_ 369 _ They carry shields which they call cosos, which are made of silk and cotton and are so strong that no arrow can penetrate them, and these arms are always carried during peacetime. In war, they add lances and defensive weapons of iron and steel. As I have already said, the place is very beautiful and although the land is so sterile in the city, there are many rich merchants and dealers who exchange money and there is much trade by both natives and foreigners from other parts of the world. Because of this, much fine and valuable merchandise is brought in. And although no foodstuffs are produced on the island, the city is the best supplied of all in the world. All supplies are imported - wheat, rice, meat, butter and all game known in Spain, fresh fruit as well as preserved dried fruit and other varieties of our products - even water and wood come from abroad, and it is all found ready prepared in the markets, and as is common with the Moors, most clean. They roast whole, unskinned sheep so that the meat is more flavoursome. Everything is sold by weight, with strict regulations and taxes. Should anyone not observe these, or if he falsifies the weight, he is heavily punished. The law is strictly observed by all.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy