southwest and northwest, and that those from the northwest came often
to fight with them, and so to go on to the southwest to seek gold and
precious stones.

"This island is very large and very flat and with very green trees, and
many waters, and a very large lake in the midst, without any mountain.
And all of it is green, so that it is a pleasure to see it. And these
people are so gentle, and desirous to have our articles and thinking
that nothing can be given them unless they give something and do not
keep it back. They take what they can, and at once jump (into the water)
and swim (away). But all that they have they give for whatever is given
them. For they barter even for pieces of porringus, and of broken glass
cups, so that I saw sixteen skeins of cotton given for three Portuguese
centis, that is a blanca of Castile, and there was more than twenty-five
pounds of spun cotton in them. This I shall forbid, and not let anyone
take (it); but I shall have it all taken for your Highnesses, if there
is any quantity of it.

"It grows here in this island, but for a short time I could not believe
it at all. And there is found here also the gold which they wear hanging
to their noses; but so as not to lose time I mean to go to see whether I
can reach the island of Cipango.

"Now as it was night they all went ashore with their almadias."

Sunday, October 14. "At daybreak I had the ship's boat and the boats
of the caravels made ready, and I sailed along the island, toward the
north-northeast, to see the other port, * * * * what there was (there),
and also to see the towns, and I soon saw two or three, and the people,
who all were coming to the shore, calling us and giving thanks to God.