t field in Cochin China.]

[The first ten chapters of the "Itinerary" [33] treat of the departure
from Spain of the Franciscans (among whom was Father Martin Ignacio),
in 1580, their arrival in New Spain, and matters relating to the
New World. The voyage is by way of the Canaries, of which a brief
description is given; thence to San Domingo or Espanola, passing on
the way the island Desseada, or "land desired," and its neighboring
islands--among the latter La Dominica, inhabited by the cannibal
Caribs--and later Puerto Rico. The island of Espanola is described,
according to the knowledge of that day; and it is stated that therein
"were, on the landing of the [first] Spaniards, three millions of
native Indians, of whom only two hundred remain; and most of these
are the half-breed children of Spaniards and Indian women, or of
negroes and Indian women." The journey continues by way of the
intervening islands to Cuba, and thence to Mexico. This wonderful
country is described briefly, with allusions to its history, social
and economic conditions, etc. A digression is made to relate the
discovery and first exploration of the province called New Mexico,
one of the fifteen new provinces discovered from Mexico. The account
of the voyage to the Philippines follows.]

Departure from the city of Mexico, and journey to the port of Acapulco
on the Southern Sea, whence they embark for the Filipinas Islands. The
island of the Ladrones is passed, and the condition and rites of the
people there are noted. Chapter XI.

From the City of Mexico they set out to embark at the port of Acapulco,
a place located on the Southern Sea, in nineteen degrees of elevation
of the pole, and lying ninety leagues from the City of Mexico,
this entire distance being settled with many villages of Indians and
Spaniards. At this port they embarked, taking a southeast course until
they reached an altitude of twelve and one-half degrees. They did this
in order to find the favorable winds (which in truth they found there),
those called by sailors _brizas_--which are so favorable and steady,
that, even in the months of November, December, and January, there
is seldom any necessity for touching their sails. From this arises
the so easy navigation through this sea. From this fact, and from
the few storms here, this sea has been called the _Mar de Damas_
["Sea of Ladies"]. A westerly course is taken, following the sun
always, upon setting out from our hemispher