Bounds and Description of Tabasco.
The last Countrey belonging to New Spain is Tabasco, bounded on the North by the Northern Ocean, and on the East with Jucatan; and however some account it a distinct Province, yet others make no mention of it, letting it pass for that part of Jucatan which lies about the City Tabasco, from which it seems to be denominated: The Ground level and without Mountains, hath many great Woods of Cedar-Trees, Brasile, and others. Here are also many good Indian Fruits, as the Manmeyes, Zapotes, Aguacates, and Guajabos. For three Moneths they have continually dry Weather, the rest of the year being for the most part rainy; which vicissitude of Moisture and Heat makes the Countrey exceeding fruitful, insomuch that they have three or four Harvests of Maiz in a year.
Vines, Figs, Lemmons, Oranges, Rice, Barley, and all sorts of Garden-Herbs grow here also in great plenty.
The Pools, Brooks and Lakes, abound likewise with all manner of Fish: and for Sea-Fish, besides the Tortugas, and Yguanras, the Manate, or Sea-Cow, is of principal note.
The Fish Manate.
This Fish is terrible to behold, having a Head like an Ox, little Eyes, two Feet near the Head in stead of Fins, two round Holes in stead of Ears, round bones like Balls in its Brains, a short Tail, and bristly Skin: The Females have two Dugs, with which they suckle their Young.
Birds.
Peacocks, Pheasants, Parrots, Quales, Hens, Pigeons, with several sorts of Birds altogether unknown to the Europeans, are here in great abundance.
Beasts.
The Woods also abound with Tygers and Lyons, which do no little hurt to the Inhabitants, Wild Hogs, Deer, and Rabbets, are likewise here in great plenty; and Turtles of an exceeding bigness: Likewise Apes, Polecats, and Squerrils, which do very much hurt to the Fruit-Trees, especially the Cacao. The Musticho’s are a great annoyance to the People, and disturb their rest at Night.