They were so superstitious that if they commenced any voyage, and at its beginning happened to see a crocodile, lizard, or any other reptile, which they recognized as an ill omen, they discontinued their journey, whatever its importance, and returned home, saying that the sky was not propitious to that journey.

The evangelical law, as above stated, has driven away all these falsities, to which the devil had persuaded them.

Now there are many monasteries of religious established in their midst, of the orders of St.Augustine, St.Francis, and the Society of Jesus.

Current report declares that the number of souls converted and baptized in these islands exceeds four hundred thousand--which, although a great number, is but little in comparison with those still remaining.

The rest fail to become Christians, as I have declared, through lack of religious workers; for although his Majesty continues to send them, taking no account of the great expense incurred therein, the islands are so many (and more are being discovered daily) and so distant that it has been impossible to send the necessary aid to all of them.