other Ilands where the beasts liue in the Forests. In some places they feede them with the graine of Mays, and they grow wonderfully fat, to haue the grease, which they [ 30] vse for want of Oile; in some places they make Gamons, as in Tolluca of new Spaine, and in Pari•• at Peru. Returning then to such beasts as are peculiar there, euen as the Sainos are like vnto Swine,* 1.31 though somewhat lesse; euen so the Dantes resemble small Kine, but more vnto Mules, hauing no hornes. The Hides of these beasts are much esteemed for jerkins and other co∣uerings, they are so hard as they resist any blow whatsoeuer. And as the Dantes be defended by the hardnesse of their Hides, so those which they call Armadillos are by the multitude of their scales,* 1.32 which open and shut as they please like to a Curasse. There bee little beasts which goe through the Woods, called Armadillos, by reason of the defence they haue hiding themselues within their scales, and opening when they list: I haue eaten of them, and doe not hold it for a meate of any great worth; but the flesh of the Yguanas is a better meate, but more horrible [ 40] to the eye:* 1.33 for they are like to the very Lizardes of Spaine, although they bee of a doubtfull kinde, for that they goe to the Water, and comming to Land they climbe the Trees vpon the bankes; and as they cast themselues from the Trees into the water, the Boates watch vnder∣neath to receiue them. The Chinchilles is an other kinde of small beasts, like Squirrels, they haue a wonderfull smoothe and soft skin,* 1.34 which they weare as a healthfull thing to comfort the stomacke, and those parts that haue neede of a moderate heate; they make Couerings and Rugs of the haire of these Chinchilles, which are found on the Sierre of Peru, where there is likewise a small beast very common, which they call Cuyes, and which the Indians hold for a very good meate,* 1.35 and they are accustomed often to offer these Cuyes in their sacrifices. They are like small [ 50] Conies, and haue their borrowes in the ground, and in some places they haue vndermined all the Land: some are grey, some white, and some speckled. There are other small Animals which they call Viscachas,* 1.36 and are like to Hares, although they bee bigger, they hunt them and eate the flesh. Of common Hares there are great store in some parts. There are also Conies in the Realme of Quitto, but the good are come from Spaine. There is another strange beast, the which for his great heauinesse,* 1.37 and slownesse in moouing, they call Perico-ligero, or the little light Dogge, hee hath three nailes to euery hand, and mooues both hand and feete, as it were by compasse and very heauily: it is in face like to a Monkey, and hath a shrill crie; it climeth Trees, and eates Ants.

* 1.38Throughout all the Mountaines, either of these Ilands of the firme Land, or of the Andes, [ 60] there are infinite numbers of Micos or Monkeys, which are a kinde of Apes, but very diffe∣rent, in that they haue a taile, yea a very long one. And amongst them there are some kindes which are thrice, yea foure times bigger then the ordinarie; some are all blacke, some bay, some grey, and some spotted. Their agilitie and manner of doing is admirable, for that they

seeme to haue reason and discourse to goe vpon Trees, wherein they seeme to imitate Birds. Going from Nombre de Dios to Panama, I did see in Capira, one of these Monkeys leape from one Tree to an other, which was on the other side of a Riuer, making me much to wonder.* 1.39 They leape where they list, winding their tailes about a branch to shake it: and when they will leape further then they can at once, they vse a pretie deuice, tying themselues by the tailes one of another, and by this meanes make as it were a chaine of many: then doe they lanch themselues forth, and the first holpen by the force of the rest, takes hold where he list, and so hangs to a bough, and helpes all the rest, till they be gotten vp. It were long to report the fooleries, tricks, trauerses, and pleasant sports they make when they are taught, which seeme [ 10] not to come from bruit beasts, but from a manlike vnderstanding.* 1.40 I saw one in Carthagene in the Gouernours house, so taught, as the things he did seemed incredible: they sent him to the Tauerne for wine, putting the pot in one hand, and the money in the other; and they could not possibly get the money out of his hand, before he had his pot full of wine. If any children met him in the street, and threw any stones at him, hee would set his pot downe on the one side, and cast stones against the children till hee had assured his way, then would hee returne to carry home his pot. And which is more, although he were a good Bibber of wine (as I haue oftentimes seene him drinke, when his Master hath giuen it him) yet would hee neuer touch it vntill leaue was giuen him. They told me moreouer, that if he saw any women painted, he would fall vpon them, pull off their attire, and would seeke to bite them.* 1.41

[ 20] Amongst the most remarkable things at the Indies of Peru, be the Vicugnes, and sheepe of the Countrie, as they call them, which are tractable beasts and of great profit;* 1.42 the Vicugnes are wilde, and the Sheepe are tame. Some thinke that the Vicugnes are those which Aristotle, Plinie, and other Authors call Capreas, which are wilde Goats, and in truth they haue some resemblance, for the lightnesse they haue in the Woods and Mountaines, but yet they are no Goates, for the Vicugnes haue no hornes, as those haue, whereof Aristotle makes mention; neither are they the Goates of the East Indies, from whom they draw the Bezar stone; for if they be of that kinde, it were a diuerse one, as in the race of Dogs, the Mastife is diuerse from the Grey-hound. The Vicugnes of Peru are not those beasts which carry the Bezar stone, in the Prouince of new Spaine, which there they call Bezaars, for that they are a kinde of Stags [ 30] and Venison; yet doe I not know in any part of the World there bee any of these beasts, but in Peru, and in Chille, which are Countries ioyning one to another. These Vicugnes are grea∣ter then Goates, and lesse then Calues. Their haire is of the colour of dried Roses, somewhat cleerer; they haue no hornes like Stags and Goates. They feede vpon the highest tops of the Mountaines, which they call Pugnas. The Snow nor Frost doth not offend them, but con∣trariwise they seeme to delight in it. They goe in troupes, and runne most lightly; when they meete with any Trauellers or Beasts, they flie away, seeming very fearefull, and in fly∣ing they driue their yong ones before them. They doe not finde that they multiply much: and therefore the Kings Ing••as did defend the hunting of Vicugnes; if it were not for their feasts, or by their commandement. Some complaine, that since the Spaniards entred there, they haue [ 40] giuen too much libertie to hunt the Vicugnes, and by this meanes they are much diminished. The manner the Indians vse in their hunting, they assemble many men together,* 1.43 to the num∣ber of a thousand or two thousand, yea more, and inuironing a great circuit of wood, they hunt their game vntill they haue compassed it in on all parts, and by this meanes they com∣monly take three or foure hundred, and so choosing what they lift, they let goe the rest, espe∣cially the Females for breede. They are accustomed to sheere these beasts, and of their fleece to make Couerings and Rugges of great value, for that this wooll is like to white silke, which lasts long: and as the colour is naturall and not dyed, so is it perpetuall. The stuffes that are made of this wooll, are very fresh and good in Summer, and they hold them profitable for the inflammation of the reines, and other parts, tempering the excessiue heate. This wooll hath the like vertue when it is made in Quilts, and therefore some vse it to that end, for the triall [ 50] they haue made thereof. They say moreouer, that this wooll or couerings made thereof, is physicall for other indispositions, as for the gowt: yet doe I not know that they haue made any certaine triall thereof. The flesh of these Vicugnes is not good, although the Indians eate it, and drie it. For the effects of physicke, I will say what I haue seene vpon the Sierre of Peru, com∣ming one night into a Tambo or Inne, being much afflicted with paine in mine eyes, thinking they would fall out (the which doth commonly happen in those parts) for that they passe through places couered with snow, which is the cause of this accident.* 1.44 Being troubled with this paine, and out of patience, there came an Indian woman which said to me, Father, lay this to thine eyes, and thou shalt bee cured. It was a piece of the flesh of Vicugnes newly killed and all [ 60] bloudie. I vsed this medicine, and presently the paine ceased, and soone after went quite away. Besides these Chacos which is the most common manner of hunting at the Indies, they haue v∣sed another more priuate to take them, which is, that comming neere, they doe cast certaine lines with plummets of lead, which intangle their legges, so as they cannot runne, and by this meanes they take the Vicugne. The chiefe reason why this beast is esteemed, is, by reason of

the Bezars stone they finde in them, whereof wee will intreate hereafter. There is another kinde of beasts,* 1.45 which they call Tarugues, which likewise are wilde, and more ni••ble then the Vicugnes. They are greater of body, and more hot. They haue soft eares and hanging: they goe not in troupes as tke Vicugnes. I haue not seene them but alone, and most commonly in high places. They also draw Bezars stones from these Tarugues, which are greater, and haue more o∣peration and vertue.

* 1.46There is nothing at Peru of greater riches and profit then the Cattell of the Country, which our men call Indian Sheepe, and the Indians in their generall language call them Lama. For all things well considered, it is a beast of the greatest profit and least charge of any that I know: from them they draw meate and clothing, as from the sheepe of Spaine. Moreouer, they haue the be∣nefit [ 10] to carry all things they haue need of, vsing them to beare their burthens: and they haue no need either of shooes or saddles, nor yet of oates, but he serueth his Master for nought, feeding on the grasse he findes in the fields; so as God hath furnished them of Sheepe and Mares, and all in one beast. And as it is a poore Nation, so would hee in this point free them from charge, for that there is much pasture vpon the Sierre: and this kinde of Cattell hath no need of any other charge.* 1.47 There are two kindes of these Sheepe or Lamas, the one they call Pacos, or sheepe bea∣ring wooll, and the others are bare, and haue little wooll, so are they better for burthen; they are bigger then great Sheepe, and lesse then Calues, they haue a very long necke, like to a Camel, whereof they haue good need: for being high of stature, they haue need of a long necke, else should they be deformed. They are of diuers colours, some all white, others all blacke, some grey [ 20] and some spotted, which they call Moromoro. The Indians had great superstitions in choosing the beasts for sacrifices, of what colour they should bee, according to the diuersitie of Seasons and Sacrifices. Their flesh is good, although it be hard, but that of their Lambs is the better, and the most delicate that can be eaten: yet they eate not many, for that the chiefe fruit and profit they yeeld, is their wooll, to make clothes, and their seruice to carry burdens. The Indians make stuffes of this wooll wherewith they clothe themselues: the one is grosse and com∣mon, which they call Hanaca, and the other fine and delicate, which they call Cumbi, they make Carpets and Couerings, and other exquisite workes, which last long, and haue a very faire lustre, like halfe silke: and that which is most rare, is their manner of weauing their workes, being both sides alike, so as you shall not finde any end in a whole piece. The Ingua [ 30] King of Peru had many chiefe workmen, to make this worke of Cumbi: and the which, for the most part, were resident in the Prouince of Capachica, ioyning to the great Lake of Titicaca. They die this wooll into diuers fine colours, with sundrie kindes of herbs, whereof they make many sorts of workes both course and fine. All the Indians, both men and women, worke in the Sierre, and haue their Loomes in their houses, hauing no need to buy any stuffes for their neces∣sarie vses. Of the flesh of these sheepe they make Cuscharg••i, or dryed flesh, the which will last very long, whereof they make great account. They are accustomed to driue troupes of these sheepe with burthens, and to goe in bands, three hundred, fiue hundred, yea a thousand in a companie, with Wine, Mays, Coca, Chuno, Quick-siluer, and all other kindes of merchandise, and of Siluer, which is the best of all. They carry barres of Siluer from Potozi to Ariqua, which [ 40] is three score and ten leagues. I haue often wondered to see these troupes of sheepe laden with a thousand or two thousand barres of Siluer, and much more, which is aboue three hundred thou∣sand ducats, without any other guard or resort then some Indians, which serue onely to guide these sheepe, and to lade and vnlade them, or at the most, some few Spaniards: and they sleepe all night in the middest of the fields, without other guard: and yet in so long a way and so weake a guard, they neuer finde want or losse of any thing in so great a treasure of Siluer, so safe is the way in Peru. The burthen which one of these sheepe doth commonly carry, is of foure or sixe Arrobes:* 1.48 when their voyage is long they goe not aboue two, three, or foure leagues at the most on a day. Those that guide those troupes, haue their ordinarie lodgings, where they are assured to haue water and pasture, and there they vnlade and set vp their Tents, making fire, and dres∣sing [ 50] their meates, which is not painfull, although it be a flegmatike and slow manner of trauell. When there is but one dayes iourney, one of these sheepe will beare eight Arrobes in weight, or more, and beares this burthen eight or ten leagues in a day, as the poore Souldiers were wont to doe, when they marched through Peru. This kinde of Cattell delights most in a cold aire, and for this cause they liue vpon the Sierre, and die in the Lanos, by reason of the heate. Some∣times these sheepe are all couered with Ice and frost, and yet they continue sound and well The bare sheepe are pleasant to behold, for they will stay vpon the way, raysing vp their necks, and will looke vpon any one very wistly, and so they remaine a long time, without moouing or any shew of feare, which giueth occasion of laughter, seeing them thus to stand. And yet sometimes they doe grow amazed sodainly, and runne away with their burthens, euen to the highest Rocks, so as not being able to come vnto them, they are constrayned to kill them with an [ 60] Harquebuze, lest they should lose their barres of Siluer, which they sometimes carry. The Pacos will grow reastie vnder their burthens, lying down, and will endure to be cut in a thousand pieces before they will rise when this humor takes them: wherof the prouerb growes in Peru, to say that one

is reastie, to signifie, he is obstinate; for that when any of these beasts is moodie, it is with ex∣cesse: the remedie they haue is, to stay and sit downe by the Paco, making much on him, vntill the fit be past, and that he rise: and sometimes they are forced to stay two or three houres. They haue a disease like to scabs, which they call Carache, whereof they commonly die. The An∣cients had a remedie, to burie them quicke that had the Carache, lest they should infect the rest, being a very contagious disease, and goes from one to another. An Indian that hath one or two of these sheepe, is not reputed poore, for one of them is worth sixe or seuen pieces of assay, and more, according to the time and places.

The Bezaars stone is found in all these beasts before mentioned, which are proper to Peru, [ 10] whereof some Authors of our time haue written whole bookes,* 1.49 which they may reade that de∣sire to haue a more particular knowledge. For the present subiect it shall be sufficient to say, that this stone which they call Bezaar, is found in the stomacke and belly of this beast, sometimes one alone, sometimes two, three, and foure. They are very different in forme, greatnesse and colour, for that some are small like Filberds, and lesse; others like Walnuts; some like Pid∣geons egges, and others as bigge as a Hens egge: and I haue seene some as bigge as an Orange; in forme some are round, others in fashion like to Lentils, and many other formes. For their co∣lour, some are blacke, some white, some grey, darke greene, and others, as if they had beene gil∣ded. It is no certaine rule to iudge the best and most fine by the colour or forme. All these stones are made and fashioned of diuers films and skins one vpon another. In the Prouince of Xaura and [ 20] other Prouinces of Peru, they finde these stones in diuers kindes of beasts, both wilde and tame, as in the Guanacos, Pacos, Vicugnes, and Tarugues, some adde an other kinde, which they say are wilde Goates, which the Indians call Cypris. These other kindes of beasts are very well known in Peru, whereof we haue alreadie discoursed. The Guanacos or Countrie sheepe, or Pacos, haue commonly the lesser stones, and blacke, neither are they so much approued for the vse of phy∣sicke. They draw the greatest Bezaar stones from the Vicugnes, and they are grey, or white, or of a darke greene, which are held for the better. They esteeme those of the Tarugues for the most excellent, whereof there are some reasonable bigge: they are commonly white, inclining to grey; and they haue the filmes commonly bigger and thicker then the rest.

They finde the Bezaar stone equally both in Male and Female. All beasts that ingender it, [ 30] chaw the cuid, and commonly feede vpon the Snow and Rocks. The Indians report and teach by tradition from their Fathers and Ancients, that in the Prouince of Xaura, and in other Pro∣uinces of Peru, there are many herbs and venemous beasts, which poison the water and the pa∣stures where they eate and drinke, and where they breathe: amiddest which venemous herbs there is one very well knowne of the Vicugne, by a naturall instinct, and of other beasts that in∣gender the Bezaar stone, which eate this herbe, and by meanes thereof they preserue themselues from the poisoned waters and pastures: and they say, that of this herbe the stone is compoun∣ded in the stomacke, whence it drawes all the vertue against poison, and other wonderfull ef∣fects. This is the opinion and tradition of the Indians, discouered by men of great experience in the Kingdome of Peru, which agrees with reason,* 1.50 and with that which Plinie reports of the [ 40] Mountaines Goats, which are nourished and fed vpon poison without suffering any harme. The Indians being demanded, why the Sheepe, Kine, Goats, and Calues, such as are in Castile, haue not the Bezaar stone, seeing that they feede on the same Rocks: their answere is, That they beleeue not, that those beasts of Castile eate of that herbe, or that they haue found the Bezaar stone in Stags and fallow Deere. This seemes to agree with our knowledge, for that in new Spaine they finde the Bezaar stone, although there be no Vicugnes, Pacos, Tarugues, nor Guanacos, but onely Stags, in some of which they finde these stones.

One thing is worthy admiration, that they grow and are fashioned vpon very strange things, as vpon the tagge of a Point, vpon a Pin, or a piece of Wood, which they finde in the centre of this stone, and yet doe they not hold it false, for that the beast might swallow it, and the stone thicken vpon it, and growes one vpon another, and so it increaseth. I did [ 50] see in Peru, two stones fashioned vpon Pignons of Castile, which made vs to wonder much, for that in all Peru, wee had not seene any Pines or Pignons of Castile, if they were not brought from Spaine, which seemes to mee very extraordinarie. This little may suffice touching the Bezaars stone. They bring other physicall stones from the Indies, as the stone of Hyiada, or of Rate, the bloud stone, the stones of Milke, and of the Sea. Those which they call Corneri∣nas, for the Heart, whereof there is no neede to speake, hauing nothing common with the subiect of beasts, whereof wee haue intreated: which giues vs to vnderstand how the great Master and Author of all, hath imparted his benefits and wonderfull secrets, to all parts of the World; for the which he is to be glorified for euer.

[ 60]

REader, I haue here added this worke, for the better and more particular knowledge of the Naturall Historie of the West Indies. This Authour Gonzalo Ferdinando de Ouiedo did first write a Summarie to Charles the fifth (out of which the most part of this is taken) An. 1525. and after that

writ his Generall Historie, enlarging what he had written before this Summarie; and in the diuiding it into three Parts: the first of which contayning principally the Spanish acts and Naturall obseruations in the Ilands, in twentie Bookes, wee haue in Ramusios third Tome of Voyages: the second (in which bee writ of the Continent of New Spaine, and the third of Peru and the Southerne America, with aboue foure hundred pictures of the Plants, Beasts, and other Creatures of those parts, were neuer published; to the great losse of naturall knowledge of those parts. As for the Spanish acts we haue them sufficient∣ly written by others. But Acosta and Ouiedo haue best deserued of the studious of Nature, that is, of the knowledge of God in his workes. In which respect I haue added many things omitted by Master E∣den, and Master Willes in the former publication, both examining this, and translating the rest from Ramusios Italian edition. [ 10]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of beasts bea∣ring wooll, and of Kine. Cap. 33.
• * 1.2

  Europaean beasts.
• * 1.3

  Store of sheep.
• * 1.4

  Store of Kine.
• * 1.5

  Wilde herds.
• * 1.6

  Killed only for the hides.
• * 1.7

  Almost 100000 hides trans∣ported at once. How rich might Virginia be∣come, if!
• * 1.8

  Horses.
• * 1.9

  Asses. Camels. Dogs multi∣plyed to noy∣somnesse.
• * 1.10

  Indian Dogs.
• * 1.11

  Of some beasts of Europe, vvhich the Spaniards found at the Indies, and how they should passe thither. Cap. 34. No••e.
• * 1.12

  But vvhere? our Nauigati∣ons beyond 80. haue shew∣ed open and vvid•• Seas be∣tvvixt. Lions.

  Circles are v∣sed in hunting by Persians, Tartars, &c. Tigres.
• * 1.13

  Beares. Be••s.
• * 1.14

  Foxes and beasts of spoile.
• * 1.15

  Deere vvith∣out hornes.
• * 1.16

  Of Fovvles vvhich are ••ere and are at th•• Indies, and hovv they could passe thither. Cap. 35.
• * 1.17

  Plin. lib. 10. c ••3▪
• * 1.18

  Plin. l 10. c. 25.
• * 1.19

  Estridges.
• * 1.20

  Hennes.
• * 1.21

  How it should be possible, that at the Indies there should be any sorts of beasts, whereof the like are no where else. Chap. 36.
• * 1.22

  The same pro∣uidence which brought all beasts and fowles from all their natiue diuersified residencies thorow all the world to the Arke (which no naturall instinct in such antipa∣thies and at once, could doe) and kept them safe in the Arke, did also dispose them to their designed abodes after. For I hold it vnchristian with Mercator to say, America was not drowned with the Floud. And the same scruple might bee made for beasts, &c. in other parts; the t••mper of the Arke, or of the place where the Arke rested, not agree∣ing naturally to the Zebra, Elephant, Riuer-horse, Crocodile, and many other hott••r creatures of Africa; nor to the other peculiar crea∣tures of many other Regions. In things aboue nature (as is both the historie and mysterie of the Arke) we must flee necessarily to a super∣naturall cause. For except wee would imagine the most part of the Sea to haue beene lands or Ilands from beyond the cold Magellan to the coldest Purchas plus vltra▪ that is from 57. South latitude, to aboue 81. of North latitude, all the Sea is known, and voyages many in this work deliuerd which ex••ludes al possibilitie of such passages of beasts especially such as cannot endure cold, as our Author imagineth. For men in boats, that might happen accidentally, which voluntarily hath beene attempted by Ours, a little boat comming home from Bermuda to England? and the Dutch open boats from Noua Zembla to Norway: further and longer distances then is needfull from Iland to Iland for crossing from Europe to some parts of America; that I mention not the Carthaginian and Owen Gwyneds voyages, and other casuall tempests, &c. in which by fishing, fishermen might liue long at Sea with their wiues▪ and be carried by a higher coworking ouer-ruling prouidence to people this new World, which (it is likely) at diuers times and by diuers meanes receiued her inhabitants; God which made all men of one bloud, alotting to all Adams sonnes their portions and the seuerall bounds of their habitation. Act. 17.20.
• * 1.23

  See Iobson Tom. 1. l. 9. of such in Guine••▪
• * 1.24

  Tomineios.
• * 1.25

  Condores.
• * 1.26

  Rauens.
• * 1.27

  Feather pi∣ctures.
• * 1.28

  The like is in the East Indies.
• * 1.29

  Of beasts for the Chases. Chap. 38.
• * 1.30

  These might come from the East parts thi∣ther by means of those Ilands which you see in Schoutens voyage.
• * 1.31

  Dantes.
• * 1.32

  Armadillos.
• * 1.33

  Yguanas.
• * 1.34

  Chinchilles.
• * 1.35

  Cuyes.
• * 1.36

  Viscachas.
• * 1.37

  Light-Dogge.
• * 1.38

  Of Micos or Indian Mon∣keys▪ Chap. 39.
• * 1.39

  Lustie leape. Strange sight.
• * 1.40

  Monkey lear∣ned.
• * 1.41

  Zealous.
• * 1.42

  Of Vicugnes, and Tarugnes of Peru▪ Chap▪ 40. Aristot. lib. 3. de partib. animal. c. 2. lib. 10. c. 7••▪
• * 1.43

  Indian hun∣ting.
• * 1.44

  Experiment for the eyes.
• * 1.45

  Bezar stone. Tarugues.
• * 1.46

  Of Pacos, Gua∣nacos, and In∣dian Muttons. Chap. 41.
• * 1.47

  Two kindes.
• * 1.48

  Sixe Arobes is a hundred and fiftie pounds weight.
• * 1.49

  Of the Bezaars stone. Chap. 42.
• * 1.50

  Plin. l. 10. c. 72.