Some assert the distance of this voyage to be one thousand seven hundred leagues, others one thousand eight hundred.

The opinion of the former is held to be more nearly correct.

All of these islands are inhabited by light-complexioned people, of pleasing and regular features, like those of Europe; although in their bodies they do not resemble the latter--for they are as large as giants, and of so great strength, that it has actually happened that one of them, while standing on the ground, has laid hold of two Spaniards of good stature, seizing each of them by one foot with his hands, and lifting them thus as easily as if they were two children.

Both men and women are naked from head to foot, although some of the women wear bits of deerskin of about one-half a vara in length, tied about the waist, for decency's sake; but those who wear them are very few compared with those who do not.

The weapons used by them consist of slings, and darts hardened by fire, both of which they throw very deftly.