Page 167
An.1684
Spaniards, why little acquainted here.
for it is but splitting the Trunk into 4 parts with an Axe, and there are so many Planks. These Trees appear very pleasant, and they beautifie the whole Wood, spreading their green Branches above all o- ther Trees.
All this Country is subject to very great Rains, so that this part of Peru pays for the dry weather which they have about Lima and all that Coast. I believe that is one reason why the Spaniards have made such small discoveries, in this and other Rivers on this Coast. Another reason may be, because it lies not directly in their way; for they do not Coast it as long in going from Panama to Lima, but first go West- ward as far as to the Keys or Isles of Cobaya, for a Westerly wind, and from thence stand over towards Cape St. Francisco, not touching any where usualy, till they come to Manta near Cape St. Lorenzo. In their return indeed from Lima to Panama, they may keep along the Coast hereabouts; but then their Ships are always laden, whereas the light Ships that go from Panama, are most at leasure to make disco- veries. A third reason may be, the wildness and enmity of all the Natives on this Coast, who are naturally fortified by their Rivers and vast Woods, from whence with their Arrows they can easily an- noy any that shall land there to assault them. At this River particularly there are no Indians live with- in 6 leagues of the Sea, and all the Country so far is full of impassible Woods; so that to get at the Indians, or the Mines and Mountains, there is no way but by rowing up the River; and if any who are Enemies to the Natives attempt this, (as the Spaniards are always hated by them) they must all the way be exposed to the Arrows of those who would lye purposely in Ambush in the Woods, for them. These wild Indians have small Plantations of Maiz, and good Plaintain-gardens; for Plantains are their chiefest food. They have also a few Fowls and Hogs.
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