called the Pintados, because they are
actually adorned with pictures [Span. _pintados--i.e._, painted, or
tattooed]--not because this is natural to them, although they are
well built, of pleasing countenance, and white; but because they
adorn their bodies with figures from head to foot, when they are
young and have sufficient strength and energy to suffer the torment
of the tattooing; and formerly they tattooed themselves when they had
performed some act of valor. They tattoo themselves by pricking the
skin until the blood comes, with sharp, delicate points, according
to designs and lines which are first drawn by those who practice this
art; and upon this freshly-bleeding surface they apply a black powder,
which is never effaced. They do not tattoo the body all at the same
time, but by degrees, so that the process often lasts a long time;
in ancient times, for each part which was to be tattooed the person
must perform some new act of bravery or valiant deed. The tattooed
designs are very ingenious, and are well adapted to those members
or parts whereon they are placed. During my stay in the Filipinas,
I was wont to say, in my satisfaction and admiration for the fine
appearance of those natives, that if one of them were brought to Europe
much money could be made by exhibiting him. Children are not tattooed,
and the women tattoo all of one hand and part of the other. They do
not, however, on this account go naked; they wear well-made collarless
robes, which reach the ankle and are of cotton bordered with colors:
when they are in mourning, these robes are white. They take off these
robes in their houses, and in places where garments are unnecessary;
but everywhere and always they are very attentive and watchful to
cover their persons, with great care and modesty, wherein they are
superior to other nations, especially to the Chinese.

The Catholic king also decreed, for the sake of peace, and to
facilitate the preaching of the gospel, that the provinces of the
religious orders should remain distinct, and that there should be no
interference or confusion between the religious and the clergy. He
left the orders of St. Francis and St. Augustine from that time in
those districts of Indians which they previously occupied, which are
numerous and very good. He bestowed upon the Order of St. Dominic,
which had gone thither five or six years later than our Society,
the remaining territory in the bishopric of Nueva Segovia. To us he