Spanish Explorers in the Southern United States, 1528-1543. / The Narrative of Alvar Nunez Cabeca de Vaca. The Narrative of the Expedition of Hernando De Soto by the Gentleman of Elvas

by active 16th century Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca; active 16th century Pedro de Castañeda de Nájera; Knight of Elvas

[117] Iguaces in the edition of 1542.

[118] See p. 57, note 2.

[119] Rafts built for the purpose of crossing the streams.

[120] Yerba pedrera: "Of which glass is made in Spain." Oviedo, p. 593. Doubtless kelp. It was burned and from the product glass and soap were formerly manufactured. It is still a source of manufacture of carbonate of soda and iodine.

[121] Alvaro Fernandez, the Portuguese sailor and carpenter; Astudillo, the native of Zafra; and the Indian from the island of "Auia" (Cuba).

[122] The Mississippi delta.

[123] Doubtless consisting of mats fastened to a framework.

[124] That is, he supposed that he was then somewhere on the coast of central Mexico.

[125] See the extracts from the letter of the survivors (preserved by Oviedo) appended to this chapter.

[126] Evidently for the insertion of canes, as was the custom of the Capoques and Hans of the island of Malhado.