*–*: This passage is from MS. No. 68, the Regent Louisa’s copy, for whom it appears to have been adapted; that in No. 5650, and in Amoretti and Fabre’s editions, is less fit for publication: the words from * to [172] are omitted in No. 68.
[172] The 1536 edition omits the story of the girl, and instead says:—
“Nella prima costa di terra che ariuammo, ad alcune femine schiave che haueuamo leuate ne le naui d’altri paesi, & erano grauide vennero le doglie del parto, per il che loro sole si uscirono di naue, & smontorono in terra, & partorito che hebbero con li figluoli in braccio se ne ritornarono subito in nave.”
Fabre says:—
“En la première coste que passerent aulcunes esclaves enfanterent et quant estoient en traveil se mirent hors du basteau et après retournerent au basteau et nourrirent leurs enfans.”
This story is improbable, as women were not allowed to come on board ship. Fabre then relates the story of the young girl.
[173] Canibali.
[174] Solis.
[175] “Contremont.”
[176] Falkner (1774, Hereford) in his account of Patagonia, says he saw men among the Puelches seven feet six inches high.