_May_ with peculiar Ceremonies; for in the Morning a company of Priests,
black all over, carried on their Shoulders a large Chair of State richly
adorn’d; in which sat their Idol _Tezcatlipuca_, and Priests with long
pleited Hair, and Clad in the same Apparel with the Idol, which they set
down at the Foot of a pair of Stairs which led up to a Chappel; whither
the attendant Youths and Virgins came and spread Carpets before it, and
green Boughs of _Manghey_; after which two Priests carried the Idol into
a spacious Court in the Temple, several others walking before, each with
a perfuming Vessel; when they threw their Perfumes on the Consecrated
Hearth, they held their Hands towards the Idol, desiring him that he
would send their Prayers to Heaven: Next follow’d the Multitude, who
scourg’d themselves till the Blood ran down from their Backs. So soon as
the Procession was ended, the represented _Tezcatlipuca_ was hoised up
to the Cieling, and abundance of Flowers strow’d before the Altar; which
done, every one went home to Dinner, whilst the Youths and Virgins
adorn’d the Idol, and plac’d Meat before him: Lastly, the Votaresses
came two and two with Baskets of Bread, and Dishes of Meat: their
Governess in a white Sur-Coat over a red Vest, with Wings on her
Shoulders, and broad Girts, at which hung _Calabashes_ fill’d with holy
Reliques and Flowers: Moreover, she conducted the Votaresses to the
Steps of the Altar on which the Idol sat; where having eaten Bread they
came back, and the Temple-Servants went in their places, and carried the
Meat which stood on the Altar to the Priests Cells, who by that time
were to have Fasted five days: this done, the People came all to the
Temple again, to be present at the end of the Feast: then a Slave, who
had represented the Idol a whole year, appear’d, to whom everyone having
shew’d Reverence, the chief Priest cutting open his Breast, tore the
Slave’s Heart reaking out of his Body, and shew’d it to the Sun; then
the Consecrated Youths and Maids made a great noise with Drumming,
Singing and Dancing about the Body till Sun-set; after which the Virgins
going up to the upper Chappel, plac’d Bread and Fruit, made up like dead
Mens Bones and Heads, before the Idol, where, after it had stood a
little while, the Servants went up and fetch’d it down, whilst the
Youths and Maids went to their several Cloysters.
Much after the same manner, and with such like brutish Ceremonies, not
worth mentioning, was also celebrated the Feast of _Quetzatcoalt_.
In the inner part of the Temple stood a Stage, on which upon Festival
Days the People Acted Drolls; in which they sometimes feign’d themselves
deaf, blind, lame, and the like, and begg’d to be cur’d of their Idols;
sometimes were dress’d like Serpents, Adders, Crocodiles, or other
ravenous Beasts, in which postures they fought one with another.
[Sidenote: Computation of Time amongst the _Mexicans_.]
Those Feasts were all kept on certain times, according to the Mexican
Almanack, in which the Year was divided into eight Moneths, and each
Moneth into forty five Days, which together made three hundred and
sixty: The five remaining Days, to compleat the Year, they kept apart,
on which all Affairs whatsoever were laid aside, as Selling, Buying,
Offerings, _&c._ nothing else being thought on but Feasting one another
for the passing away of the time. The first Day of their Year was on the
twenty sixth of _February_. Each Moneth had a peculiar Name and Sign.
Moreover, they divided the Year into four parts by as many
Representations, _viz._ a House, a Rabbet, a Cane, and a Flint to strike
Fire with; and Figur’d it out by a Wheel with four Spikes jutting out
round about it, colour’d green, red, blue, and yellow, and in the middle
thereof a Sun; each Spike signifi’d thirteen years, wherefore it had
thirteen Divisions, distinguish’d by the four fore-mention’d
Representations: At each Division of the Wheel they set down what
remarkable things should happen that year by certain Characters; as, a
Man in red Apparel typifi’d that Year when _Ferdinand Cortesius_, clad
in Red, conquer’d _Mexico_. When the Wheel was fill’d with fifty two
years Prognostication, then on the last Night they broke all their Pots
and Vessels in pieces, and blew out their Candles, because they
believ’d, that at the end of the said fifty two years the World would be
at an end, and therefore they had no need of Housholdstuff, or ought
else: But so soon as the Day appear’d again, they play’d on Pipes,
Trumpets, and Drums, rejoycing that God had deferr’d the destruction of
the World fifty two years longer; then they bought new Utensils and
Candles, and made solemn Processions.
[Sidenote: Art of Writing.]
Concerning the Art of Writing amongst the Inhabitants of _New Spain_,
_Joseph Acosta_ tells us, That some old Books, containing ancient
Passages, the Course of the Heavens, nature of Beasts and Plants, were
found in _Jucatan_, according to the Relation of a Learned _Indian_, but
were all burnt by Command of a _Spanish_ Bishop, because he suppos’d
them to be full of Matter touching the Black Art. Their Histories they
describ’d with the Representations of the Things. Rhetorick and Poetry
the Children were taught by Rote in the Schools, so that they never
forgot what they had once learnt; But at present they use _Spanish_
Letters or Characters.
[Sidenote: Ancient Government.]
Moreover, the Government of _Mexico_ hath ever been kept in a good
Order, the King’s Power being exactly limited, that nothing might be
lost of the common Priviledges. The fourth King _Icoath_ made Earls, who
next to the Lords of _Tezcuco_ and _Tacuba_, had right to the Crown;
which was like a Mitre turn’d up behind, and rising before with a Point.
According as they increas’d in Power, so they advanc’d in Royal Dignity;
in which _Muteczuma_ the Second exceeded all others: And to manifest his
splendor, his House for all sorts of Creatures, and many other things,
might serve for a sufficient testimony: for in it he kept Sea-Fish in
salt Water, River-Fish in fresh Water, and all manner of Beasts in
peculiar places: The Birds were kept in great Aviaries, surrounded with
golden Rails. Next to the Kings follow’d four Earls call’d
_Atlacohecalcatl_, which signifies _Princes of the Throne Launces_, a
Weapon much us’d amongst the _Mexicans_. The next in Degree were the
_Tlacatecatl_, or _Man-cleavers_; _Esauahuacatl_, or _Blood-shedders_;
_Tsallancalqui_, or _Lords of Blackness_, without all which the King
durst not take any Business in hand. High and lesser Courts of
Judicatory, where Matters of Life and Death were try’d, were in most
Cities; and other Courts also for petty Quarrels, Controversies, and the
like. The Collectors brought their Revenues to the Court every Moneth.
The chief thing which preferr’d both Rich and Poor to Places of Honor,
consisted in Valour and heroick Exploits. Their Arms were chiefly sharp
pieces of Flint made fast to a Stick, with which they could at one Blow
chop off a Horses Head. They also us’d Pikes, Clubs, and Lances, and
sometimes Slings: For defensive Armour, they had Helmets and Shields,
made of Tygers, Leopards, and Lyons Skins. They always fell upon their
Enemies unawares, their Design being generally to take Prisoners rather
than to kill them; for they reserv’d them for Offerings to their Idols.
_Muteczuma_ made several Commanders over his Armies, giving them a Power
one above the other, which were to be distinguish’d by several Marks;
for the chiefest ty’d the Hair on the top of their Heads with a red
String, betwixt which stuck a brave Plume of Feathers; at the end
whereof hung as many Tassels as they had done noble Exploits. To this
Order belong’d also the King, who wore one of the same Marks, with which
King _Muteczuma_ and his Son stand Carv’d on a Rock. The _Ayulas_, or
_The Order of the Eagle_, consisted of valiant Men. The _Grey Knights_
were of less Quality, and wore Collars which reach’d up to their Ears,
the lower part of their Body being naked. Persons of greater Dignity,
when going to the War, were Arm’d from Head to Foot: Which Order was
also permitted to wear Cotton-Clothes, and Shoes richly embroider’d with
Gold and Silver; they us’d painted Vessels, and had Lodgings provided
for them at Court.
[Sidenote: Their Education of Youth.]
Moreover, it is worthy of observation, what great care the _Mexicans_
took in the bringing up of their Children; to which purpose they had
Schools near to their Temples, in which Youth was taught to Sing, Dance,
Morality, Obedience, and also Martial Discipline. Children of noble
Extract had Learned Men for their Tutors. Their Punishments for
Transgressions were very severe, the Masters forcing their Scholars to
Fast and Watch, carry great Burthens of Provisions to the Army, and be
in the midst of Engagements. Others, whose Fancy led them to a holy
Life, willingly embrac’d the Services of the Temple.
[Sidenote: Their manner of Dancing.]
Their manner of Dancing in _New Spain_ was very strange and differing;
they us’d pretty Instruments, and Songs which contain’d antique
Passages, according to the Times; they in their Motions imitated
Shepherds, Fisher-men, Plowmen, Hunters, and the like: Sometimes they
Danc’d in _Mascarades_, with a Man on their Shoulders, making the same
Motion with his Hands in the Air, as the other with his Feet on the
Ground. They had also Tumblers and Dancers on the Ropes, which shew’d
strange Tricks on an erected Pole. But above all Dances, the _Mitotes_
was the chief, which was generally Danc’d in the King’s Palace, or inner
Court of the Temple; in the middle of which they plac’d a great Drum and
a hollow Tub on a large Image; round about which the most eminent
Persons made a Ring, Sang sweetly, and Danc’d leisurely, when on a
sudden two that are more nimble, with divers Motions came into the midst
of them, and Danc’d exactly after the sound of the Drum and hollow Tub,
which was seconded with the noise of Flutes and Pipes.
[Illustration]
CHAP. VI.
New Gallicia.
[Sidenote: Bounds and Extent of _New Gallicia_.]
_New Gallicia_, by some call’d _Guadalajara_, from the chief City. This
whole Province is the most Northern Countrey of all _America_, that is
inhabited to any purpose by the _Spaniards_. Here, ’tis true, they are
scatter’d up and down in all the parts of it, but it is at a huge
distance, and for the most part onely where the Mines are. It is bounded
on the East and to the South, with the Kingdom of _Mexico_ or _New
Spain_; on the West, with the Gulf or Bay of _California_; Northward,
for so much as is yet discover’d, with _Quivira_ and _Cibola_, lying
between eighteen and twenty eight Degrees of Northern Latitude, that is,
from _La Natividad_, a Port so nam’d by the _Spaniards_, in the Confines
of _New Spain_, to the most Northerly Borders of _Cinoloa_, a part of
this Province, containing, as is suppos’d, not much less than three
hundred Leagues in length, and in breadth much more; and whereof not a
tenth part is either us’d or frequented by the _Spaniards_.
[Sidenote: Temperature and Nature of the Countrey.]
The Air is generally here very temperate, inclining rather to Heat than
Cold, and subject now and then to sudden Storms of Rain, and great Claps
of Thunder, which yet do not hinder, but that the Countrey is held to be
reasonably healthful, and the People observ’d to live generally to a
good old Age. The Soil, by reason of the Climate, would be a little
inclining to Drought, but that, besides the frequent Rains which it
hath, it is constantly moistned with fresh Morning Dews, which make it
for the most part wonderfully fruitful, almost beyond belief, yielding
for every Bushel of Wheat that is sown, threescore; and of _Maiz_, two
hundred for one; besides great plenty of Sugar-Canes and Cochinele; both
which nevertheless the _Spaniards_ are said to neglect in some sort,
employing themselves wholly about richer Commodities: for the Countrey
affords them good store of Mines of Silver and Brass, but of Gold or
Iron, not many as yet have been found. The Rivers abound plentifully
with Fish, and the Woods with Venison, and some other wild Beasts. The
Countrey is generally more mountainous than plain, frequently shaded
with Woods, and whole Forrests of the stateliest Pine-Trees and Oaks
that are to be seen; amongst which breed abundance of Wolves, which do
great mischief to the People, as also Scorpions and _Mustiecho_’s. The
Hurts receiv’d from Scorpions, are heal’d with the Juice of the Fruit
call’d _Queon_; those from the _Mustiecho_’s, by Vinegar and the Juice
of Lemmon. Here is likewise a green Stone, accounted a soveraign
Medicine against the Gravel.
[Sidenote: Several sorts of _Tunas_-Trees.]
The Trees peculiar to this Countrey, are, the _Tunas_, already spoken of
in _Guatimala_, and thought to be the same we vulgarly call _Indian
Fig-Trees_, and are distinguish’d into six sorts.
The first, by the _Portuguese_ call’d _Cardon_, hath sharp Prickles,
thick Leaves, full of slimy Juice, an odoriferous Flower, oval Fruit,
cover’d with an Orange-colour’d Rind, and small Roots: The Fruit within
consists of a white juicy, and well tasted Pulp, full of black Seed.
The second hath a round Body full of Boughs, with Star-like Prickles
hanging downwards, the Flower white, and the Fruit very like that of the
_Cardon_, onely smaller.
[Illustration]
The third is the _Caxabra_, which shoots up to a great Tree full of
prickly Cods; at the utmost end grows a large white Flower; the Fruit,
which is as big again as an Egg, is pleasant and cooling.
The fourth sort hath a straight Body full of Prickles, runs lesser and
lesser to the top; at the end of the small Boughs, each thick Leaf
produces another; the Wood, if kindled, burns like a Candle.
The fifth, nam’d _Cumbeba_, grows out of small Roots, with three or four
corner’d thick Leaves, full of Prickles, the Flower somewhat less than
the former, the Fruit oval, hard and red, having a white and juicy Pulp:
The Prickles of this _Cumbeba_-Tree are so sharp, and stick in so deep,
that they can scarce be pull’d out. This is that sort of _Tunas_ that
produces _Cochinele_, which is a Worm that grows under the Leaves, and
is cover’d with a Skin, which being neatly taken off and dry’d in the
Sun, as formerly mention’d, becomes a rich Commodity. _Joseph de Acosta_
tells us, that the _Spanish_ Fleet, _Anno 1578._ carried so much
_Cochinele_ to _Spain_, as amounted to two hundred eighty three thousand
seven hundred and fifty Ryals.
But the last sort of the _Tunas_ is the _Unirumbeba_, which hath a
straight Body full of Prickles, on the top whereof grow divers prickly
Leaves, not unlike those of the Palm-Tree: It is onely found in barren
places, remote from the Sea.
Moreover, all kind of Fruits transplanted hither from _Spain_ thrive
very well, as Apples, Pears, Granats, Figs, Peaches, Apricocks,
Muskmelons, _&c._
[Sidenote: The Root _Castanuela_.]
[Sidenote: The _Batata_.]
The Root _Castanuela_ affords a much better Feeding for Swine than
Acorns. But amongst many other Roots which are found here, as the
_Xiquimas_, _Taca_, _Cochuco_, _Cari_, _Totora_ and _Mani_, the chief is
the _Batata_, which is fat, sweet, and windy; it runs over the Ground
with a tough green Sprig, the new Fibres taking Root dispersedly up and
down, being yellow without, and within full of milky Juice; the Leaf
resembling a Heart, is of a pale yellow colour on the top, and douny
underneath; roasted in Ashes, it eats better than a Turnip: It is
divided into three sorts.
The first, call’d _Omenapo yeima_, when boyl’d, shews like red _Betel_,
but Dyes of a Skye-Colour; the innermost Skin, which is of a dark Red,
yields an Ink-like Juice.
The second sort, call’d _Parro_, differs little from the first, onely
the Body, Root, and Veins of the Leaves, are of a Purple colour.
The third sort _Jetiope_, being white, hath a very good rellish, and
cures the Ague.
The Pepper, which is here call’d _Axi_, grows in the warmest Valleys,
and the more by being often water’d: there are of it divers kinds,
differing in colour, smell, and taste one from the other; for one sort
is green, yellow, or red; another sort yields a strong musky scent; and
one sort is sharper, another milder: the Veins and Kernels thereof are
eaten with Salt.
The Herb _Cevadilla_ cures all manner of Sores.
[Sidenote: Beasts.]
This Countrey also breeds an innumerable company of Deer, Hogs, Goats,
Sheep, Oxen, and Horses; and of hurtful Creatures, Pismires, which do
great mischief to the Plants, and Locusts, which fall in huge swarms on
the Corn, and cannot be frighted from the same by any means whatsoever.
The want of Water is also no small prejudice to the Fields.
The biggest River, call’d _Guadalajara_, with many windings runs
North-westward into the Southern Ocean; and four Leagues from the City
of the same, falling down from a steep Rock, it makes such a horrible
noise, that it deafens those which approach the same.
The Lake _Mechoacan_ opens here also with a wide Mouth.
[Sidenote: Two sorts of Hedge-hogs.]
The River before mention’d, produces all manner of Fish in great
abundance; and also a sort of Hedge-hogs, call’d _Iguana_, which live
both in the Water, and on the Land, and are of two sorts: The first,
call’d _Senembi_, is four Foot long, of a deep green colour, with black
and white Spots, hath a scaly Skin, white Spots on each side of the
Head, a row of sharp Prickles from the Head to the Tail, wide Nostrils,
great black Eyes, and little Teeth. The second sort, call’d _Tejaguacu_,
differs from the first, in having white Spots on a brown Skin, a longer
Tail, and a red Tongue, which is slit. Both sorts are reported to fast
eight Moneths together; and though often terribly wounded, and dead to
all imagination, yet live a great while after; and though they swim up
and down in Rivers, yet they Lay their Eggs in the Sand: their Flesh
boyl’d is both wholsom, and of a good relish.
[Sidenote: The manner of the _Spaniards_ living.]
The _Spaniards_ which inhabit _New Gallicia_, drive a considerable Trade
in Merchandizing, Husbandry, breeding of Cattel, and working in the
Mines: They use Wayns and Carrs, drawn by Oxen, Mules, and Horses, to
carry their Loads, as also _Spanish_ Weights and Measures. They are
little troubled with any other Mischiefs but what may happen from the
treacherous Natives, who take all opportunities to run into the Woods,
that there they may exercise their _Pagan_ Religion in freedom; in which
having spent some time, they gather a considerable number together, and
oftentimes fall unawares on the _Spaniards_, who use Leather Shields and
Helmets, and furr’d Cotton Clothes, to secure them from the Arrows which
the _Indians_, lying in Ambuscades, shoot at them out of the Bushes.
[Sidenote: The Nature, Habits, and Customs of the Natives.]
The Natives, though subtile, are lazy, and will not work, unless for
great Rewards. They wear Cotton Shirts, square Cloaks of the same Stuff,
made fast with two Buttons on their Breasts; Drawers, and soal’d Shoes:
Flag-Matts serve them for Beds, on which they lie under Cotton Clothes:
About their Necks, Arms, and Legs, they wear green Stones, and Snale
Shells for an Ornament. Their greatest Recreation is Dancing, their
Musick being nothing else but the noise or sound of a piece of hollow
Wood. Horse-flesh, and Bread made of _Maiz_, is by them accounted a
great Dainty. The Drink _Cacao_ is also highly esteem’d amongst them;
but much more the Wine that they make of _Maquey_, which is the
wonderful Tree that affords many necessary things, _viz._ Syrrup, Honey,
Oyl, Vinegar, Yarn, Needles, Water, and Wine; every Man making it his
Business to plant and preserve the same with great care near his House,
notwithstanding they grow in several places of the Fields; they have
broad thick Leaves with sharp ends, out of which is drawn a Thorn, which
serves them for a Needle or Pin. These Leaves have a hairy Filament
about them, which serves in stead of Thred: the young Sprout being cut,
produces a sweet Juice, which boyl’d, makes good Wine; when grown sowre,
serves for Vinegar; but being twice boyl’d, becomes a Syrrup; and being
hung over the Fire a third time, a perfect Honey: Also the Wood being
spungie, keeps Fire as well as Match. Moreover, the Inhabitants when
they travel, carry Leather Bags with them full of _Cacao_, _Maiz_, and
Pepper, mix’d together.
Over each Village in this Countrey the _Spaniards_ have plac’d an
_Indian Casique_, _Alcalde_, and _Alguazil_, where all sorts of
Provisions are sold at a Set-price.
The _Casiques_ are succeeded by their Heirs, who resent nothing worse
than Affronts, and take pride in nothing more than their Valour.
The _Moors_ or _Negro_’s which are brought hither from _Guinee_, do all
manner of hard Labour.
The _Guachichiles_ and _Guamares_ area valiant People, and have each
their peculiar Language, utterly different from the _Mexican_.
[Sidenote: Division of _Nova Gallicia_.]
This Countrey comprehends these inferior Provinces: 1. _Guadalajara_; 2.
_Xalisco_; 3. _Chiametta_; 4. _Couliacan_; 5. _Cinoloa_; all of them on
the Western Shore. 6. _Zacatecas_, to which some add _Nova Biscaia_ and
_Nova Mexico_, though others treat of them as distinct Countreys apart
from the rest.
SECT. II.
Guadalajara.
[Sidenote: Bounds of _Guadalajara_.]
_Guadalajara_ is bounded on the West, with _Xalisco_; on the South and
South-West, with _New Spain_; and on the North, with _Zacatecas_. It is
a Countrey exceeding pleasant, and rich in all kind of Commodities, but
especially in its Mines of Silver. It is well water’d with the River
_Barania_, which runneth through the midst of it, and with divers other
Streams: yielding abundantly both Wheat, _Maiz_, and some other Grain.
In a word, there is nothing said of the properties of _New Gallicia_ in
general, either for Soil, Climate, or People, but is peculiarly verifi’d
of this Province.
[Sidenote: Towns and Cities.]
The chief Towns are 1. _Guadalajara_, which gives Name to the whole
Province. It is seated on the Banks of the River _Barania_, in a most
delectable and sweet Air, and a rich Soil, by advantage whereof it is
become the Metropolis of _New Gallicia_, honour’d with an Episcopal See,
which was translated thither from _Compostella_ in the Year 1570. with
the Courts of Judicature, and the Residence of the King’s Treasurers for
that Province. This City was built on the Plain _Molino_, by _Nunnez de
Guzman_, in the Year 1531. The neighboring Mountains afford store of
Timber. All manner of _Spanish_ Plants grow here likewise in great
plenty. In the City is a Cathedral, several Cloysters, inhabited by
_Augustine_ and _Franciscan_ Monks. The Bishop of this City belongs to
the Arch-bishop of _Mexico_. The Air very temperate, neither molesting
the Inhabitants with too great Cold, nor excess of Heat.
2. _St. Maria de los Lagos_, a Town thirty Leagues Eastward of
_Guadalajara_, being a Fronteer Place, and built on purpose to secure
the Countrey against the _Chichemecæ_, which are a barbarous and
unreduc’d People of the North-East parts of this Countrey who harbouring
themselves in Caves under Ground in the thickest huge Woods and
Forrests, do oftentimes issue out, and make foul spoil in the Countrey
where they come, having first intoxicated themselves with a Liquor made
of certain Roots, and would do much more harm, if it were not for this
Garrison.
3. _Del Spiritu Santo_, built by the Founder of the other two, _viz._
_Nunnez de Gusman_ aforesaid, in a part of the Countrey which they call
_Tepeque_.
SECT. III.
Xalisco.
[Sidenote: Bounds and Description of _Xalisco_.]
_Xalisco_, or _Galesco_, as some call it, is bounded on the North, with
_Couliacan_; on the South, with some parts of _New Spain_; on the East,
with the Province of _Guadalajara_; and on the West, with the Gulf or
Bay of _California_.