When they are thirsty, the Indians cut off a braza, and a quartillo of fluid runs out of it, which is good and healthful.

There are certain canes [_i.e._, bamboos], some of which are as thick as one's thigh, and others smaller, and five or six brazas long; of these the poor Indians construct their houses, without other material--walls, floors, roofs, posts, and stairs.
There are certain palms which bear a fruit called cocoanuts (which are ordinarily brought to Espana from Guinea); these are such an aid to human life that from them, or rather from the cocoanuts, they obtain the commonest oil of that country, which is as excellent for wounds, even though they be deep ones, as that of _aparicio_.

From this tree they obtain wine which is the common beverage of that country; strong vinegar, which is good for the table; and milk like that of almonds, to serve with rice, and which curdles like real milk.

When it is soft the fruit is like green hazel-nuts in taste, and better; and there is a serum for many ills and infirmities, which is called whey, as it looks much like that of milk.

It is there called _tuba_.