4. Tecpatlan, the chief of twenty five Villages, said to belong to the Zoques. Here the Dominicans have another Cloyster.
The Zeltates possess a fruitful Countrey, have thirteen Villages planted with Trees that yield Cochenile, being under a Common-wealth Government.
The chief Place of the Quelenes is Copanavatzla, where there is good Cheese, and store of brave Cattel: The River Chiepa gliding through the midst thereof, loseth it self in the Northern Ocean. In this part of the Country are Beasts not unlike Apes, with long Tails, which they wind about the Legs of those whom they find swimming and so pull them under Water; wherefore they that go to Swim take Axes along with them, to cut off their Tails.
The Water of the River Blanco is clear and wholsom, running for the most part through Rocky Grounds, which nevertheless are overspread with Trees.
In the highest Ground of Chiapa, a League and a half from the City Reall, spring clear Fountains, whose Water ebbs and flows every six hours.
Near the Village call’d Afixa is one which runs three years together, though in the driest Season, and is dry three years, though it Rain never so much.
Not far from the Village Cinacatan is another Spring, whose Water cures several Sicknesses, but kills all Birds and Beasts which drink of the same.
Here are likewise divers Baths.
The Rivers which run out of the Valley Chiapa, fall into two great Pits.
Near the Village Bartholomew, in the Province Quelenes, is a strange Cavern, out of which by the throwing of a stone into the same, are heard mighty noises like claps of Thunder.