haracteristic.

I said above that the monastery of Sancto Domingo stands close by
the Parian of the Sangleys, which is built in a marshy place on the
border of this city between its northern and southern sides. The
Sangleys were transferred thither by Diego Ronquillo, during his
governorship, because the Parian which Don Gonzalo Ronquillo had built
was destroyed by fire. At first it seemed absurd to think that human
habitations were to be built in that marsh, but the Sangleys, who are
very industrious, and a most ingenious people, managed it so well
that, in a place seemingly uninhabitable, they have built a Parian
resembling the other, although much larger and higher. According to
them it suits them better than the other, because on the firm ground
where the four rows of buildings are located they have built their
houses and the streets leading through the Parian, a separate street
for each row of buildings.

There are long passages and the buildings are quadrangular
in shape. This Parian was also destroyed by fire on account of
the houses being built of reeds; but through the diligence of the
president and governor, Doctor Vera, much better houses were built,
and covered with tiles for protection against fire. This Parian has
so adorned the city that I do not hesitate to affirm to your Majesty
that no other known city in Espana or in these regions possesses
anything so well worth seeing as this; for in it can be found the
whole trade of China, with all kinds of goods and curious things
which come from that country. These articles have already begun to be
manufactured here, as quickly and with better finish than in China;
and this is due to the intercourse between Chinese and Spaniards,
which has enabled the former to perfect themselves in things which
they were not wont to produce in China. In this Parian are to be found
workmen of all trades and handicrafts of a nation, and many of them
in each occupation. They make much prettier articles than are made in
Espana, and sometimes so cheap that I am ashamed to mention it. If we
Castilians were as cautious as the Portuguese in trading with them,
these articles would be much cheaper, and the Chinese would still
gain by it. For goods are sold at a very low cost in China; and,
no matter how little profit they make there, when these objects are
sold here they yield large profits. But no restraint can be put upon
the Castilians, nor can they be regulated--the consequence of