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An. 1681.

A Journey over the Isthmus of America.

again, and brought with him an old Indian, to whom he deliver'd up his charge; and we gave him a Hatchet and dismist him, and entered our selves under the conduct of our new Guide: who imme- diately led us away, and crost another River, and enter'd into a large Valley of the fattest Land I did ever take notice of; the Trees were not very thick, but the largest that I saw in all my travels: We saw great tracks which were made by the Pecaries, but saw none of them. We march'd in this pleasant Coun- try till 3 a clock in the afternoon, in all about 4 miles, and then arrived at the old mans Country- house, which was only a habitation for Hunting: there was a small Plantain-walk, some Yams and Potatoes. Here we took up our quarters for this day, and refreshed our selves with such food as the place afforded, and dryed our Cloaths and Ammu- nition. At this place our Indian provided^[1] to leave us, for now we thought our selves past danger. This was he that was perswaded to stay at the last house we came from, to marry the young mans Sister ; and we dismiss'd him according to our pro- mise.

The ninth day the old man conducted us towards his own habitation. We marched about 5 miles in this Valley; and then ascended a Hill, and travel- led about 5 miles farther over two or three small Hills, before we came to any settlement. Half a mile before we came to the Plantations we light of a path, which carried us to the Indians habitations. We saw many wooden Crosses erected in the way, which created some jealousie in us that here were fome Spaniards : Therefore we new primed all our Guns, and provided our selves for an Enemy; but coming into the Town found none but Indians, who were all get together in a large house to receive us: for the old man had a little boy with him that he sent before.

They